Die For Me?
Scripture: John 13:36-38 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)
36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” 37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. (John 13:36-38 NLT)
As Jesus spoke about his impending death, Peter boastfully blurted out, “I’m ready to die for you!” Peter’s fearful, cursing denial a few hours later, that he even knew Jesus, would show that he was far from ready to die for his teacher and friend. But after the outpouring of the Spirit, he would be ready! In the following months, Peter would stand before the same Pharisee leaders of the Jews who plotted the crucifixion of Jesus and declare, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard!” He would be arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for his faithful service. Through the years, Peter would be a great encouragement and inspiration to the other believers! (See Acts 4:1-31; 5:17-42; 12:1-5)
Church tradition tells us that many years later Peter died in Rome. After a lifetime of faithful service to his Master and friend, Peter was sentenced to death by Emperor Nero. When Peter was sentenced to be crucified for his faith, he asked to be crucified upside down as he didn’t feel worthy to die the same way his Master died. What a change from the cocky young man who boasted that evening, “I’m ready to die for you, Boss!”
We can be very poor judges of what we’re actually ready for! As I read these verses today, I thought about challenges we face—challenges to our faith, challenges of circumstance, challenges of commitment, challenges of sacrifice. Most of us don’t face life-threatening challenges, although I know some of you who read this devotional live in places where taking a stand for your Master and friend can bring persecution. Here’s my thought: Let Jesus decide what you’re actually ready for! Ask him for protection from harm, ask him for boldness in the face of opposition, ask him for Spirit-guidance to respond with wisdom and courage. And let him choose!
Prayer:
Father, We ask for your care, we ask for courage and boldness, and we ask for Spirit-inspired wisdom. We choose to follow Jesus wherever he leads us! Amen!