What Is That To Thee?

I just finished the book of John in my Bible studies.  Going through chapter 21, verse 22 stood out to me.  I know I've read this verse before.  I know I've heard it preached on before.

But this was really the first time I started to "get" it. The first time I wondered about how this verse could be applied to my life.


First some background...

Jesus is speaking to Peter.  He had actually just told Peter a few verses back that he was going to die for the cause of Christ.  And history shows that Peter did indeed die a martyr.

But back to the verse.  After hearing that he would die, Peter looks over and sees John.  John is known as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  So Peter knows that he's going to die for Christ.  And he basically asks Jesus in verse 21, "What about him?  What's going to happen to John?"

 So with that quick background in place, here is the verse that got me thinking...

"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."

Jesus is asking Peter why it matters what John was called to do.  Peter's job is to not worry about John.  Peter is to follow Jesus.  Regardless of what John does. 

And the same is true for us today.

We are to follow Christ.  Our paths all look different.  Our ministries are not the same. Knowing that, our desire should be to follow Christ wherever He would lead us. To keep our eyes on Him.  

With this important truth, why do we worry so much about comparing ourselves with others?  Why do I worry so much about how I measure up? Why do I constantly feel the need to do more and more?

 I need to stop.

 I need to stop comparing.  I need to stop wishing that I was someone I'm not.

Because God made me me.  He has a plan for me.  My job is to follow Him in that plan.  And not to get distracted by what others are doing. It's not my business.  What is that to me? 

It's hard.

Not comparing is really hard.

And I need to work on it. 

I need to embrace the me that God made.  He knows me.  And most importantly, loves me.

I'm very thankful that the Lord really showed me John 21:22 this morning.

What are your thoughts on this verse? 




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