Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
John 21:18-19

Peter was revealed in the gospels as the outspoken, impetuous disciple. When something entered Peter’s mind, it usually exited his mouth in short order. This is a sign of youth and immaturity. It also revealed that Peter was a leader—even though he did not always lead wisely.

Peter needed to grow, to mature, to have a greater measure of self control. As age and experience seasoned him, not to mention being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he did “grow in grace and knowledge of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18)

Let us never stop growing in God’s grace and in our knowledge of Christ. May we remain eager as new Christians, while maturing as seasoned saints.

In John 21:19, mention is made of Peter’s eventual death. Though not recorded in the Bible, church history records Peter being crucified in Rome. He asked to be crucified up side down because he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did.

Lastly, Jesus charged Peter to “follow Me.” Peter had followed Jesus for over three years. And he continued to follow Jesus until the day Peter was crucified. May we all follow Jesus every day, up to including our last day.