John 21:18-19. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!"
Peter was to follow Jesus to a martyr’s death. Like Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, Peter, His under-shepherd would give up his life for Jesus’ name sake. Both deaths were motivated by the love of God— the sustained direction of the will toward the highest good of another no matter what the cost.
Why did John write about this conversation between Jesus and Peter? I’m not sure all the reasons, but one is stated. That we might read this and believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This reveals that Jesus’ followers should not expect a happy life in this world, but can trust Jesus with whatever is to come. This foretelling of how Peter was to die did not hinder, prevent, or discourage Peter from surrendering all to Jesus. Should God so will that suffering and death lie in our paths, may we be faithful to love with Him until the end.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
