Sunday 30th November
Read John 13:36-38
“Simon Peter asked him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’
Jesus replied, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.’
37 Peter asked, ‘Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’
38 Then Jesus answered, ‘Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times!” (NIVUK)
Jesus is sadly incredulous at Peter’s words. ‘Will you really lay down your life for me?’ (v38). The sad irony of these words is not lost on anyone after the fact. What prompted Peter’s passion? He loved His Lord dearly and genuinely believed that he would lay down his life for Him – yet when simply challenged as to whether he knew Jesus – denied Him adamantly. Could it have been pride?
Peter is the first to speak, the appointed leader, the boldest in his declarations. He is the one we would consider least likely to fold under pressure. If even Peter collapses we would do well to never presume upon the strength of our own faith. Confidence in the flesh is foolish indeed. That we are known by Jesus is the only sure anchor for our souls.
