John 21:20-22 "Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them..."

"Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said 'Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?' When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" (John 21:20-22).

Comment:

This is a passage that almost certainly meant more to its immediate readers than it does to us. Apparently, there was a rumor in wide circulation that Jesus had said he would return before John (the beloved disciple referred to in the passage) died. This author—perhaps the same John, although we can't be certain of that—wants to make it clear that that is not exactly what Jesus said. In its broader meaning, however, it still speaks to us today. Jesus has just called Peter—three times, just as Peter had denied him three times—to "Feed my sheep." It's an epic call to take action in the world. Instead of embracing it, or even acknowledging it, Peter is concerned with petty details. John was clearly Jesus' favorite disciple, so Peter wants to know what his role is going to be. Jesus responds, in effect, by telling Peter to mind his own business.   We, too, often get distracted by unimportant human details instead of focusing on our spiritual purpose and mission. When we, like the biblical Martha, get distracted by life, it's possible still to hear Jesus' firm and loving words. "What is that to you? Follow me!"   Blessings!

Rev. Ed