John 13:36

Followeth the last part of the Chapter, wherein Christ reprehends and represseth Peters rash presumption, in conceiving of his own ability to suffer with and for him, by foretelling his denying of him. And by this the wound is made yet wider, in that they were not only to want their Master, and one of them to betray him, but another to deny him under tentation, and all of them to forsake him, as this intimation was further enlarged at another time, Matth. 26.31, 32, 33, 34, 35. The purpose contains two conferences or discourses that past betwixt Christ and Peter. In the first whereof (in this ver.) Peter reflecting on what Christ had said, ver. 33 propounds a question to Christ, whither he went; which he did not so much out of ignorance, as wondering that he should go any where from them, where he could not follow, as the following discourse makes clear. Christ gives a milde answer to this proposition, assuring him that for the present he could not follow him, but should get the honour to follow afterward. Whereby is not meant only, that he was not yet ripe to come to glory with Christ, till he had finished his course; but chiefly, that he was not yet strong enough to suffer with and for him, and so follow him in that path to glory, as he should do afterward. Hence learn. 1. It is an evidence of our great weaknesse, that in hearing, one point may put us by the hearing of many other points, and the hearing of our danger impedes our hearing of our directions and encouragements under it; for, by Peters insisting on this point only, it appears he had not so well hearkned to what Christ said after that, ver. 34, 35. but that point had so vexed him, that he could not rest till he thus burst out. 2. Such as have tasted of the sweet of Christs society, will be very loath to part with him, but would follow him where ever he goeth; for, albeit Peter erred in limiting the comforts of Christ to his bodily presence, and in trusting too much to his own strength, yet it is commendable, that he cannot digest Christ should go, to wit, where he and the rest might not follow. 3. Saints are, oft-times, little acquainted with their own weakness, and the deceitfulness of their heart; especially, when their affection and willing spirit is locked unto, without considering that they have weak flesh also; for, it flowed from Peters ignorance of himselfe in this heat of affection, that he propounds this question, Lord, whither goest thou? to wit, to be separate from us, or that any thing should hinder us to follow Not only may presumption think such a proposition of Christs hard, but even love may sometime dream of greater abilities then indeed it hath 4. Christ deals tenderly with Saints at first in the buddings of their infirmity, before they come to an height; As considering, not only what they are in their state, but, what honesty there may be under their infirmities; Therefore at first he gently informs Peter, as knowing what love to him lurked under his rash expression of his resolution. 5. Christ knows his own followers, and their weakness, better then they do themselves; And his verdict of them will prove true, whatever they think of themselves; for, he repeats that doctrine which Peter questioned, as still true, whither I go thou canst not follow me. 6 As no man is able of himselfe to follow Christ, or suffer for him; So they may be true Saints, who yet are so weak for a time, as they are not able to suffer; for Peter is a disciple, and yet cannot follow Christ now. 7. Christ is so tender of his grace in his own, that he will spare them, and not put them to it above their strength; for, as Peter is not able now, so his hard work is delayed till afterwards, till he be better trained, and more strengthned See Isa 28.27, & 42.3. 8. The refreshments of Saints, in services or comforts, are only delayed and not denyed, when they are withheld from them, for, to follow Christ by suffering, and so to come to him in glory, is only denyed now, but not afterwards. 9. Unto such as love Christ, and are sensible of their own weaknesse, it will be matter of encouragement to get a promise that they shall be able to serve Christ, and come to enjoy him, were it in a holy chariot of martyrdome; for; it is a promise and encouragement unto Peter, now grieved, thou shalt follow me afterwards, to wit, by suffering into glory. And so was it afterward, when Christ received him into favour after his denyal, Chap. 21.18. 10. Such as the Lord keeps for a time under much weakness, yea and corrects their presumption with a fall, may ye be raised up and strenthned to suffer eminently for Christ; for, Peter weak at present, and afterward slipping through his presumption, gets a promise, thou shalt follow me afterwards.