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Commentary on John 13 verses 36–38
In these verses we have,
I. Peter's curiosity, and the check given to that.
1.Peter's question was bold and blunt (Joh 13:36): Lord, whither goest thou? referring to what Christ had said (Joh 13:33), Whither I go, you cannot come. The practical instructions Christ had given them concerning brotherly love he overlooks, and asks no questions upon them, but fastens upon that concerning which Christ purposely kept them in the dark. Note, It is a common fault among us to be more inquisitive concerning things secret, which belong to God only, than concerning things revealed, which belong to us and our children, more desirous to have our curiosity gratified than our consciences directed, to know what is done in heaven than what we may do to get thither. It is easy to observe it in the converse of Christians, how soon a discourse of that which is plain and edifying is dropped, and no more said to it, the subject is exhausted; which in a matter of doubtful disputation runs into an endless strife of words.
2.Christ's answer was instructive. He did not gratify him with any particular account of the world he was going to, nor ever foretold his glories and joys so distinctly as he did his sufferings, but said what he had said before (Joh 13:36): Let this suffice, thou canst not follow me now, but shalt follow me hereafter, (1.) We may understand it of his following him to the cross: "Thou hast not yet strength enough of faith and resolution to drink of my cup;" and it appeared so by his cowardice when Christ was suffering. For this reason, when Christ was seized, he provided for the safety of his disciples. Let these go their way, because they could not follow him now. Christ considers the frame of his disciples, and will not cut out for them that work and hardship which they are not as yet fit for; the day shall be as the strength is. Peter, though designed for martyrdom, cannot follow Christ now, not being come to his full growth, but he shall follow him hereafter; he shall be crucified at last, like his Master. Let him not think that because he escapes suffering now he shall never suffer. From our missing the cross once, we must not infer that we shall never meet it; we may be reserved for greater trials than we have yet known. (2.) We may understand it of his following him to the crown. Christ was now going to his glory, and Peter was very desirous to go with him: "No," saith Christ, "thou canst not follow me now, thou art not yet ripe for heaven, nor hast thou finished thy work on earth. The forerunner must first enter to prepare a place for thee, but thou shalt follow me afterwards, after thou hast fought the good fight, and at the time appointed." Note, Believers must not expect to be glorified as soon as they are effectually called, for there is a wilderness between the Red Sea and Canaan.
II. Peter's confidence, and the check given to that.
1.Peter makes a daring protestation of his constancy. He is not content to be left behind, but asks, "Lord why cannot I follow thee now? Dost thou question my sincerity and resolution? I promise thee, if there be occasion, I will lay down my life for thy sake." Some think Peter had a conceit, as the Jews had in a like case (Joh 7:35), that Christ was designing a journey or voyage into some remote country, and that he declared his resolution to go along with him wherever he went; but, having heard his Master so often speak of his own sufferings, surely he could not understand him any otherwise than of his going away by death; and he resolves as Thomas did that he will go and die with him; and better die with him than live without him. See here, (1.) What an affectionate love Peter had to our Lord Jesus: "I will lay down my life for thy sake, and I can do no more." I believe Peter spoke as he thought, and though he was inconsiderate he was not insincere, in his resolution. Note, Christ should be dearer to us than our own lives, which therefore, when we are called to it, we should be willing to lay down for his sake, Act 20:24. (2.) How ill he took it to have it questioned, intimated in that expostulation, "Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? Dost thou suspect my fidelity to thee?" Sa1 29:8. Note, It is with regret that true love hears its own sincerity arraigned, as Joh 21:17. Christ had indeed said that one of them was a devil, but he was discovered, and gone out, and therefore Peter thinks he may speak with the more assurance of his own sincerity; "Lord, I am resolved I will never leave thee, and therefore why cannot I follow thee?" We are apt to think that we can do any thing, and take it amiss to be told that this and the other we cannot do, whereas without Christ we can do nothing.
