John 13:36
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus’ answer isn’t just about a future destination; it’s a compassionate “not yet” to Peter’s impulsive zeal. He’s telling Peter that while a future union is promised, Peter isn’t ready for the path of suffering that leads there, and the timing is God's, not ours.
Peter, sensing Jesus' imminent departure and feeling a strong desire to stay close, asks where Jesus is going. Jesus' cryptic answer hints at His impending suffering and death, assuring Peter that while he cannot follow now, he will eventually follow through martyrdom. This exchange is immediately followed by Peter's confident, yet ultimately flawed, declaration of loyalty and Jesus' prophecy of Peter's denial.
Peter, always eager and bold, hears Jesus speak of leaving and immediately asks, 'Where are you going?' He misses the deeper spiritual reality for the immediate question.
A Glimpse Beyond the Physical
Jesus has just told His disciples He is leaving (John 13:33). Peter, like many of us, is focused on the where—a physical location. He can't grasp that Jesus is talking about His impending death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father.
Jesus tells Peter he can't follow Him now, but will follow afterward. This isn't about physical location, but about spiritual readiness and God's timing.
Readiness for the Road Ahead
Peter, in his zeal, believes he's ready to go anywhere with Jesus, even to death. But Jesus gently corrects him, revealing a crucial difference between present capability and future fulfillment.
Understand the original words
Kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of reverence and authority, recognizing Jesus as the Master, Sovereign, and divine Teacher. In the New Testament, it serves as an acknowledgment of His lordship and messianic identity.
akoloutheō · Greek Verb
The act of actively walking behind someone, signifying discipleship, obedience, and imitation. It implies a total commitment to Christ's path, including His suffering and glory.
Peter's impulsive question and Jesus' somber response reveal the stark contrast between human ambition and God's divine plan, highlighting that true following of Christ often involves suffering and a future martyrdom, not immediate earthly glory.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shares his final Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem, knowing his betrayal and arrest are imminent.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guard in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denial
During Jesus' trial, Simon Peter denies knowing him three times, just as Jesus predicted.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified by the Roman authorities outside Jerusalem.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
This passage directly fulfills Jesus' prophecy to Peter, showing him being led where he did not want to go, signifying his eventual martyrdom and following Christ in death.
Luke 22:31-34Jesus predicts Peter's denial here as well, highlighting the contrast between Peter's bold declarations and his impending weakness, a theme echoed in John 13.
Matthew 16:21-23Jesus' initial warning to Peter about suffering and death, and Peter's immediate attempt to dissuade Jesus, shows a consistent pattern of Peter misunderstanding Jesus' path.
Acts 12:2This verse illustrates martyrdom in the early church, showing how some followers, like Peter and James, faced death for their faith, connecting to the 'follow afterward' aspect.
calvinJohn 13:36-38: "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."
- Simon Peter saith to him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. 37. Peter saith to him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I, will lay down my life for thee. 38. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily,…
henryJohn 13:36-38: "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."
13:36-38 What Christ had said concerning brotherly love, Peter overlooked, but spoke of that about which Christ kept them ignorant. It is common to be more eager to know about secret things, which belong to God only, than about things revealed, which belong to us and our children; to be more desirous to have our curiosity grat…
Jesus’ answer isn’t just about a future destination; it’s a compassionate “not yet” to Peter’s impulsive zeal. He’s telling Peter that while a future union is promised, Peter isn’t ready for the path of suffering that leads there, and the timing is God's, not ours.
Peter, sensing Jesus' imminent departure and feeling a strong desire to stay close, asks where Jesus is going. Jesus' cryptic answer hints at His impending suffering and death, assuring Peter that while he cannot follow now, he will eventually follow through martyrdom. This exchange is immediately followed by Peter's confident, yet ultimately flawed, declaration of loyalty and Jesus' prophecy of Peter's denial.
Peter, sensing Jesus' imminent departure and feeling a strong desire to stay close, asks where Jesus is going. Jesus' cryptic answer hints at His impending suffering and death, assuring Peter that while he cannot follow , he will eventually follow through martyrdom. This exchange is immediately followed by Peter's confident, yet ultimately flawed, declaration of loyalty and Jesus' prophecy of Peter's denial.
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Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appears to his disciples over a period of forty days before his ascension into heaven.
c. AD 65-67
Peter's Martyrdom
Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome, likely by crucifixion, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy of him following Him in death.
"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.”" — Jesus’ answer isn’t just about a future destination; it’s a compassionate “not yet” to Peter’s impulsive zeal. He’s telling Peter that while a future union is promised, Peter isn’t ready for the path…
