John 13:37

37 1Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

John 13:37 Meaning and Commentary

John 13:37

Peter said unto him
Not understanding Christ's answer, and being dissatisfied with it, inquires:

Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?
is the place inaccessible? are the difficulties in the way to it insuperable? the roughness of the road, or the dangers of it, will not discourage me; I am ready to go through the greatest dangers and difficulties, to follow thee: yea,

I will lay down my life for thy sake;
whatever enemies I should meet with in, following thee, would not dismay me; I would readily hazard my life, and cheerfully lay it down in defence of thee.

John 13:37 In-Context

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?"Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."
37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Matthew 26:33-35; Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:33, 34
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.