Confidence in our abilities can be an asset. As Peter discovered, over-confidence can cause problems if we are not careful.
When we look at John 13:31-38 as Jesus prepared for his coming death and shared the last supper with his disciples, we see God glorified through Jesus’ life, verses 31-32. Is God glorified by our lives? Or do we bring God’s name into disrepute by our behavior and words?
Jesus would only be with his disciples a short time longer, verse 33. But since His death, resurrection and ascension, He can be with us each day. Are we conscious that He is with us, every hour of each day wherever we are and whatever are doing?
Jesus told his followers that love was the distinguishing mark of the Christian, verses 34-35. Nothing has changed. Love is still the distinguishing mark of the Christian. It must be evident in all our dealings with others? How are you showing God’s love to others to those at home, at work, in the community, those outside the church as His people? And especially in conflict situations?
Jesus stated He was going away and that the disciples could not go with him but would at a later date, verse 36. Peter protested that he was ready and willing to lay down his life for Jesus, verse 37. Peter’s words were truer than he knew. He would indeed lay down his life for Jesus. But not at this time.
Jesus knew far better than Peter did how Peter would react to the coming arrest and trial of Jesus. Does it concern you or comfort you to know that Jesus knows how you will react in any given situation when you don’t know yourself?
Peter often spoke boldly and impetuously, confident of his own resources and character. We should be wary of being too impulsive in speaking and of relying on our strengths rather than the Lord.
Jesus gently corrected Peter’s mistaken assumptions of how he would behave. And told him that before the next day dawned, Peter would have denied him three times, verse 38. Jesus knows better than we do, how we will react in any given situation. Therefore, it makes sense to seek his guidance instead of trusting in our own abilities to decide, to speak, to cope, to make changes. Will you look to Him this week in whatever situation you are undergoing and allow Him to show you how to deal with it?
Bible verses from the New American Standard Version
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