Quick Note – John 21:20-22 – What Is That to You?

John 21:20-22 – 20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

Peter had just been asked by Jesus three times, “Do you love me?”  And even though it hurt Peter, Jesus asked him these questions to reinforce his faith and love for Christ.  After Peter responded to each of these questions, Jesus commanded him to take care of His sheep (the other disciples and believers in Christ).  He then finished his conversation with Peter by telling him that one day he would be forced to walk where he would not want to go, prophesying the type of death Peter would experience. 

But Peter wasn’t content with receiving this job and hearing this prophecy.  It didn’t seem fair that he was questioned by Christ, that he was given these tasks to do, and that his future death seemed to be one of a martyr’s.  So he asked Jesus, “What about this man?”  Peter was likely subtly asking, “What about this other disciple?  What about John?  What will happen to him?  And what commands do you have for him to do?”  Instead of acquiescing to Peter’s question, Jesus answered by saying, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow me!”  Instead of focusing on others, Jesus wanted Peter to focus on Him.  It didn’t matter what was going to happen to John.  It didn’t matter if John had a job or task.  All that mattered was that Jesus gave this command to Peter, and it was Peter’s job to obey.

In our lives as Christians, we are sometimes called by God to do certain things.  It is usually easy to do it when we know that others are working too.  But sometimes, it seems like God has put all the burden on our shoulders, while others get the benefit.  It’s as if we are called to do the work, while other Christians don’t have to.  It is usually in those times that we complain to God by saying, “What about them?  Why don’t they contribute?  Why aren’t they doing this task?  Why is all the work left for me?  This isn’t fair!”  It is during these times that we like Peter mistakenly shift our focus away from Christ and towards others.  And it is during these times that it is crucial for us to remember what Jesus told Peter, “What is that to you?  You follow me!” 

It doesn’t matter what God has planned for the lives of others.  It doesn’t matter what job or task they have been assigned or what their future holds.  Our job is to simply follow the plan that God has set for our own lives.  Regardless of the task, regardless of the situation, regardless of what is happening to others, we follow Christ.  It isn’t our job to question God’s plans.  For His plans are greater than our plans, and His ways greater than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  It isn’t our job to manage other people’s lives.  For what is that to us?  Our job, simply put, is to obey Christ – whatever He has given for us to do.  If it is to sing in the choir, then sing with all your heart, making a joyful noise to Him.  If it is to preach, then share the Word of God with clarity and poise.  If it is to clean the sanctuary, then do it all without complaining.  God has a unique plan for every one of His disciples.  We were all given a part to play and a job to do.  So instead of looking at others, focus on Christ, follow Him, and do what He has called you to do.