This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God.
Jesus was talking to Peter after His resurrection and was foretelling how he would die. If we back up to verse 18 it reads: 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.”
Early church tradition says that Peter was crucified with arms stretched out, and that he requested to be crucified upside down. The words that I couldn’t stop thinking about however where: by what death he would glorify God.
We view death as something to be feared, and mourned but Jesus says that we can glorify God in our death.
Jesus also says not to fear those who kill the body and after that there is nothing they can do.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Matthew 10:28
The Apostle Paul writes that although we grieve when we are temporarily parted with our loved ones who die in the Lord, we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 1 Thes 4:13-14
Our death is precious in the sight of God.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
To be with God in heaven is far better.
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Phil 1:21-23
Will you seek to glorify God in both your life and death?
The Westminster Catechism
Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
