John 21:22: “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you?” As for you, follow me.”
Those five words said by Jesus to Peter, in John 21 have stuck out at me – from the last chapter of John – “what is that to you?”. Peter had looked at John, who served closely in ministry with Peter, was an intimate friend, and who was also a follower of Jesus as is stated in verse 20b: “follower whom Jesus loved,” and asked Jesus “what about him?”
I see Peter as having a magnetic personality and very human. Peter was strong, not lazy, a take-charge leader. He made decisions quickly. Peter knew how to get things done. He was sincere. However, he was impulsive and acted like a coward when he denied Christ (John 18:13-27) three times but wept bitterly in remorse afterward. Honesty was also one of his strong points, and he had charisma. Peter eventually learned to depend upon the Lord to accomplish things for God in his ministry instead of depending upon his own abilities.
Peter had a conversation with Jesus as they walked along the shore – just the two of them. Peter noticed John was following them behind the group. Of all of the disciples, John behaved the most honorably. John remained close to Jesus during His trials and crucifixion. We read that John was a follower “whom Jesus loved” in John 21:20. Peter had his ups and downs in comparison. I am sure Peter felt like a failure as he looked at John, and felt inferior to John. John was the God-appointed messenger to announce the arrival of Jesus. He was a fearless confronter. It was John who first realized the stranger on the shore was Jesus (John 21 – when they had gone fishing). No doubt Peter struggled with feelings of past shame, frustration, and guilt in comparison to John. But that is never God’s response. Sound familiar?
Jesus’ prophecy to Peter regarding his own death of martyrdom prompted Peter’s question. It could have been out of sincere concern regarding John’s future when Peter asks Jesus “what about this one” – what about John? Jesus tells Peter to do what Peter is supposed to do and let Jesus manage John. Jesus rebukes Peter and says: “What is that to you?” He then repeats His earlier admonition to Peter which was – “Follow me!”
I believe we can learn from the impact of this verse in John 21:22, and then act on the application of, ”so what, what is that to you (my added paraphrase).” We all have weaknesses and imperfections. Peter emerged from his previous failure transformed with Christ-confidence instead of his own self-confidence. We don’t need to compare ourselves to anyone else doing good things too and feel we are lacking because each believer has the light of God within their heart, and we possess the light of salvation (Matt. 16:24). We are all called to bring glory to God in all that we do. We must live our life in supreme faithfulness to the Lord and not compare it to anyone else’s. We must not let distractions derail us. Jesus tells us too, “So what is that to you? Follow Me!”
Listen to Lauren Daigle – You Say (Official Music Video).