20 Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Message: Peter Asks about John
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: In the last passage Peter's life is contrasted, from the beginning of his life when he is young and ambitious and has the world before his eyes, to the end of his life when Jesus foretold his death as a martyr. And also in speaking this he remarks about how there is a way of life that is outside of our control that we don't control. This is death but other things as well. There is a trust that occurs in life in outcomes. We can try to control things and do things to the best of our ability but at some point things are not in our control and will happen differently.
We were with some friends the other night and talked to them about how they met. It was an interesting story and how the gal had seen a picture of the guy and he came for a visit and he thought that she was close friends with his brother and wife and the guy wasn't real impressed with the character of his brother's wife (they would later divorce). It wasn't until they had an argument that the gal revealed she doesn't really know his brother's wife. And this then made the guy see the gal in a whole new light. In way, God used an argument or some fighting to open the eyes of two people in a new way. 3 days later, spending time together, they left each other with a confidence and idea that they would always be together.
There are some things in life we control and some things we don't control. What we control is how we live and respond to situations. It is important to be committed to God, to something outside of our marriage. And trust that God will always be working on our mate. It is important I think to always be in church together, in small group community, in finding ways to do things together - like riding bikes or working in the yard, or going to the gym or even watching TV. And praying. Not that we are perfect in those things always, but striving to do those things together.
In this passage we have Peter being told to follow Jesus and now Jesus wonders what will happen to John. A comparison occurs by Peter. He has just found out his outcome and he immediately now wonders what will happen to John. His fate is known, but he now looks to his brother. That sibling rivalry which happened with Cain and Abel, which God addresses in his commandment of coveting. And now Peter brings it up. What about John? Peter has just found out about his life and he has been told he needs to simply Follow Jesus and trust Jesus and his first reaction is, "What about John?"
Now John has started following Jesus and Peter. Jesus has been speaking to Peter, providing specific language to Peter about his life and beckoning Him to follow and John hears this and through the working of another person in His life, follows. John isn't told something directly but he still follows.
However, maybe Peter had the best in mind for his brother and maybe he wants to make sure that John's future is also under God's control. It is interesting that in Peter referring to John he quotes from the last last supper time when John asked Jesus about Judas as Jesus predicted also the future of one who will betray. That is how Peter brings up John.
And then Peter asks, "what about this man?” Interesting here. Peter wants to know his brother's outcome. His intention is not clear for asking this question - perhaps he is comparing and perhaps he is concerned about his brother. Jesus responds in verse 22 that his outcome or his future is really not a concern to Peter. We need to take care of ourselves and trust that God knows the best for others. Jesus reminds Peter of his calling to "Follow Me."
In verse 24 is the reminder that the words spoken in this book are the words of John, the disciple immediately in question in previous verses by Peter.
Summary: Peter asks about the outcome of John and Jesus assures him that his outcome is known and under His control and Peter needs to simply Follow Him.
Promise: As we follow the Lord where He has placed us, He will bless us and give us the strength to remain true to Him.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your great love. I follow You. I follow You Lord and thank you for blessing me with peace and life today. You are the great God. You are living in Me and I pray that I would honor You with my life and you would strengthen me always each day in my endeavors. Help me to not get off course, looking to my right or left but stay focused on You always. Thank you for the blessing of those around me, like my wife and giving me that great gift. Help us to be focused on one another and always committed to You. Be glorified in all we do and say.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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