What does Jesus' response in John 13:36 reveal about His divine plan? The immediate context • John 13 takes place at the Last Supper. Judas has just left to betray Jesus (vv. 26-30), and Jesus is preparing the Eleven for what lies ahead. • Simon Peter asks, “Lord, where are You going?” (John 13:36a). Jesus’ exact answer “‘Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.’” (John 13:36b) What “Where I am going” reveals • A definite destination: first the cross (John 12:23-24), then resurrection, then ascension to the Father’s throne (John 20:17; Acts 1:9-11). • A mission only He could accomplish—offering Himself as the spotless Lamb (Hebrews 9:26-28). • A promise of reunion: the same Jesus who goes away will welcome His people into the Father’s house (John 14:2-3). Why “you cannot follow Me now” matters • Timing belongs to God. Peter’s zeal could not alter the ordained sequence (John 18:10-11). • Human limitation: no one else could bear sin’s penalty (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24). • Protection: Jesus shields the disciples from immediate arrest and death so the gospel can spread (John 17:15; Acts 1:8). The hope embedded in “but you will follow later” • Peter will eventually glorify God through his own death (John 21:18-19). • All believers will share Christ’s presence after death—“absent from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). • At His return, living believers will be “caught up…to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). • Jesus, our “forerunner,” secures our entrance behind the veil (Hebrews 6:19-20). How the divine plan unfolds 1. Crucifixion: redemption accomplished (John 19:30). 2. Resurrection: victory declared (Romans 1:4). 3. Ascension: place prepared and priestly intercession begun (John 14:2; Hebrews 7:25). 4. Spirit poured out: disciples empowered to witness (Acts 2:1-4). 5. Final gathering: believers follow Him fully into glory (John 17:24; Revelation 21:3-4). Encouragement for us today • Jesus leads; we follow in His timing. • Our future is secure because His path guarantees ours (John 14:19). • Waiting is purposeful—He equips us for service until the moment we join Him (Philippians 1:21-24). |
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