Why do you care?

John 21:22

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?  You must follow me.”

Before leaving for Home, Jesus took the time to help His friends fish one last time.  After that He treated them to a picnic breakfast.

As had been His method, Jesus took the time to teach the Disciples.  Since time was short, He wanted them to have every bit of important information possible.  He needed them to be ready for the upcoming hardships.

He singles out Peter, who is the unofficial leader of the crew.  The fisherman is loud and has a temper, so Jesus want to be sure he’s in the right spot.  After getting the answer, Jesus moves on.

But Peter has a question.  Jesus said that he’d suffer the same kind of fate that his LORD did.  But what about John?  John was Jesus’ best friend on while on Earth.  What about him?

Peter is genuinely curious, and perhaps a little jealous.  Why does John get the easy way out?  Is John really that well liked, or is he “not good enough” for the ultimate showing of devotion?

Jesus’ response, as usual, is to the point.  “If I wanted him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”  Basically, He calls the stubborn fisherman out.  He acknowledges the frustration Peter feels, but makes sure he understands that it is not important to him.  What does it matter if John lives longer than Peter?  Should it effect Peter’s relationship with Christ?

No.  Now, what if we replace Peter’s name with your name?  And perhaps the issue isn’t who Jesus leaves alive, but a calling He has for you, but not someone else.  Our job is not to worry about what God has for someone else.  Our task is simply to follow Him.

LORD Jesus,

Sometimes we lose sight of our purpose.  We get so concerned with what other’s are doing that we forget to focus on Your plan for us.  Help us to follow You and not be bothered by Your plans for others.

Amen