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John 13:36-38
Joh 13:36 “Lord,” Simon Peter said to him, “where are you departing for?” Jesus answered, “Where I am departing for, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterwards.”
Joh 13:37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? My soul I will give up for you.”
Joh 13:38 Jesus answered, “Will you give up your soul for me? I am honestly telling you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.
Our solo Savior
Jesus was going back to the Father, but he had to go to the cross for that to happen. His glorification was not complete until his resurrected body ascended. Peter offered to give up (τίθημι) his soul as well. He was boldly offering to join Jesus on the cross. Jesus rejected the offer. Peter would eventually give up his soul and be crucified for Jesus, but our Lord’s role as the world’s savior is a solo role.
One consolation I get from reading this text is although Peter was going to fail to live up to his bold offer, Jesus did not forsake him. Jesus knew that Peter would eventually be faithful, even if he failed the test at this crucial moment.
Lord, thank you for being our solo Savior.
