What about him?

John 21

[20] 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?") [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

[22] Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." [23] Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers 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?"

[24] This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Peter had just heard some very heavy news. It was reassuring to know that the Lord had knowledge of his future and would be there with him, but it was difficult to hear that the road of discipleship would eventually lead to a martyr’s death.

Peter had a logical question. “What about him?” What about the other disciple nearby? What about John? Would he also die a martyr’s death? Is this standard procedure for all followers of Jesus?

We don’t know exactly what motivated the question. It likely was based in Peter’s deep concern for his fellow disciple and friend. It also may be that, since the disciples had always been a little competitive, it was a speculation about whether this prediction was fair or not.

Jesus answered with wisdom and clarity. "If I want him (John) to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Jesus was not saying the John would remain alive until the return of Jesus, only that if He so desired, what business is that to anyone else. The Lord will order the steps of all His disciples in His wisdom.

There is only one concern for a disciple of Christ and that is to follow Jesus. Following Jesus meaning listening to what He has in mind for you then trusting and obeying. We are to listen with the Lord’s heart and then respond at the Lord’s leading in the Lord’s power.

Frankly, the life of discipleship won’t ever look “fair”. Some will get more years to serve than others will. Some will serve in harder places than others will. Some will suffer while others will not. Only God knows why. It is not our place to worry over such things.

Paul instructed, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philip. 4:6-7).

Certainly, we will have great compassion for those who suffer, but our concern must not distract us from our number one job, which is to follow Jesus. We are to pray and seek Him. If He tells us to help, aid, or comfort, that is what we are to do. But we are not to concern ourselves with the fairness of relative blessing or difficulty in the life of discipleship. God is God. We are not.

Have you been troubled by the disparity that exists in the lives of disciples you know? Turn it over to Him. Seek Him. Listen. Trust. Obey. And let the peace of God, which transcends understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Lord, I have a hard time turning life over to You. You are God. I am not. I have lifted my heart to You. Lift the burden from me. I am listening. I will do as You direct. I am following You. In Jesus’ name.