A Precept and a Problem — Part Two
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A Precept and a Problem — Part Two

John 13:31–38  (ID: 1260)

People commonly encourage one another with the saying, “Believe in yourself.” Examples from Scripture, though, show these to be empty words. When Peter stated his belief that he was incapable of denying Christ, he soon learned the bitter truth of what was really in his heart. Yet despite Peter’s betrayal, Jesus still loved him unconditionally. In this message from John 13, Alistair Begg challenges us to turn away from self-reliance and to see ourselves in the light of Christ’s selfless love.


A New Commandment

31When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

36Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

Copyright © 2024, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg is Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world.