New Testament
John 13:36
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Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."
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Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
What John 13:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Peter is confused and concerned about where Jesus is going. He wants to follow Jesus, but Jesus tells him that he cannot go with Him at that moment. This indicates that Jesus is about to face His crucifixion, a path that Peter is not yet ready to take. However, Jesus reassures Peter that he will eventually follow Him, suggesting a future where Peter will understand and share in Jesus' mission. This moment highlights the tension between Peter's desire to be close to Jesus and the reality of the situation. It also foreshadows Peter's eventual role in the early church after Jesus' resurrection, where he will indeed follow Jesus in a new way, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This exchange emphasizes the themes of discipleship, the journey of faith, and the timing of God's plans in our lives.
How to apply John 13:36 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing for our lives. Just as Peter was called to follow Jesus later, we too may face moments when we feel unprepared. We should remain faithful and open to God's guidance, knowing that He has a plan for us.
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: “You Will Deny Me Three Times” (John 13:36–38)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 13:36 mean?
In John 13:36, Peter asks Jesus where He is going, showing his desire to follow Him. Jesus replies that Peter cannot follow Him now but will be able to later, indicating a future role for Peter in the mission of the church after Jesus' resurrection.
What is the significance of Peter's question in John 13:36?
Peter's question reflects his confusion and concern about Jesus' departure. It highlights his commitment to Jesus and foreshadows the challenges he will face in understanding his own role in the faith journey.
What does Jesus mean by 'you cannot follow me now' in John 13:36?
When Jesus says 'you cannot follow me now,' He indicates that Peter is not yet ready to endure the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus is about to face. This moment emphasizes the timing of God's plans and the growth required in Peter's faith.
How does John 13:36 relate to discipleship?
John 13:36 illustrates the journey of discipleship, showing that followers of Jesus may not always understand their path immediately. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to be open to future opportunities to serve.
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