5/6/11 John 21:18-19 Peter's death

18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

(Peter's Crucifixion, Carravagio)


Thoughts: John was the last apostle alive.  He remembered this conversation with Jesus about Peter's demise as well as his own.  Strong tradition says that the Apostle Peter was killed 67 AD by Nero at the site of Nero Circus Maximus.  Today that is the site of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world.  Though Jesus was restoring Peter, he knew that Peter would live with the guilt of his denials until his last breath.  Tradition says Peter requested to be crucified upside down as he was not worthy to die rightside up as his Lord died.  But Jesus commanded Peter here to not only feed His sheep, but also to follow Him. 

Prayer:  Give me grace, Lord to follow you no matter what.