Photo by Philip Lindvall on Pexels.com

John 21:18-19

John 21:18 “I honestly tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and present you where you don’t want to go.”

John 21:19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would make God glorious. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”

after the end

Jesus had just been telling Peter that his role was changing and he would now be primarily responsible for taking care of Jesus’ flock. He would be ministering to the church.

Now Jesus explains the excellent retirement plan that will accompany that ministry career. He will be arrested and taken to his own crucifixion.

We know that Peter’s apostolic ministry was a major success. But Jesus did not tell Peter about that. The book of Acts records many miracles and significant events that Peter was involved in. But Jesus did not mention them here.

What if God’s plan for us does not end successfully? What if our retirement looks like Peter’s did? Can we trust God with our time even if we do not get what we aspire to?

Peter began his apostolic ministry knowing that it would “end “ in disaster. He trusted Christ for a new beginning after the end.

Lord, thank you for the promise of a resurrection. Because of this promise, we look forward to a new beginning after the end.