Definition: Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 13:38. It's a really profound and powerful statement about love and sacrifice. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: “Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?” What it Means – A Simple Explanation: This verse is asking if the person speaking really loves Jesus enough to give up their own life. It’s a question about deep commitment and devotion. The Context – Why it's Important: This passage comes after Jesus tells Peter that he will willingly die for his sake. This isn't just a casual statement; it’s a powerful declaration of faith. It suggests that Peter is willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus, and this verse confirms that willingness. The Key Parts – What’s Being Said: “Wilt thou lay down thy life…” : This means "will you give up your life?" It's a direct request. "...for my sake?" : This is the crucial part. “My sake” refers to Jesus’s death and sacrifice. It’s about his suffering for us . The Dramatic Part – The Parallel: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee..." This is a very emphatic phrase. It means "Truly, truly, I tell you…" It's like saying something incredibly important and profound. “The cock shall not crow…” : This is a powerful image. A cock crows to announce the dawn or the start of the day. This suggests that this person isn’t ready yet – they haven’t fully given their heart to Jesus. It’s like saying, “This person isn’t truly committed.” "...till thou hast denied me thrice." : This is the most shocking part. “Denied me thrice” means "lied to me three times." This suggests a betrayal of trust and a deliberate dishonesty. It implies that this person has already been deceived or misled. Overall Meaning – A Powerful Plea: The entire verse paints a picture of someone who is deeply committed to Jesus, willing to sacrifice everything for him. It’s a challenge to examine your own heart and whether you are truly loving and trusting Jesus enough to offer up your life. It's a call to be authentic and unwavering in your devotion. Why it Matters: This verse is one of the most significant in the Bible because it speaks to the ultimate sacrifice – the price that must be paid for salvation and eternal life. It’s a reminder that true love isn’t just about affection, but about willingness to lay down one's own life for another. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a little background on the context of this verse in the Bible? Offer some related stories or examples from the Bible that illustrate this theme?