John 13:37 Not by My Power

Peter is one of my favorite disciples. Probably it is because I so identify with him. He was gifted with a lot of enthusiasm and boldness. Fear? Peter hardly knew the word. Here was a man who was accustomed to fighting through hard times and winning. As a fisherman he faced storms on Galilee. As a businessman he juggled the issues of equipment maintenance, capital purchases, marketing, and finding the elusive catch. In addition he had all of the social and family issues (wife, mother-in-law) to deal with. As one from Galilee he was a bit of a hot head (as they all were). When Peter did something there was no quit in him, it was full ahead.

As we look at Peter’s life, and the many instances of Peter’s bold mistakes, we see ourselves. Not everyone has that personality, but most of us have experienced making a pledge to God that was more than we could pull off. Our text is an example of that. Jesus had just told them he was leaving, that they couldn’t go and that they were to develop a loving interpersonal relationship. Peter claims perfect love for Jesus, a willingness to follow Him anywhere, even to lay down his life and die for him. Peter was certain he could love Jesus that way. Jesus knew better:

"Then Jesus answered, ³⁸ Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" (John 13:38)

The interesting thing is, Peter was willing to die, but it is another thing to lay one's life down. In the garden of Gethsemane Peter drew his sword (interesting that he was armed!) to defend Jesus against this mob and the band of soldiers. Now, you must understand, this was no small band of men. They were soldiers. Not only that, they are spoken of as a “band” (John 18:3 uses the Greek word speira, see below) which could be as many as 500 or 1000 men. Peter was willing to die and probably knew that when he drew his sword against this large group of soldiers he was about to die. This was natural for Peter, rush in head first, impulsive and full steam ahead.

But it wasn’t what Jesus wanted. Jesus didn't want Peter to die for Him, He wanted Peter to LIVE for Him! When it came to doing it the way Jesus wanted, Peter ran away. It’s one thing to declare dedication to the Lord, but it is a far cry from genuinely doing things God’s way.

Peter’s claim to this highest "agape" love for Jesus - a willingness to die for him – was a natural outburst for peter. It is true that we respond to the Lord with our whole being, including our natural inclinations, emotions, and mindset. Still, we cannot serve God with them alone.

1. "Simon Peter, do you love (agape) me? Yes Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you.
2. "Simon Peter, do you love (agape) me? Yes Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you.
3. "Simon Peter, do you love (phileo) me? ---

¹⁷He saith unto him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (phileo) thou me ?" Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest (phileo) thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee." John 21:17

It is sad when we realize that we don’t have the full dedication and ability we thought we had. Only when we come to the place that we are beyond our own, natural power and energy, our own commitment to serve Jesus, can we be what he wants us to be. Did Jesus want the disciples to have agape love for Him and for each other? Of course! The problem is that if we think we already have it, and don’t, we are fooling ourselves and will be unable to attain to genuine service and dedication. "Lord, I will follow you, even die for you! Will you Peter? I tell you, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."

"Lord Jesus, help us to honestly evaluate our relationship with you. May you empower and enable us to see ourselves as we really are, sinners in need of your daily saving grace. May Your grace, and not our own zeal, enthusiasm or determination, make us faithful servants of you. Glorify yourself in us we pray. Amen."

Amen - let it be so.

Shalom

Bob Goldsby

Strong’s Enhanced Dictionary: speira {spi’rah} Greek - 5061 1) anything rolled into a circle or ball, anything wound, rolled up, folded together 2) a military cohort 2a) the tenth part of legion 2a1) about 600 men i.e. legionaries 2a2) if auxiliaries either 500 or 1000 2a3) a maniple, or the thirtieth part of a legion 2b) any band, company, or detachment, of soldiers

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