John 13:36-38
Key Verse: Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! (John 13:37-38)
Some people have a natural self-confidence, and others are hesitant. If we were to measure him on a 10-point self-confidence scale, the apostle Peter would score 11. Among the disciples, he was the one who always spoke out, and he always spoke and acted with confidence. It was Peter who stepped out of the boat and walked on water. It was Peter who confessed, “You are the Christ.”
So when we come to John 13, we are not surprised to hear Peter say, “I will lay down my life for you.” That’s how Peter expresses himself. He never dips his toe in the water, just plunges in at the deep end. Peter is not sure what is going on, but he is all-in.
However, here is how Jesus responds: “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” (v. 38)! We are not told how Peter responded to that, but it must have shocked him. However, he would indeed disown Jesus, and he would do so three times, as Jesus predicted.
The Bible does not record Peter’s death, so we have only tradition to go on. We are told that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. The story goes that he requested this because he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified as his Lord was.
In John 21 we have the account of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved him and Peter answering. Part of Jesus response is this: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (v. 18). Then John writes, “Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God” (19).
There is a striking difference between Peter and Judas, who is also singled out in John 13. Judas turned his back on Jesus and never repented. Peter denied his Lord, but he must have later confessed his sin and expressed his loyalty. Judas went out and hanged himself, but Peter preached at Pentecost. Peter may have disowned his Lord, but Jesus was not finished with him.
Have you ever disowned Jesus? Have you ever held back when you should have spoken for him? I know by experience that does not leave a good feeling. If you have done that, you are not in bad company. Peter has been there and done that. Follow the example of Peter; humble yourself and turn back to the Lord. He is not finished with you.
Prayer: Lord, may I not disown you as Peter did. May I be faithful and stand up for you on every occasion. If I have disowned you, I confess my sin and ask your forgiveness. Let me stand for you and take my place as your disciple.