2.Christ gives him a surprising prediction of his inconstancy, Joh 13:38. Jesus Christ knows us better than we know ourselves, and has many ways of discovering those to themselves whom he loves, and will hide pride from. (1.) He upbraids Peter with his confidence: Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Me thinks, he seems to have said this with a smile: "Peter, thy promises are too large, too lavish to be relied on; thou dost not consider with what reluctancy and struggle a life is laid down, and what a hard task it is to die; not so soon done as said." Christ hereby puts Peter upon second thoughts, not that he might retract his resolution, or recede from it, but that he might insert into it that necessary proviso, "Lord, thy grace enabling me, I will lay down my life for thy sake." "Wilt thou undertake to die for me? What! thou that trembledst to walk upon the water to me? What! thou that, when sufferings were spoken of, criedst out, Be it far from thee, Lord? It was an easy thing to leave thy boats and nets to follow me, but not so easy to lay down thy life." His Master himself struggled when it came to his, and the disciple is not greater than his Lord. Note, It is good for us to shame ourselves out of our presumptuous confidence in ourselves. Shall a bruised reed set up for a pillar, or a sickly child undertake to be a champion? What a fool am I to talk so big. (2.) He plainly foretels his cowardice in the critical hour. To stop the mouth of his boasting, lest Peter should say it again, Yea Master, that I will, Christ solemnly asserts it with, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow till thou hast denied me thrice. He does not say as afterwards, This night, for it seems to have been two nights before the passover; but, "Shortly thou wilt have denied me thrice within the space of one night; nay, within so short a space as between the first and last crowing of the cock: The cock shall not crow, shall not have crowed his crowing out, till thou has again and again denied me, and that for fear of suffering." The crowing of the cock is mentioned, [1.] To intimate that the trial in which he would miscarry thus should be in the night, which was an improbable circumstance, but Christ's foretelling it was an instance of his infallible foresight. [2.] Because the crowing of the cock was to be the occasion of his repentance, which of itself would not have been if Christ had not put this into the prediction. Christ not only foresaw that Judas would betray him though he only in heart designed it, but he foresaw that Peter would deny him though he did not design it, but the contrary. He knows not only the wickedness of sinners, but the weakness of saints. Christ told Peter, First, That he would deny him, would renounce and abjure him: "Thou wilt not only not follow me still, but wilt be ashamed to own that ever thou didst follow me." Secondly, That he would do this not once only by a hasty slip of the tongue, but after he had paused would repeat it a second and third time; and it proved too true. We commonly give it as a reason why the prophecies of scripture are expressed darkly and figuratively, because, if they did plainly describe the event, the accomplishment would thereby either be defeated or necessitated by a fatality inconsistent with human liberty; and yet this plain and express prophecy of Peter's denying Christ did neither, nor did in the least make Christ accessary to Peter's sin. But we may well imagine what a mortification it was to Peter's confidence of his own courage to be told this, and to be told it in such a manner that he durst not contradict it, else he would have said as Hazael, What! is thy servant a dog? This could not but fill him with confusion. Note, The most secure are commonly the least safe; and those most shamefully betray their own weakness that most confidently presume upon their own strength, Co1 10:12.
The Word, however, departs on his own courses, and he who follows the Word follows him. But one who is not prepared to walk in his steps persistently cannot follow, since the Word leads those to his Father who do all things that they might be able to follow him and that they may follow him until they may say to the Christ, “My soul has clung to you.”
Therefore, he prudently asks to be drawn, because not everyone can follow. Finally, when Peter said, "Where are you going?" the Word of God answered, "You cannot follow me now, but you will follow later" (John 13:36). He entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven to her and considered her equal by following him. However, he did not delay this soul; because she did not presume, but she asked.
But, since great love made him apt for contradiction, He now sobereth him, that he might not in after times be subject to this, when he should have received the stewardship of the world, but remembering what he had suffered, might know himself. And look at the violence of his fall; it did not happen to him once or twice, but he was so beside himself, that in a short time thrice did he utter the words of denial, that he might learn that he did not so love as he was loved. And yet, to one who had so fallen He saith again, "Lovest thou Me more than these?" So that the denial was caused not by the cooling of his love, but from his having been stripped of aid from above. He accepteth then Peter's love, but cutteth off the spirit of contradiction engendered by it. "For if thou lovest, thou oughtest to obey Him who is beloved."
