Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times. -John 13:36-38 NRSV
Such a sobering passage. After three years of walking at the side of the Son of God, Peter was still looking for an earthly kingdom. One that would overthrow the Romans and declare Jesus king. This is the Messiah that Peter would lay his life down for. Peter was not ready for what would happen in just a few hours. None of the disciples were.
Have you ever denied Jesus? I have. Maybe not in the way that Peter did but by my actions I surely have. I have heard that cock crow and wept tears of repentance. In times like these it is good to remember that Peter would be restored and used mightily by God. But before that happened the cock had to crow and Peter had to die to himself.
Help us Lord. It is only by grace that we stand. Teach us to walk in humility and reject proud assertations.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
Good devotional.
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