John 13:36-38 – Instruction Concerning Peter’s Denial

John 13:36:38 – Instruction Concerning the Peter’s Denial

Introduction: We see something in Peter that we see in ourselves

We are often more interested in things of curiosity or more controversial than the plain teaching of God’s Word. 

“Speculation about prophetic predictions seem much more exciting than just living a quiet and upright life, ordinary day after ordinary day.” ~ Gordon Keddie

What kind of life does Jesus call His followers to? We are called to an ordinary life that takes advantage of the “ordinary means of grace” as we strive to love others as Jesus has loved us.

The Meaning of Jesus Words

Notice the change from verse 33 to 36 — in verse 33, Jesus reiterates what He says to the Jews (you cannot come), and then in verse 36, Jesus tells Peter that he will follow him afterward. 

Where is Jesus going? Jesus is going to die. He will die for every person who will have faith in Him and bear the wrath of God on their account. Jesus will ascend to the right hand of the Father. 

Here, Jesus is speaking primarily about His death — saying that Peter will die later in service to Jesus, but Peter’s time is not yet.

Peter’s Appeal

Why can’t I follow you now? 

Essentially, Peter was suggesting that he was ready to follow Jesus and didn’t want to be “sidelined.” 

Peter was telling Jesus that he was devoted to Him — devoted enough to die for Him.

Note:  The only reason Peter would die for Jesus is that he would not deny Jesus. 

Jesus’ Prediction

Jesus’ question to Peter: Will you really lay down your life for me? Jesus says essentially that Peter wouldn’t die for Him at this time — for he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. 

Peter and Judas

Judas is the betrayer, and Peter is the denier — what really is the difference? 

What they have in common: 

     Spent a lot of time with Jesus

     witnessed miracles

     had access to Jesus’ teaching

     experienced the love of Jesus

     Both failed in a massive way

     both grieved the heart of Jesus

How they were different: 

    Judas played the antagonist and Peter’s failure was momentary (James Boice)

    Judas’ betrayal was deliberate and Peter was swept away by the moment (Barclay)

Was Peter’s sin less than Judas’s? 

If we think that Peter was forgiven and restored because his sin was not as bad, then we miss the point of God’s grace and mercy. 

The motives of Judas and Peter’s hearts: Judas used piety to cover his evil deed. Peter sinned with a boastful heart and was led into sin by his true love for Jesus (Dan Doriani). 

The “Suddenness” of Peter’s Sin

“And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalence of corruption remaining in them and the neglect of their preservation, fall into grievous sins and for a time continue therein, whereby they include God’s displeasure and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, their hearts hardened and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others and bring temporal judgments on themselves…” ~ The Second London Baptist Confession. 

Peter isn’t an isolated case – -and we are the proof. 

What led to Peters “sudden” sin of denial? 

a. Peter’s Ignorance (Of the Lord’s mission and of himself)

b. Peter’s Overconfidence 

c. Peter’s neglect of spiritual resources 

If you are “in Chirst” then you, like Peter, will never be forsaken by Jesus.