February 22 | John 13:36-38
“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 me later.” Peter said to him, “Lord, for what reason can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly I say to you: the rooster will not crow until you will deny me three times.”” (John 13:36–38)
We want to know the future. We want to have a sure thing. Knowing what’s going to happen brings us peace. Some people are afraid of the future and others don’t want to know. Many make plans for the future, expecting that the days will just keep coming.
Peter presumed he would be able to handle the suffering Jesus was going through. Although he believed, his faith was not strong enough to handle the persecution and death of our Lord. Jesus knew that. Jesus knew him.
But Peter probably just wanted to follow Jesus wherever he went. He drew close to Jesus throughout his ministry. Wanting to be with Jesus, Peter vowed he would lay down his life for him right now.
The night of Jesus’ arrest and trial, Peter ran with the others. He denied Jesus three times. He wasn’t as ready as he thought. Many Civil War soldiers weren’t sure if they would run or stand and fight their first time in battle. The longer you follow Jesus, the deeper your commitment will go.
Action Step: Pledge your commitment to Jesus. Stand every day in his loving power. When persecution and trial come, he’ll give you the ability to follow through on your commitment. Take one day at a time.
Jesus, I want to grow deeper and deeper with you. The more I know you, the more I am ready to defend you and suffer for your name. Give me your strength to stand for you every day.
