John 13:36-14:11New International Version (NIV)
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!
This is a classic moment, and probably one Peter wishes he could do over. How many times have you or I vehemently declared our heartfelt intentions, only to shoot ourselves in the foot by our behavior.
It is not unusual to feel so strong, convicted even; and turn right around and do just the thing we professed not to do. Doesn't Paul write about this very fact in the tongue twisting section of Scripture where he admits he does the things he doesn't want to do and doesn't do what he knows he should?
That is a fact of life for us, sinful people that we are. We admit we know what to do and often practice the good things, but all too often we do just the opposite as well. My heart says, "No, don't go there." My will body says, "Oh, but I really want to, just one more time."
We have free will, so did Peter. We worry about our own safety and well-being, so did Peter. Peter was so caught up in the moment. He feared for Jesus and he feared for himself. When it came right down to it, he made the decision to protect Peter.
The wonderful thing about this is that Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, yet He loved the man. At just the moment Peter was claiming loyalty and devotion to Jesus, Jesus knew what would come next...yet he loved Peter.
Jesus knows what we will do next to deny Him and still He loves us with an everlasting love. Amazing love.
John 13:36-14:11
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