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.

Cross-references

John 13:33 Historical context

In John 13:33, Jesus says he is going where they cannot follow, prompting Peter's question here.

John 14:4 Historical context

In John 14:4, Jesus assures them they know the way to where he is going, answering Peter's question.

John 21:18 Prophetic fulfillment

John 21:18 reveals the martyrdom by which Peter will 'follow afterward' — the specific fulfillment of Jesus' promise that Peter will follow later.

John 21:19 Prophetic fulfillment

John 21:19 concludes Jesus' prediction of Peter's death with 'Follow me' — directly fulfilling the 'follow afterward' from 13:36.

John 14:2 Parallel

John 14:2 reveals that Jesus goes to prepare a place — clarifying that 'follow afterward' means joining him in the Father's house after resurrection, not immediately.

John 16:5 Contrast

John 16:5 notes that no one asks where Jesus is going — contrasting with Peter's question here, highlighting the disciples' delayed understanding.

John 16:17 Related theme

In John 16:17, disciples again puzzle over Jesus' 'going to the Father' — echoing Peter's earlier confusion about where Jesus is going.

2 Peter 1:14 Prophetic fulfillment

2 Peter 1:14 shows Peter later reflecting on Jesus' clear prophecy of his death — which Jesus first hinted at in 13:36 by saying he would follow afterward.

Mark 14:29 Parallel

Mark 14:29 shows Peter's identical boast that he will never fall away — directly mirroring his confident claim here that he will follow Jesus anywhere.

Mark 14:68 Contrast

Mark 14:68 records Peter's denial — the very failure that explains why Jesus says Peter cannot follow now; his weakness is soon exposed.

Luke 22:33 Parallel

Luke 22:33 repeats Peter's pledge to go to prison and death — reinforcing his bold assertion that he will follow Jesus immediately, despite the warning.

Acts 12:4 Prophetic fulfillment

Acts 12:4 records Peter's imprisonment — an instance of him actually following Jesus into suffering, fulfilling the promise that he would follow afterward.

Matthew 8:19 shows a scribe promising to follow Jesus anywhere — contrasting with Peter's inability to follow now in 13:36.