(Hom. lxxiii. 3) Great is love, and stronger than fire; nothing can stop its course. Peter the most ardent of all, as soon as he hears our Lord say, Whither I go ye cannot follow Me now, asks, Lord, whither goest Thou?
(Hom. lxxii. 1) Peter, on receiving this answer, does not check his desire, but hastily conceives favourable hopes from it, and having got rid of the fear of betraying our Lord, feels secure, and becomes himself the interrogator, while the rest are silent: Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. What sayest thou, Peter? He hath said, thou canst not, and thou sayest, thou canst: wherefore thou shalt know by experience, that thy love is nothing, unless thou art enabled from above: Jesus answered him, Will thou lay down thy life for My sake?
(Hom. lxxiii. 1) It is manifest that our Lord permitted Peter's fall. He might have recalled him to begin with, but as he persisted in his vehemence, though He did not drive him to a denial, He let him go without assistance, that He might learn his own weakness, and not fall into such sin again, when the superintendence of the world had come to him, but that remembering what had happened to himd, he might know himself.
Christ had said that He must be betrayed; Peter replied, "Be it far from Thee, Lord; this shall not happen unto Thee." He was rebuked, but not instructed. On the contrary, when Christ desired to wash his feet, he said, "Thou shall never wash my feet." Again, when he hears, "Thou canst not follow Me now," he saith, "Though all deny Thee, I will not deny Thee." Since then it was likely that he would be lifted up to folly by his practice of contradiction, Jesus next teacheth him not to oppose Him. This too Luke implies, when he telleth us that Christ said, "And I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not"; that is, "that thou be not finally lost." In every way teaching him humility, and proving that human nature by itself is nothing.
When he had shaken off the dread of being the traitor, and was shown to be one of His own, he afterwards asked boldly himself, while the others held their peace. "What sayest thou, Peter? He said, 'thou canst not,' and thou sayest, 'I can'? Therefore thou shalt know from this temptation that thy love is nothing without the presence of the impulse from above." Whence it is clear that in care for him He allowed even that fall. He desired indeed to teach him even by the first words, but when he continued in his vehemence, He did not indeed throw or force him into the denial, but left him alone, that he might learn his own weakness.
A great thing is love, and stronger than fire itself, and it goeth up to the very heaven; there is no hindrance which can restrain its tearing force. And so the most fervent Peter, when he hears, "Whither I go ye cannot come," what saith he? "Lord, whither goest thou?" and this he said, not so much from wish to learn, as from desire to follow. To say openly, "I go," he dared not yet, but, "Whither goest thou?" Christ answered, not to his words, but to his thoughts. For that this was his wish, is clear from what Christ said, "Whither I go thou canst not follow Me now." Seest thou that he longed for the following Him, and therefore asked the question? And when he heard, "thou shalt follow Me afterwards" not even so did he restrain his longing, and, though he had gained good hopes, he is so eager as to say, "Why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thee."
"I will lay down my life for Thee." For since he had heard, "Greater love than this hath no man," he straightway sprang forward, insatiably eager and desirous to reach even to the highest pitch of virtue. But Christ, to show that it belonged to Himself alone to promise these things with authority, saith, "Before the cock crow." That is, "now"; there was but a little interval. He spake when it was late at night, and the first and second watch was past.
While the Lord Jesus was commending to the disciples that holy love wherewith they should love one another, "Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou?" So, at all events, said the disciple to his Master, the servant to his Lord, as one who was prepared to follow. Just as for the same reason the Lord, who read in his mind the purpose of such a question, made him this reply: "Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now;" as if He said, In reference to the object of thy asking, thou canst not now. He does not say, Thou canst not; but "Thou canst not now." He intimated delay, without depriving of hope; and that same hope, which He took not away, but rather bestowed, in His next words He confirmed, by proceeding to say, "Thou shall follow me afterwards." Why such haste, Peter? The Rock (petra) has not yet solidified thee by His Spirit. Be not lifted up with presumption, "Thou canst not now;" be not cast now into despair, "Thou shalt follow afterwards."
(Tr. lxvi. 1) The disciple asks this, as if he were ready to follow. But our Lord saw his heart; Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; He checks his forwardness, but does not destroy his hope; nay, confirms it; But thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Why hastenest thou, Peter? The Rock has not yet established thee with His spirit. Be not lifted up with presumptions, thou canst not now; be not cast down with despair, thou shalt follow Me afterwards.
