Jesus’ Life: Chapter 16 – The Last Supper
Simon Peter, along with the other Apostles, listened to Jesus say, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him…” and added, “Children, I am still with you for a little while. You will look for me… [but] where I am going you cannot come”.
Simon Peter didn’t know what Jesus meant by, “the Son of Man is Glorified… where I am going you cannot come.” So, he asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later”.
Simon Peter then asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? I tell you the solemn truth, the rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times!”
Simon Peter didn’t get the answer he seemed to expect! Neither did he perhaps understand his own failings and weaknesses! Did he, for instance, understand that Jesus had just told him he would soon deny ever knowing the Messiah, the Son of God?
We must all await God’s time. When we have finished the work He has asked of us in this life, we can go to where Jesus is now, for eternity. (Matthew 26:30-35, Mark 14:26-31, Luke 22:31-34, John 13:36-38)
Thought
Did Simon Peter also overlook Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another…”? Do I?
Reflection
Lord Jesus, may my love permeate everything I do and stay for the remaining days of my life. I love you, Jesus.
Prayer: Guidance (Basil of Caesarea)
Steer the ship of my life, good Lord,
to your quiet harbour,
where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict.
Show me the course I should take.
Renew in me the gift of discernment,
so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go.
And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course,
even when the sea is rough and the waves are high,
knowing that through enduring hardship and danger,
in your name, we shall find comfort and peace.
