John 21:21 – “When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Peter has just received a prophecy from Jesus about how he will die for God’s glory (John 21:18-19). Instead of responding with trust or asking for strength, Peter turns his attention to John, the beloved disciple, and asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

Peter’s question reveals something about human nature: we are often more interested in what God is doing in someone else’s life than in simply trusting Him with our own. Instead of fully embracing Jesus’ call, Peter gets distracted by comparison. He wants to know what will happen to John.

Jesus had just restored Peter after his denial, giving him an important mission to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). But rather than focusing on this call, Peter immediately looks at someone else. This is a common struggle—even when we know God has given us a purpose, we sometimes want to compare our situation to others instead of walking in obedience.

Historical Context

By this time, Peter and John were both leading figures among the disciples. They had different personalities—Peter was bold and outspoken, while John was quiet and reflective. Even though they worked closely together (Acts 3:1-11, Acts 8:14), Peter’s question suggests that he was curious about John’s future compared to his own.

The phrase “Lord, what about him?” reflects a common way of thinking, especially among people in close relationships. Siblings, coworkers, and even fellow believers often compare their circumstances, wondering why God’s plan for them looks different from someone else’s.

Jesus’ response in the next verse (John 21:22) makes it clear that Peter should not be concerned with John’s path—his only focus should be on following Jesus.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Plans Are Unique for Each Person – Jesus had just told Peter what his future would hold, but John’s future was not Peter’s concern. This teaches us that God has a different calling and purpose for each of us.
2. Comparison Can Distract from Obedience – Peter had just been restored and commissioned, yet he immediately got distracted. Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on Him, not on what others are doing.
3. Trust in God’s Sovereignty – Peter’s question reflects a desire for control—he wants to know the full plan. But Jesus reminds him that he doesn’t need all the details—he just needs to trust and follow.
4. The Danger of Spiritual Jealousy – Sometimes, we feel envious when others seem to have an easier or more significant calling. This verse warns against that mindset—God’s plan is always good, even when it looks different from someone else’s.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is structured in a way that highlights key lessons through dialogue and personal interactions.

• “When Peter saw him” – Peter physically turns away from Jesus to look at John. This symbolizes how easily we can turn our focus away from Jesus and toward others.
• “Lord, what about him?” – This short question reveals a heart that is not fully surrendered. Instead of saying, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you,” Peter’s mind is on someone else.
• Contrast Between Peter and John – The passage subtly contrasts Peter’s active but sometimes impulsive nature with John’s steady and faithful presence. Each disciple had a different role, and that was part of God’s design.

This passage reminds us that discipleship is personal—it’s about following Jesus, not worrying about how our journey compares to someone else’s.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 21:22 – Jesus responds to Peter, telling him to focus on following Him rather than worrying about John’s future.
• Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” This verse emphasizes that our walk with God is personal, and we should not be distracted by comparison.
• 2 Corinthians 10:12 – Paul warns against comparing ourselves with others, saying it is “not wise.”
• Matthew 16:24 – Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and follow Him—not look at what others are doing.
• Luke 10:40-42 – Martha worries about Mary’s role instead of focusing on Jesus. This is another example of someone being distracted by comparison instead of devotion.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Stay Focused on Your Own Calling – God has a unique purpose for each believer. Instead of comparing our lives to others, we should focus on being faithful in what God has called us to do.
2. Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Unclear – Peter wanted to know everything about John’s future, but Jesus reminded him that his job was simply to follow. We don’t need all the answers—we just need to trust.
3. Avoid the Trap of Comparison – Whether in ministry, careers, or personal life, it’s easy to wonder, “Why does their life look different from mine?” But God’s plan for us is perfect, even if it doesn’t match someone else’s.
4. Obedience Matters More Than Knowing the Future – Sometimes, we hesitate in our faith because we want more information before fully surrendering. But Jesus calls us to trust and obey, even when we don’t have all the details.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God’s Love is Personal – Jesus’ response to Peter (John 21:22) shows that God’s plan for each person is intentional and unique.
• God’s Wisdom is Perfect – Peter was focused on John’s future, but God knew exactly what was best for both of them. We can trust that God’s wisdom is greater than our understanding.
• God’s Love is Not Based on Comparison – Jesus loved both Peter and John, but in different ways. God’s love for us is never measured by someone else’s life—it is full, complete, and personal.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the One Who Calls – Just as Jesus called Peter personally, He calls each of us to follow Him in our own journey.
2. Jesus as the Lord of Every Person’s Life – Peter was concerned about John, but Jesus was in control of both their futures. This reminds us that Jesus is the Lord of all, guiding each person according to His perfect will.
3. Jesus as the Focus of True Discipleship – True discipleship means fixing our eyes on Jesus, not getting caught up in comparisons or distractions.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Peter was concerned about John’s future instead of focusing on his own calling?
2. Have you ever struggled with comparing your life to someone else’s? How can this passage help you overcome that?
3. How does Jesus’ response in the next verse (John 21:22) challenge us to trust Him more?
4. What are some ways we can keep our focus on following Jesus instead of worrying about others?
5. How can we encourage others to trust God’s unique plan for their lives instead of comparing themselves to others?

This verse is a powerful reminder that our walk with Jesus is personal. Instead of worrying about what God is doing in someone else’s life, we are called to follow Him wholeheartedly, trusting that His plan for us is good, even when we don’t understand it.