The disciples had not yet been clothed with the power from on high, neither had they received the strength that was to invigorate them and impart courage to their character—I mean the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thus, they were not able to wrestle with death and engage in a conflict with terrors so hard to face.
Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou?
Peter again with his usual curiosity is anxious to learn more, and busies himself about the significance of Christ's words, not yet (as seems probable) comprehending the real meaning of what had been said, yet feeling with all the force of his fiery zeal that it was his duty to follow Christ. And in this matter most admirable is the behaviour of the disciples. For certainly no one would allow that it was only the chief disciple who was in ignorance while the others fully understood the matter, and that this was why he asked the question. I should rather say that they yielded to him, as chief among them, the privilege of speaking first, and of taking the initiative in courageous inquiry. For the speaking into the ears of their Master was no light and easy matter, even for those who were reputed to be somewhat. And the conduct of Peter is no less admirable, who is harassed by no fear of being thought sluggish in the comprehension of those matters of which he was ignorant, but zealously seeks for enlightenment, considering that the profit he will derive from gratifying his love of knowledge will be of more value than an unseasonable sense of shame: and so in this also he is a pattern to those that live after him. For we ought never, I think, to pass over the words of our teachers, even though they may not be so very distinct, merely for the sake of seeming to be shrewd people and very quick in intelligence; but rather to investigate the meaning and search it out wisely, in the teaching at first delivered to us for our profit. For the knowledge of what is useful is far nobler than a vain semblance of wisdom, and far better is it to learn a thing in reality than merely to seem to know all about it.
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SUMMARY
In John 13:36, Simon Peter, ever impetuous, questions Jesus about His destination following Jesus's announcement of His imminent departure. Jesus's response clarifies that Peter cannot follow Him immediately into the path of suffering and glorification He is about to undertake, but assures Peter of a future, deeper discipleship that will indeed involve following Him, even unto death. This exchange highlights the disciples' initial misunderstanding of Jesus's mission and the divine timing of God's redemptive plan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within Jesus's intimate "Farewell Discourse" (John 13-17), delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. It immediately follows Jesus's declaration that He is going where the disciples cannot come (John 13:33), a statement that deeply troubled them. The preceding events, including the humble act of foot-washing (John 13:1-11) and the revelation of Judas's betrayal (John 13:21-30), set a somber and weighty tone. Peter's question, "Lord, whither goest thou?", is a direct response to Jesus's mysterious words, reflecting both his loyalty and his confusion. This verse also directly precedes Jesus's prediction of Peter's denial (John 13:37-38), creating a poignant contrast between Peter's present inability and his future destiny.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is the Passover meal, a pivotal moment in Jewish history commemorating liberation from slavery. For the disciples, who likely harbored expectations of an earthly Messiah establishing a political kingdom, Jesus's talk of "going away" and their inability to follow would have been deeply unsettling. They were accustomed to following a rabbi physically, learning from his presence. The concept of a spiritual departure, a suffering Messiah, and a future, non-physical "following" was alien to their immediate understanding. Their cultural framework for a king did not include crucifixion, making Jesus's path incomprehensible without divine revelation. Peter's question is rooted in this earthly perspective, seeking a geographical destination rather than a theological one.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of Divine Timing and Purpose is paramount, as Jesus's journey to the cross and resurrection is presented as a necessary, divinely orchestrated event that Peter cannot yet participate in. This underscores God's sovereign plan for redemption, which unfolds according to His perfect schedule, not human desire. Another crucial theme is Future Discipleship and Destiny, particularly for Peter. Jesus's promise, "but thou shalt follow me afterwards," foreshadows Peter's spiritual growth, eventual leadership in the early church, and ultimately, his martyrdom, as later revealed in John 21:18-19. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of Misunderstanding and Spiritual Growth among the disciples. Peter's question reveals his limited comprehension of Jesus's mission and the spiritual nature of His kingdom, a common thread throughout the Gospels. His journey from impulsive denial to steadfast martyrdom exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which would enable him to truly "follow" Christ.