What does John 13:36 mean?

Explanation

John 13:36 presents a dialogue between Simon Peter and Jesus during the Last Supper.

In this context, Peter questions Jesus about where He is going.

Jesus responds with a statement that indicates a future separation.

He implies that Peter cannot at that moment come with Him, but suggests that there will come a time when Peter will follow Him.

While the question is a literal inquiry about Jesus’ destination, the answer speaks to a deeper spiritual journey. The destination Jesus refers to is His impending death, resurrection, and ascension, events that the disciples cannot share in physically.

However, Jesus also hints at the spiritual following that Peter will take up after Jesus’ departure, signifying the call to discipleship beyond Jesus' physical presence.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the narrative of Jesus' final meal with his disciples before His crucifixion, known as the Last Supper.

The verse is set within the Gospel of John, traditionally dated to the late first century AD. This period was marked by social and religious upheaval, with early Christians facing persecution.

The context here is significant because Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, which would be a pivotal moment for the nascent Christian movement. This exchange between Peter and Jesus occurs shortly before Jesus' betrayal by Judas Iscariot and His subsequent trials and crucifixion.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse captures several themes:

• Foreknowledge of Jesus: Jesus displays knowledge of future events, affirming His divine nature.
• The concept of discipleship: It illustrates that following Jesus involves both a personal commitment and a temporal process.

Not all are ready to follow immediately, and the path of discipleship varies among individuals.

• The promise of reunion: Though Jesus speaks of separation, He also implies that there will be a future joining with Him, which Christian theology associates with life after death or the Second Coming.

Different denominations and theologians may emphasize various elements of this verse, such as the implications for ecclesiology (the study of the church) or eschatology (the study of the end times).

Practical Applications

• Accepting life’s journey: One may derive that not all answers are immediately available, and sometimes understanding and acceptance come with time.
• Readiness and growth: The verse can be seen as a reminder that spiritual maturity and readiness have their own timing.
• Following in faith: Christians might interpret this verse as a call to trust in Jesus’ path for them, even when the destination is unclear.

Cross-References

• John 14:3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
• Matthew 16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
• John 21:18-19: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Whither" (ποῦ or pou): Indicates the question of "where," implying direction or place.
• "Goest" (ὑπάγω or hypago): Translated as "go," it holds the connotation of departing or moving away.
• "Now" (νῦν or nyn): Refers to the present time.
• "Follow" (ἀκολουθέω or akoloutheo): To come after, accompany, or be a disciple of someone.

Analyzing the original language nuances aids in understanding the timing and nature of the following Jesus mentions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In its emphasis on the leader-disciple relationship, this verse shares some thematic similarities with other religious traditions:

• Buddhism: Features the idea of following a path or The Middle Way as taught by the Buddha.
• Hinduism: Bhagavad Gita speaks of Arjuna's reluctance to follow his dharma; he is guided by Krishna similarly to how Jesus guides Peter.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, this verse does not directly intersect with scientific discussions, as it deals with spiritual matters such as discipleship and faith.

Yet, modern psychological understanding of leadership, mentoring, and the processes of grief and acceptance may offer insights into how individuals process such teachings and their significance.

Commentaries

Various experts offer different perspectives on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Suggests that the inability to follow Christ immediately may be due either to weakness or to God's purpose being unrevealed.
• Barnes' Notes on the Bible: Emphasizes that Peter would follow Jesus afterward, both in the suffering of this life and into the joys of the next.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Points out that Jesus' answer implied that Peter would not be able to endure the trial of his faith at that current time but suggests a future martyrdom.

These commentaries showcase a mix of interpretive angles, from practical applications to foreshadowing of events in Peter's later life.