What kind of death are you going to glorify God with?
When John wrote his gospel, perhaps Peter had already been killed by Nero, the Roman emperor, therefore, when John recorded Jesus’ words about Peter’s impending death, John was able to look back and interpret the symbolism used by Jesus. said to Peter, with John’s interpretation:
- Really.
- Really.
- I tell you.
- When you were younger.
- You were alone and walking where you wanted; But when you are old.
- You will extend your hands.
- And another will go to you and take you wherever you do not want; I said this to mean the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.
- He added: Follow me (Jn 21:18.
- 19).
Listening to your Lord and friend that you will die in his service is something that makes us serious. It was an indirect message, but Peter understood the meaning, and who knows what traits Jesus had when he said these words?However, this is the price to pay for following Jesus. It’s no different than what it predicts for each of us. If someone comes to me and doesn’t bother, can’t you be my disciple?(Lk 14:26). ” He who loves his life loses it; But whoever abhors his life in this world will keep it for eternal life?(Jn 12:25). ” If anyone wants to come after me, deny themselves, take their cross and follow me?”(Mt 16. 24). ” Will you all be hated by my name?(Lk 21:16,17).
Tradition tells us that Peter was crucified face down in Rome during one of Nero’s persecutions in the 1960s. 2-be, the historian of the early church, wrote:?And Asia to the Jews of Dispersal. When he finally arrived in Rome, he was crucified face down, for he himself had asked to suffer in this way?. 1
Jesus foretold Peter’s martyrdom. This specific knowledge could discourage Peter or remind you that no matter what happens to you, the Lord Jesus is never taken by surprise. And it is not only that Jesus said these words to Peter after he has risen triumphantly from the dead. This means that, having risen Christ from the dead, he no longer dies; Doesn’t death dominate him anymore?(Rom 6. 9). Therefore, Jesus would be alive and reign when Peter was killed. He’d be there to help you. ” Behold, am I with you every day until the end of the century?(Mt 28. 20). And not just to help you face death. , but also to resurrect him:? If the Spirit of the one who resurrected Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the same person who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also invigorate your mortal body, through his Spirit, who dwells in you?(Rom. 8. 11).
Jesus knew that part of Peter’s will would not want this death, but when you are old, will you extend your hands and someone else will come to you and take you wherever you do not want?(Jn 21:18). Jesus Himself exclaimed, “If possible, pass me this cup!However, don’t be the way I want to be, but what do you want?”(Mt 26. 39). This also happens to all who follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Suffering is suffering, not pleasure, only a more sublime love leads you to accept death, when you could avoid it by denying Christ.
John said that Peter’s death would glorify Christ: ?Did he say this to indicate what kind of death Peter would glorify God?(Jn 21:19). The way John said these words seems to show that he considered the death of all believers to be designed for the glory of God. The difference is this: what kind of death are we going to glorify God with?
You’re ready for that, will you prove that God is great in the way you die?You will say, “Living is Christ and dying is a gain” (Fp 1:21). Will you give nice names to this horrible, tortuous and defeated enemy?Does the loss of all loved ones in your earthly family, friends, and properties disappear from the prospect of seeing and being with Christ?
After predicting Peter’s horrible death, Jesus said, “Follow me. “
So let’s leave him out of camp (He 13:13).
Excerpt from the book: Penetrado pela Palavra, by John Piper Copyright: © Editor FIEL 2009 Readers may disclose and distribute this text, provided that it does not change format, content and /or translation and report copyright such as translation and copyright. If in doubt, please contact Editora Fiel.