Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Peter 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?”)
When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Because 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?”
This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:19–25
As an author, I’m always fascinated by how writers choose to end their books. “What’s the final thing they want the reader to think about?” is my question heading into every last chapter, every last page, even every last paragraph.
With that in mind, I found myself drawn this week to the final paragraph of the Gospel of John. And what a brilliant ending it is:
“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
What a powerful reminder that Jesus did even more miracles and more teaching than we have recorded in Scripture. He’s even better and more powerful than the stories we know.
But just before John offers that conclusion, he tells one final story—an interaction between Jesus and Peter that contains a powerful truth for us all.
Jesus has just reinstated Peter and given him this command, “Feed my sheep,” and revealed to him the kind of death he would endure for God’s glory.
Peter, still processing all of this, turns to see John nearby and asks, “Lord, what about him?”
And Jesus responds, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
I don’t know if you need encouragement today, or challenge. I don’t know if you need comfort or boldness. Grace or hard truth.
But Jesus’s words here provide all of it.
It doesn’t matter today what work the Holy Spirit is doing in the life of your family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker. What is that to you? Your responsibility today remains the same as yesterday: “Follow Him.”
No matter what work God is doing in the life of another (and He is always at work), our responsibility remains the same: Follow Him.
No matter what trial you’re going through (whether others are experiencing the same or not), our responsibility is the same: Follow Him.
No matter what role God is calling you to fulfill in His Kingdom (whether others are being asked to do the same or something different), our responsibility is the same: Follow Him.
No matter who God has placed in your life to love and serve (whether He’s placed that person in another’s life or not), our responsibility is the same: Follow Him.
We care deeply for our brothers and sisters. We desire their spiritual growth. We want our neighbors and the nations to meet Christ and receive the forgiveness only He can offer. And that is precisely why we must follow Him.
But each day, it is not our role to question what God is doing in the heart of another or to compare their path with ours.
Our calling is always the same: Follow Him today as closely and passionately as you possibly can.
Because in the end, that’s the decision that matters most.
And that, it seems to me, is exactly what John wanted us thinking about as he closed his Gospel. Follow Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the reminder that no matter what is happening around me, my calling is always to follow you. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you—trusting your plan, obeying your Word, and listening to your Holy Spirit. Amen.