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs Foreshadowing, hinting at future events for Peter. Jesus's statement "thou shalt follow me afterwards" clearly foreshadows Peter's eventual martyrdom, a theme explicitly revisited in John 21:18-19. There is also a subtle Irony in Peter's bold declaration of loyalty and desire to follow Jesus, immediately preceding Jesus's prediction of Peter's denial in John 13:38. This highlights the gap between Peter's present human weakness and his future spiritual strength enabled by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, a strong Contrast is drawn between "now" and "afterwards," emphasizing the distinct phases of Jesus's mission and Peter's discipleship. Jesus's unique path of suffering and glorification is for "now," while Peter's true, costly following is reserved for "afterwards," once the foundation of redemption has been laid.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:36 powerfully illustrates the unique nature of Jesus's mission and the call to discipleship. Jesus's path to the cross was singular and non-transferable; no one could "follow" Him into that specific atoning work. This highlights the exclusivity of Christ's sacrifice as the sole means of salvation. However, it also clarifies that while the means of salvation is unique to Christ, the consequences of discipleship involve a profound identification with Him. Peter's "afterwards" following points to the believer's call to take up their cross and follow Christ, sharing in His suffering and ultimately His glory. This passage underscores divine sovereignty and timing, reminding us that God's plans unfold perfectly, even when they challenge our immediate understanding or desires.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:36 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating the complexities of their spiritual journey. Just as Peter could not immediately grasp or participate in Jesus's unique path of suffering and glorification, we often encounter seasons in our lives where God's timing or direction seems unclear, or where we feel unable to "follow" Him in the way we desire. This verse reminds us that there are divine purposes and pathways that are exclusively God's, and our role is to trust in His perfect timing and sovereign plan. It encourages patience and perseverance, assuring us that even when we cannot fully comprehend or immediately achieve a spiritual goal, God has a future for us. Our ultimate destiny is to truly follow Christ, not merely in physical proximity, but in a deep, transformative identification with His life, mission, and even His suffering, knowing that His promise of "afterwards" is a guarantee of future union and glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What did Jesus mean by "whither I go"?
Answer: When Jesus says, "Whither I go," He is referring to His imminent journey to the cross, His death, resurrection, and ultimately His ascension back to the Father. This was a unique, solitary path of redemptive suffering and glorification that only He, as the Son of God, could undertake to atone for the sins of humanity. It was a spiritual and divine journey, not merely a geographical one.
Why couldn't Peter follow Jesus "now"?
Answer: Peter could not follow Jesus "now" for several key reasons. Firstly, Jesus's path to the cross was a singular, atoning sacrifice that only the sinless Son of God could accomplish (Hebrews 9:28). No human, including Peter, could share in that specific redemptive work. Secondly, Peter was not yet spiritually prepared or mature enough. His impending denial of Jesus (John 13:38) highlights his current weakness and lack of full understanding, which would only be overcome through the empowering of the Holy Spirit after Jesus's resurrection and ascension.
How did Peter "follow" Jesus afterwards?
Answer: Peter "followed" Jesus afterwards in a profound and costly way. After Jesus's resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter was transformed. He became a bold preacher of the Gospel, a leader in the early church, and a faithful disciple who embraced suffering for Christ's sake. Ultimately, tradition and biblical hints (like John 21:18-19) suggest Peter followed Jesus even unto martyrdom, dying for his faith, thereby fulfilling Jesus's prophecy of a deeper, more complete following.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:36, though seemingly a simple exchange, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. Jesus's statement, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now," underscores the absolute uniqueness of His redemptive mission. He alone was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the one perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin (Hebrews 9:26-28). No one, not even His most devoted disciple, could accompany Him on that solitary path to the cross, into death, and through resurrection. This highlights the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ's finished work. However, the promise "but thou shalt follow me afterwards" reveals the glorious outcome of that work: because Christ first went the unique path, Peter (and all believers) can now truly follow Him. This "following" means sharing in Christ's life, purpose, and even His sufferings (Philippians 3:10), empowered by the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent (John 16:7). Our ability to live a life of true discipleship, ultimately leading to glorification with Him (Romans 8:17), is entirely predicated on Christ's unique journey and His victorious return to the Father.