4/26/14- Peter Compares Himself to John

20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” (John 21:20-23)

Thoughts: There was really only one disciple of the twelve who was at the foot of the cross.  There was one disciple who followed Jesus to the High Priest's house.  There was one disciple who ran to the tomb beside Peter.  There was one disciple who didn't die a martyr's death.  That was the disciple John.  But even after being restored, Peter showed weakness.  He was looking around at what everyone else is doing.  Later, Paul would accuse Peter of saying one thing in front of the Gentiles and another in front of the Jews. We could learn a lesson from this mild rebuke of Jesus to his lead disciple: "What is that to you?"   We would do well to be faithful, and not compare ourselves to others- who may fail or who may succeed in various ways. 

Prayer: Lord, keep me true and faithful to you.