When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” John 21:20 NABRE
In their final meeting Peter and Jesus are speaking privately and Peter wonders what will happen to the disciple who was laying on Jesus chest at the Passover meal they celebrated together. Many believe this is John the Evangelist, likely the youngest of those closest to Jesus. Peter may suffer a similar death as Jesus has suffered. Jesus tells the disciples honestly that following Him will make them hated and in this case Peter has been told by Jesus He will die with his hands stretched. Jesus infers this other disciple may remain until Jesus Himself returns. Word spread that this disciple would not die. We know that this version of Jesus message was the last to be written and that John the evangelist lived a long life, telling the stories of Jesus again and again. If he wrote this gospel it is likely in hind sight that he adds this text near the conclusion about living until Jesus returns, wondering himself why he lives so long.
Jesus response to Peter about his own destiny is striking. Jesus says what if I want him to remain, and adds; what concern is it of yours, you follow me. For me this makes two points, each follower of Jesus has their own calling, how they live and die is appropriate for their Christian mission and second Jesus wants Peter to live and die as He has. Follow me, can mean live as I lived and die as I died. Tradition holds that Peter went to Rome, preached and died on a cross. Both callings, Peter’s and John’s, serve Jesus in the manner desired, just as each Christian whose life is for Jesus. “For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8)
Is your life for Jesus? Which do you choose life or death?
Peter and John's callings, serve Jesus in the manner desired, as each Christian whose life is for Jesus. 'For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.' (Romans 14:8) Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #life #mission #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways