John 13:31-38

Once Jesus exposes Judas as His betrayer and Judas departs the dinner, Jesus shares with the disciples that He has only a few days left to be with them.

“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. John 13:33 NIV

Jesus soon will ascend into heaven and return to His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father. For these disciples who will stay behind and spread the message of the gospel, Jesus leaves these final words of instruction. These words summarize the teachings of Jesus and are the foundation for His upside-down kingdom.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

This “new” command will shape and provide the motivation for the spread of Christianity across the globe. Jesus teaches that this love will set the disciples apart from the polytheistic religious pagan culture of their world.

Even so, Peter is stuck on the “Where I am going, you cannot come.” part of Jesus’ words.

Simon Peter asked Him, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
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 13:36-38 NIV

After the shocking revelation of the betrayal of one their own, Peter wanted to declare his loyalty to Jesus in no uncertain terms. Jesus knew better.

The time would come for each of the disciples to follow Jesus to heaven and eternal life, but, for now, they were called to spread the news that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah come to bring salvation to the world. Jesus knew this wouldn’t be easy and that promises did not equal action. Peter would learn this as well.

Questions to consider:
In what ways can you relate to Peter?
Have you ever made promises to God you knew would be hard to keep?
Ask God to give you the strength to be faithful to your commitment to Him and His word today.