You Follow Me

John 21:20-25

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”. 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”. 24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Notes

The author, John, the son of Zebedee, records Peter's profound restoration after his denial of Christ. Three times, the Lord asked Peter about his love and three times, He commissioned him, which mirrors Peter’s three denials. The Lord gently but firmly reinstates him, calling him to pastoral responsibility. Moreover, Christ also revealed Peter’s future, which would lead to martyrdom for the glory of God. As the narrative shifts, Peter turns his attention to the unnamed disciple, prompting a final word from Jesus, “What is that to you?” In closing, the author corrects a misunderstanding. He then affirms the truthfulness of his apostolic witness and leaves the reader marveling at the inexhaustible glory of Christ.

1. Follow Me

   After Peter received his restoration and commission from Christ, he turned his attention to the unnamed disciple. Peter inquired about him, but the Lord rebuked Peter, “What is that to you? You follow me.” Peter should remain focus on the task at hand.

   
   20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:20-22).
   

   Application: Christ determines each disciple’s path: Each of us must focus on the assignment that the Lord gave us. Let us begin with our personal relationship with Him, then our family, then our church community, and then the mission to proclaim the gospel.

2. Correction

   The writer corrected a misunderstanding. He clarified that the Lord did not say that the unnamed disciple would not die. The author repeated the precise words as he remembered them. The writer had to correct an inaccurate understanding.
   
   23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:23).

   Application: Practice biblical accuracy. A slight misunderstanding of Christ’s words can spread far and wide, leading to erroneous teaching. Therefore, we must approach Scripture with disciplined reading, attentive listening, careful observation, and restrained speaking. The principle may also apply to our relationship as brothers and sisters.

3. Testimony

   The author reveals himself as the beloved disciple. He positions himself as a firsthand testimony of all he recorded. The author affirms that what has been written is genuine and trustworthy, even while acknowledging that Jesus did far more than could ever be recorded.

   
   24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written (John 21:24- 25).

   Application: Believe and proclaim the testimony: The early church attested that John’s writings were true. Therefore, we must study it carefully and prayerfully, leading to believing and obeying. However, it does not stop there. We are called to spread their witness to many people so that they would also believe.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did Jesus rebuke Peter’s question?

2. What misunderstanding arose from Jesus’ words?

3. How did John affirm his testimony’s truthfulness?