WHAT IS THAT TO YOU
JOHN 21:20-22 NKJV
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?"
22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."
This passage is part of Jesus meeting with Peter after the resurrection.
Peter had denied the Lord three times before the cross. Jesus asked him three times about his love. Do you love me, Peter? Peter answered wisely, and to our knowledge, it was never mentioned again.
Jesus had given Peter a glimpse into the future. He prophetically foretold Peter's death. And then instructed Peter to follow Him.
But Peter had a question for Jesus. Seeing John following them as they walked, Peter wanted to know about John's future.
One interesting note. John does not call himself by name. He refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. What a great way to refer to yourself. John had great confidence in the Lord's love for him. And John spoke of our responsibility to walk in love. No wonder he is called the apostle of love.
Jesus had a rather pointed answer to Peter's question. Peter just found out about his future death and may have inquired about John's future. "What about this man?" And Jesus basically told Peter that it was none of his business. In other words, you don't concern yourself with what happens to John; you follow me.
Evidently, Peter took Jesus' answer to mean that John would not die. Which was not the case, but the message was clear. Follow Jesus, and don't get caught up in what others are doing.
APPLICATION:
I don't think we would be off base by calling ourselves a disciple who Jesus loves. It's a great way to remind ourselves that He cares for His own.
And I don't think we would be wrong to not concern ourselves with what others do for the Lord. Or what they don't do. Or to compare ourselves with other believers. Our primary objective as a follower of the Lord is to follow Him. That should keep us busy enough. If we start asking the Lord, but what about so and so, we may get the same answer Peter received. What is that to you? You follow Me.
PRAYER:
Lord, my heart is to follow You fully. I am a disciple that You love.