John 13:36
John 13:36
“Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Peter asks where Jesus is going, and Jesus replies with a gentle mystery: the path to the cross and resurrection is not yet open to him, but he will walk it later.
Context
Peter interrupts Jesus's farewell discourse, unable to contain his confusion and loyalty. The 'now' and 'afterwards' structure the arc from present separation to future reunion.
Application
When we cannot understand God's purposes for us or why he asks us to wait, we can take courage from Peter's experience. The 'afterwards' is real. Obedience now prepares us for the glory later. We are invited to follow without full knowledge, trusting that Christ knows the way.