John 21:19

“This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”

This verse is part of the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. In this particular interaction, Jesus is speaking to Peter, one of his disciples. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:

“This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God”: Jesus is referring to Peter’s future and the way he would die. By using the phrase “signifying by what death,” Jesus is indicating that Peter’s death would have a special purpose. Peter would die in a way that would bring glory to God. This statement suggests that Peter would face martyrdom for the sake of his faith in Jesus.

“And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me”: After foretelling Peter’s future, Jesus gives him a command to “Follow me.” This instruction carries a significant meaning. Jesus had used the same phrase earlier when he called Peter to be his disciple (Matthew 4:18-20). Now, in John 21:19, Jesus reaffirms that Peter’s purpose in life is to continue following him, even to the point of death.

Our lives can bring glory to God: Just as Jesus indicated that Peter’s death would bring glory to God, our lives, too, can be used to glorify Him. We should strive to live in a way that reflects God’s character and purposes, bringing honor to Him in all that we do.

Following Jesus comes with a cost: Jesus’ command to Peter to “Follow me” was a reminder that being a disciple of Christ often involves sacrifice. Peter’s ultimate sacrifice was his martyrdom. As followers of Jesus, we should be prepared to face challenges, hardships, and even persecution for our faith. The call to follow Jesus requires commitment and selflessness.

The importance of obedience: Peter’s response to Jesus’ command is not recorded in this particular verse, but throughout the Gospels, we see Peter’s journey of obedience, despite his imperfections. Peter’s commitment to follow Jesus, even unto death, serves as an example for us. We are called to obey Jesus and faithfully follow Him, trusting in His guidance and surrendering our lives to His will.

Overall, John 21:19 reminds us of the importance of living a life that glorifies God, embracing the cost of discipleship, and faithfully following Jesus, even in the face of challenges.