36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” 37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

John 13:36-38 (NLT)

Jesus has just dealt with the betrayal of Judas. Now he deals with the denial of Peter, the same disciple who had earlier proclaimed “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) 

Are you listening?

Peter asks Jesus where he is going.  Jesus had already told them multiple times but this is so different than what they expected of the Messiah that they just couldn’t accept it. Peter (and probably all the other disciples) probably thought he was going to another part of the region, like some of the OT prophets did (Jonah to Ninnevah) to preach. If you watch The Chosen, you’ll see Peter portrayed as the protector of Jesus in which case he wanted to go with Jesus to protect him (as crazy as that sounds).

Ready to die?

Peter can’t accept rejection – especially of His Lord. Though Jesus didn’t reject Peter, he probably felt like it…because he didn’t know where Jesus was going or what He was really talking about. But he responds in “classic Peter” form – boldly declaring he will go with Jesus anywhere – even to death!

Knowing the reality

This was undoubtedly another difficult time for Jesus. He had the fore-knowledge (like a prophet) of Peter’s denial in just a few hours. Jesus knew Peter’s heart was right, but that when the true test came, he would fail. Yet Jesus also knew that afterward, He would restore Peter (emotionally and spiritually), that he would be a leader in the church. Jesus also knew, as he alludes to here, that Peter would indeed die for the faith he is about to deny. Jesus’ focus on the end result gave Him the ability to accept the denial.

RЯeflection

• Have you denied Jesus? Maybe it was subtle. Someone asked in a group of non-Christians if you are a Christian and you didn’t answer or you changed the topic, or even said “No”. It’s over. Confess to our gracious Lord and ask Him to restore you as He did Peter (John 21:15–17).
• Know that there will be times when Jesus does not give us what we ask for because He knows us and has another plan. Remember Isaiah 55:8-9 and practice Proverbs 3:5-6.