Last supper

As the room was hushed and the disciples reclined around the table, Peter leaned closer to Jesus, a mix of concern and determination in his eyes. “Lord,” he asked softly, “where are you going?”

Jesus looked at him with a calm yet penetrating gaze. “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now,” he replied gently, “but you will follow later.”

Peter’s chest swelled with resolve. “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

A shadow of sorrow passed over Jesus’ face, yet his voice remained steady. “Will you really lay down your life for me?” he asked, almost as if peering into Peter’s very heart. “Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

Peter’s eyes widened in disbelief, and a pang of fear mingled with defiance. “Even if I must die with you, I will never disown you!” he exclaimed.

Jesus’ expression softened, full of both love and quiet inevitability. “Peter,” he said, “you will face trials, and your courage will falter. But do not despair. You will rise again in faith, and your heart will return to me.”

And in that moment, the weight of what was to come lingered in the air—betrayal, fear, and yet, the promise of restoration.