Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Read John 13:36-38 Today’s reading is connected with the reading from yesterday. In that reading, Jesus had told his disciples that he is going where they cannot come. Here Peter asks the question, “Where are you going?” Jesus’ answer is still ambiguous. We shouldn’t blame Peter for his lack of understanding. In veiled language Jesus is telling Peter that he is going to die – Jesus will lay down his life for Peter and for all people. Only Jesus can lay down his life for others. Peter protests. He boldly tells Jesus that he will lay down his life for him. Peter’s intentions are good and his determination is worthy – but to lay down his life for Jesus is something Peter cannot do. Only Jesus lays down his life for others. We still might speak of someone giving their life for someone else. That does happen, but not in the same way as Jesus laying down his life. Only Jesus can finally give life. That is John’s point. John shares with Mark and the other synoptic writers the story of Peter’s claim that he will not abandon Jesus. He also shares their story of Jesus telling Peter that before the cock crows he will deny Jesus three times. Of course we know how that prediction of Jesus will come true. We should not be so tough on Peter. He will emerge as a faithful follower of Jesus. It is at this point that Mark tells his readers that Jesus and his followers leave the supper and make their way to the garden. John continues his story of events at the time of the supper. In some senses in John’s gospel we have only begun. We will have to wait awhile to find the story of John merge again with that of Mark.