In John 21:20–22, we witness a quiet yet powerful exchange between Jesus and Peter—one that carries a timeless lesson about calling, comparison, and faithfulness. After restoring Peter and commissioning him to care for His people, Jesus addresses a question that many believers still wrestle with today: “What about someone else’s path?”
This short passage reminds us that discipleship is personal, purposeful, and rooted in trust.
“Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’
Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’
Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”
The Context: A Restored Disciple and a Lingering Question
Just moments before this conversation, Jesus had lovingly restored Peter after his denial. He reaffirmed Peter’s calling and spoke honestly about the cost of following Him. It was a deeply personal moment between teacher and disciple.
But then Peter turned and noticed John following them.
He asked Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”
This question may seem harmless, but it reveals a common human tendency—comparison. Even after being forgiven and recommissioned, Peter’s focus shifted from his own calling to someone else’s journey.
Jesus’ Direct Response
Jesus answered Peter firmly yet lovingly:
“If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
In this statement, Jesus redirected Peter’s attention back to where it belonged—not on John’s future, not on comparisons, but on personal obedience.
Jesus was essentially saying:
- Your calling is not measured against others
- Your obedience is not dependent on their path
- Your responsibility is to follow Me
The Danger of Comparison
Comparison can quietly steal joy, clarity, and faith. When believers compare their journey with others, they risk losing sight of God’s unique work in their own lives.
John 21:20–22 reminds us that:
- God’s plans are personal
- Every disciple has a different assignment
- Faithfulness matters more than fairness
Peter’s story teaches us that looking sideways can distract us from walking forward.
John’s Role: Faithful Without Explanation
Interestingly, Jesus never explains John’s future. The point of the conversation was never about John—it was about Peter’s focus.
John’s path would be different. His calling would unfold in God’s timing. And that difference did not diminish Peter’s role or importance.
This reinforces an important truth: God does not owe us explanations about others. He calls us to trust Him with our own path.
Lessons for Believers Today
1. Stay focused on your calling
God has given each believer a unique assignment. Stay faithful to what He has entrusted to you.
2. Avoid the trap of comparison
Someone else’s blessings, pace, or purpose does not take away from your own.
3. Trust God’s sovereignty
God is working in ways you may not see or understand—but He is always faithful.
4. Follow Jesus daily
Jesus’ command to Peter still stands for us today: “You follow Me.”
A New Perspective on Faithfulness
John 21:20–22 invites believers to shift their focus from outcomes to obedience. The question is not “Why them?” or “What about others?” but rather:
Am I following Jesus faithfully today?
When believers embrace this mindset, they find freedom, peace, and purpose—no matter what others are doing.
One Path, One Call, One Focus
Jesus’ words to Peter echo across generations. They remind us that faith is not a competition, and calling is not a comparison.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to walk our own path with trust, humility, and obedience—fixing our eyes not on others, but on Jesus.
The call remains the same: Follow Him.
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