1. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN IV. THE DISCIPLES’ PREPARATION BY THE SON OF GOD (13:1–16:33) A. THE DISCOURSE IN THE UPPER ROOM (Jn 13:1 – 14:31) 1. The Prelude to the Betrayal (13:1-2) 2. The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet (13:3-17) 3. The Exposure of the Betrayal (13:18-30)

2. 4. The Glorifying of Christ (13:31-38) a. Jesus’ Glory (vv. 31-32) b. Jesus’ Commandment (vv. 33-35) c. Peter’s Boast (vv. 36-38)  Read Jn 13:36-38.  For Peter, knowledge of the Master’s plans and continued intimacy with Him are more attractive than obedience.

3.  Peter “cannot follow… now” because only Jesus, the Lamb of God, can offer the sacrifice that deals with the world’s sins. ~ Only He can reveal the Father perfectly, and be glorified in the presence of the Father with the glory He had before the world began.  But Peter is unwilling to wait: see v. 37a. ~ Being blissfully unaware of his own weaknesses, Peter asks this question.

4.  His question, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now?” shows four things: a. his fundamental ignorance of the utter uniqueness of Christ and His sacrifice. b. his devotion to the Master (v. 37b) c. his impatience d. his self-reliance  Read Jn 13:37b.

5.  A comparison with parallel passages in the Synoptics shows that Peter’s boast contained the following elements: a. I will be braver than the other disciples. I will not fall away. (Mk 14:29) b. I will not deny You either, no matter what happens. (Mk 14:31) c. I will go the limit for Your benefit. (Jn 13:27)

6.  In connection with this boast a few additional facts must be noted: a. Peter spoke these words both before and after Christ’s prediction. ~ Peter was too sure of himself. ~ Tragically, the boast displays not only gross ignorance of human weakness, but a certain haughty independence that is the seed of the denial itself.

7. b. He used very emphatic language. c. He spoke with great vehemence (Mk 14:31, KJV ), evidently not at all pleased with the fact that Jesus had a different opinion. d. The passage here in John indicates that Peter’s boast was not only negative but also positive. e. His self-reliant exclamation was copied by the others (Matt 26:35; Mk 14:31).

8.  In this context, Peter’s words in v. 37b are rich in irony. ~ Lest that irony be missed, they are repeated in Jesus’ answering rhetorical question in Jn 13:38.  Hence, Jesus continues in Jn 13:38b.  With reference to this prediction three facts stand out: a. We see Jesus as the great Prophet. ~ Jesus not only knew Peter’s heart but also revealed it.

9. b. We see Jesus as the great Sufferer. c. We see Jesus as the great Savior.  How very much like Peter we sometimes are with our good intentions until they are put to the test!  Peter’s brave and proud response resounds across the centuries like many who proudly refuse to accept Jesus’ act on their behalf, preferring instead to do something in order to obtain salvation or earn the favor of God.

10. ~ However, no one can do anything to obtain salvation or earn God’s favor. ~ Obeying Jesus means more than the intention to obey or the promise to obey. ~ Peter’s expression reflects our innate opinion in attributing too much to our own strength. ~ Consequently, those who are powerless try to attempt everything without begging for God’s help.

11.  Jesus’ stubborn, faithful love ~ Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen to both Judas and Peter, but He did not change the situation, nor did He stop loving them. ~ In the same way, Jesus knows exactly what you will do to hurt Him. ~ Yet he still loves you unconditionally and will forgive you whenever you ask.