Rash Promises

Rash Promises

Matthew 26:31-35, NIV

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

John 13:36-38, 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.” 37Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Then 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!”

Setting the Scene

All four Gospels record Jesus predicting that Peter would deny him before the night was over. Matthew and Mark write that Jesus knew that all the disciples would shortly abandon him (see Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27). John’s account offers an almost humorous sequence in which Jesus announced his impending departure (13:33), then he gave the new commandment to love one another (13:34-35), and Peter ignored the monumental challenge Jesus had just spoken by interrupting: “Lord, where are you going?” It’s as if Peter hadn’t even heard the new commandment; he was stuck trying to figure out what Jesus had said just before that. How often do we do the same, missing parts—important parts—of what Jesus is telling us?

Jesus’ words of tough love for Peter pointed to the future when Jesus’ presence would be in the person of the Holy Spirit. The term we can think about today is “follow.” It’s helpful to read, in conjunction with these passages predicting Peter’s denial, the description of Peter’s restoration in John 21:15-22, where “follow” is prominently featured. Peter was going to have to learn the hard way what it meant to follow Jesus when Jesus wasn’t around.

The disciples were about to experience a rupture in their unique relationship with their Master. Jesus promised always to be with them—and with us—but the question is whether we will be with him.

Getting Personal

What does it mean to you today to have Jesus with you, as well as that you are with him?

What do you think was Jesus’ purpose in being honest with Peter about his upcoming denial? Was it intended to help Peter somehow avoid the denial or to prepare Peter for his restoration?

We may wonder why Peter was not more conscious of the dangers once Jesus had warned him. In fact, Jesus’ warning did not prevent his disciples from bolting when the arresting crowd showed up. The fact that God knows our shortcomings ahead of time should not only keep us humble before his sovereignty but should also fill us with wonder at his grace and forgiveness.

Talking to God

Realize that God’s Word holds numerous warnings that we tend to neglect from day to day. Ask the Lord to help you not to ignore these warnings, and for him to empower you to live up to his commands for how you should live. Thank him for his unlimited grace and forgiveness.