For the next several days, we will be looking at Jesus’ last night with the apostles. Judas had just gone out into the darkness of the night. With the tension of the impending betrayal behind Him, Jesus focuses upon His final discussion with these friends and disciples.
Their night together was much like a graduation from Rabbi training. Graduation is always bittersweet and Jesus poured out some final and important truths to the graduates. John pulls back the curtain and allows us inclusion into the final moments.
The items left for discussion were raw and real. Jesus began by simply telling the men that He was leaving and that where He was going, they could not follow. It sounded much like the discussion between Elijah and Elisha when Elijah passed the baton. Disciples do not like being turned loose. It is frightening, uncertain, and often impossible to perpetuate the legacy that their master has built.
Peter was defiant! He would die first before allowing anything to happen to the Master. Jesus, as was His way, called Peter out on his comment. “Before the rooster crows, You will deny me three times!”
This had to be a gut punch to Peter. Hadn’t he always been loyal to a fault? He was the first to acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and he was the only disciple that stepped out in faith and walked on water. Now, for Jesus to question his loyalty was both hurtful and uncalled for…or so Peter thought.
Jesus was focused on leaving these men with every principle they would need to build the Church. As we listen in, we can also grasp and embrace these principles in our personal walks with God. Like the disciples, we will change lives and become the very people God has called us to be. So, strap in and get ready for the graduation lecture of a lifetime.
God Bless You
Therefore, when he had gone out, Jesus *said, “Now [d]is the Son of Man glorified, and God [e]is glorified in Him; 32 [f]if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
36 Simon Peter *said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” 37 Peter *said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38 Jesus *answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.
Walking With God 