“Where I Am Going You Cannot Come”
Seeking Jesus First - June 28, 2026
“Where I Am Going You Cannot Come”
Please Read John 13:36–38 (NKJV)
Reflection
After Jesus gave the new commandment to love one another and spoke of His coming glorification, Peter asked a heartfelt question:
“Lord, where are You going?”
Jesus replied gently but honestly:
“Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
Peter, full of zeal and self-confidence, pressed further:
“Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
Jesus looked at Peter and gave him a sobering prediction:
“Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.”
This was a difficult word. Peter was sincere in his love for Jesus, but he was relying on his own strength and courage. Jesus knew what Peter did not yet know — that fear would overwhelm him before the night was over, and he would deny even knowing the Lord.
Jesus did not say this to crush Peter, but to prepare him. Even in this warning, there was hope: “you shall follow Me afterward.” Peter’s failure would not be the end of his story. Jesus was closing this chapter on a sobering note, reminding all of us that we cannot follow Him in our own strength.
Application
Today, ask the Lord to search your heart. Are there areas where you are trusting in your own zeal, past faithfulness, or personal strength rather than in daily dependence on Jesus? Peter’s bold declaration reminds us that good intentions are not enough.
Renew your mind with this truth: Where Jesus is going, we cannot follow Him now in our own power. We need His grace every step of the way. Humbly acknowledge your weakness before the Lord today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where self-reliance may be setting you up for a fall. Choose to walk in humble dependence, knowing that even when we fail, Jesus is committed to restoring us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the honest warning Jesus gave to Peter. Thank You that You know our hearts better than we know ourselves. Forgive us for the times we have trusted in our own strength and zeal instead of depending fully on You. Renew our minds today to walk in humility and continual reliance upon Christ. When we stumble or fail, draw us back quickly with Your restoring grace. Help us to follow Jesus faithfully, not in our own power, but in the strength that You provide. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.