Definition: Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from John 13:37. It’s a really powerful and moving passage about love and sacrifice. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: Peter is saying to Jesus, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will give my life for your sake.” Let's unpack it layer by layer: “John 13:37” : This is a specific passage in the Bible. It’s one of the most significant passages about Jesus’ love and sacrifice. “Peter said unto him…” : This is Peter speaking, expressing his thoughts and feelings. "Said to him" means he's addressing Jesus directly. “…why cannot I follow you now?” : This is a question – Peter is asking why he shouldn't be devoted to Jesus’ cause. He's feeling like he's not important enough or that he can't fully commit himself to following him. “I will lay down my life for thy sake.” : This is the crucial part. "Lay down my life" means Peter is willing to give up his own life, his very being, completely. “For thy sake” means it’s because of Jesus' love and purpose that he is making this sacrifice. What does it mean? Essentially, Peter is expressing a deep commitment to Jesus. He believes that because Jesus loves him so much, he should dedicate himself fully to following him and living his life according to Jesus’ teachings. It’s a huge statement of faith and devotion. Important Context: This verse is often interpreted as a profound expression of Peter's unwavering belief in Jesus’ sacrifice and the importance of following Him. It speaks to the idea that our lives are valuable because of Jesus’ love. In short, it means Peter is offering his entire life – everything he is – to show Jesus how much he loves him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what this verse might mean in a broader sense (like its symbolism)?