Scripture
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Reflection
These verses fall within a conversation between Jesus and Peter. In the previous verse Jesus tells Peter about the kind of death he (Peter) would glorify God with, and He tells Peter to follow Him. Peter hearing that he will die painfully, his first response was not to say yes, but was to deflect what Jesus told him by wondering what was Jesus’s plan regarding John. Jesus answers Peter by conveying that He might have an entirely different plan or destiny for John, and it should not be Peter’s concern. And Jesus repeats again “you must follow me”.
Jesus may have an entirely different plan or destiny for each one of us. Like Peter, sometimes it might be easier to deflect what Jesus requires from us by wondering about what He requires from others. But what Jesus expects of us, is not to compare ourselves with others but to simply embrace the plan He has for us and to follow Him.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
When challenges come we can so easily forget where our identity comes from. Today take time to pause and be reminded of God’s love for you.
