John 13:36-38  
Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” 

And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” 

“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” 

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” (NLT)

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There are certain people in my life who, when they invite me to go somewhere with them, my answer is almost always Yes. You probably have someone like this in your life. 

Sometimes, we go on adventures of such exquisite delight that we can’t wait to repeat the journey. Peter knew all about this. The journey up the mountain with Jesus when he was transfigured before him was something Peter never got over. We see in the Book of Acts and in 1 and 2 Peter how those moments completely transformed Peter. 

Now, Jesus indicated another great adventure lay ahead of him. Naturally, Peter wanted to go along. He saw Moses and Elijah the last time. Who would he see this time? 

Jesus made it clear this event was not going to be that kind of adventure. Peter believed he could handle anything, even death, if Jesus would let him accompany him. Jesus knew better. 

Let’s pause here for a moment. 

Jesus knew better. He knew better than Peter did what he was capable of, and more importantly, what he could not handle. He knew Peter so well that he knew when the fire got hot, Peter would jump out of the pot. 

For Jesus, there was no delight in saying so. 

For Peter, there was nothing but humiliating grief when he discovered that he had not yet measured up to who he needed to be in moments of great significance. 

Thankfully for Peter and for us, even our worst failures cannot separate us from Jesus in any final capacity. Forgiveness and restoration are as much a part of Peter’s journey as ours. Jesus saw Peter, and sees us, as we are. He also sees us for who we can become by his grace and mercy, strength and direction. 

Peter failed in the biggest moment of his life to that point. Thankfully, this was not the end of the story. He succeeded in many other equally significant moments after his worst failure. 

Where have you failed greatly? Here is good news: Jesus can do more with failures like us than we could ever accomplish when we are at our best. 

Trust Jesus with your failures. Admit them. Seek forgiveness. Begin again in the grace Jesus gives and with the renewal Jesus imparts. 

There are great adventures ahead with Jesus for each one of us. Live so closely connected to him (See John 15) that every day and each moment becomes an adventure of grace and significance.

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I will follow Jesus into every adventure he invites me into.

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Our Father, thank you for knowing what I am capable of and what I likewise cannot handle. I will not force my way into adventures not set before me. Instead, I will live each day in anticipation of your invitation to live each moment the most important moment of my life. I will live as if every moment is packed full of your grace and goodness, ready to overflow into the life of another. I will live ready to join you in what you are doing in the lives of others all around me. Today is a daring adventure! Amen.