What is that to you? You must follow me

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them… 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.” (John 21:20–22)

Soon after Jesus rises from the dead, He shares an intimate moment with Peter, the disciple who had so recently denied knowing Him three times. As this restorative conversation draws to a close, Jesus gives Peter a glimpse of the challenges that await him in the future. Peter, evidently intrigued by Jesus’ ability to see into the future, spies John (known in John’s gospel as the disciple whom Jesus loved), and asks Jesus what his fate will be. In response, Jesus basically tells him “That is none of your business. You just need to concern yourself with following me.”
 
The one who has ears to hear, let them hear.

There is a quote, attributed to various people over the years, that says “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This sentiment echoes Proverbs 14:30, which reads “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” It is so hard for us not to fall into Peter’s trap. Jesus calls us to follow Him, and then our eyes begin to wander, and we begin to wonder why our road seems so difficult compared to the journey someone else has been asked to walk. And, if we’re not careful, comparison steals our joy and envy rots our bones.

In my years as pastor, I have found that one of the most dangerous pastimes for my soul is to visit the websites of other churches. I find it hard to look dispassionately at the pictures, read the web pages, or listen to the sermons. Inevitably, I end up in one of two places: either I become proud, looking down on what I see, or, more often, I end up wallowing in self-pity, envious of what I see.
         
It is probably not church websites for you, but I would imagine that there are arenas where you get sucked into your own comparison game. Maybe you compare your spouse, or former spouse, to other people. Perhaps it’s your job, or your car, or your house. Maybe you can’t help but become envious of other people’s looks or health or families. Whatever it may be for you, I would bet that the comparison game is stealing your joy too, and envy is rotting your bones.

I encourage you to hear once again the words of Jesus to Peter on that day by the lake. In the end, the path that God has called others to walk is between them and God. What business is that of yours? “You must follow me.” May you have the courage and trust to be faithful to the one who has called you to follow Him.