John 21:22 – “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse is Jesus’ response to Peter after Peter asks about John’s future (John 21:21). Instead of answering directly, Jesus gently rebukes Peter: “What is that to you?” He is reminding Peter that his focus should be on following Jesus, not on comparing his path to someone else’s.

Jesus uses a hypothetical scenario—“If I want him to remain alive until I return”—to make a point. He is not promising that John will live until the Second Coming, but He is emphasizing that Peter’s concern should not be John’s future but his own obedience.

Then Jesus gives Peter a direct command: “You must follow me.” This is the heart of discipleship. Jesus calls us to follow Him regardless of what happens to others.

Historical Context

By this time, Peter and John were both leading figures in the early church. They had different roles:

• Peter was a bold preacher and leader, eventually martyred in Rome.
• John was known for his deep spiritual insights and was the only disciple who was not martyred. Instead, he lived a long life and wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.

Because of Jesus’ words, a rumor spread that John would never die (John 21:23). John later clarifies that Jesus did not actually say that—He only used it as an example to make a point.

This passage highlights a key issue: human nature struggles with comparison. Even among the disciples, there was a temptation to wonder why God’s plan for one person was different from another’s.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Plan for Each Person is Unique – Jesus makes it clear that Peter’s calling is not the same as John’s. This teaches us that God’s purpose for each believer is different, but all are important.
2. Comparison Distracts from Obedience – Jesus redirects Peter’s focus: “You must follow me.” If we constantly compare our lives to others, we risk losing sight of what God has called us to do.
3. God is Sovereign Over Our Future – Peter had just been told about his future martyrdom (John 21:18-19). Instead of trusting Jesus, he got distracted by someone else’s future. But Jesus knows what is best for each of us.
4. Discipleship is About Trusting Jesus, Not Knowing the Details – Jesus does not tell Peter everything. Instead, He calls Peter to trust and obey, even when the future is unclear.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of repetition and contrast, and this passage is no exception.

• “What is that to you?” – This direct question is a challenge to Peter. Jesus is reminding him that God’s plans for others should not distract him from his own calling.
• “You must follow me.” – Jesus had called Peter before (Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10-11), but this command is repeated after Peter’s failure and restoration. It is a reminder that discipleship is a lifelong commitment.
• Contrast Between Peter and John – Peter is destined for martyrdom, while John will live a long life. This highlights that faithfulness to Christ looks different for each believer.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 21:18-19 – Jesus tells Peter that he will die as a martyr.
• John 21:23 – The misunderstanding that John would never die.
• Matthew 16:24 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
• Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:12 – Paul warns against comparing ourselves to others, saying it is “not wise.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. We Should Not Compare Our Journey to Others – God has a unique plan for each of us. Instead of asking, “Why is their life different?” we should ask, “How can I be faithful to what God has given me?”
2. Trust That God’s Plan is Best – Peter was worried about John’s future, but Jesus reminded him to trust in God’s wisdom, not his own understanding.
3. Following Jesus Requires Single-Minded Focus – Jesus calls us to focus on Him, not on what others are doing. If we get caught up in jealousy or comparison, we can miss out on what God is doing in our own lives.
4. Obedience is More Important Than Knowing the Future – Jesus did not explain everything to Peter; He simply called him to follow. We don’t need all the answers—we just need to trust Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God’s Love is Personal – Jesus had a specific plan for Peter and a different plan for John, but He loved them both equally.
• God’s Wisdom is Perfect – Jesus knew what was best for each disciple. He sees the full picture, even when we don’t understand.
• God’s Love Frees Us From Comparison – Instead of worrying about what others have, we can rest in the truth that God’s plan for us is good.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Lord of Our Calling – He is the one who calls and leads each disciple according to His perfect plan.
2. Jesus as the Focus of Our Faith – Instead of worrying about others, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus.
3. Jesus as the One Who Knows the Future – Just as He knew Peter’s and John’s futures, He knows ours, and we can trust Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Peter was so concerned about John’s future?
2. How does Jesus’ response challenge us to stop comparing ourselves to others?
3. What are some ways we can stay focused on following Jesus instead of worrying about what others are doing?
4. How does this passage encourage you to trust God’s unique plan for your life?
5. In what ways has God called you to follow Him, even when you don’t understand the future?

This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s plan for each person is different, but His call remains the same: “Follow me.” Instead of worrying about what others are doing, we should trust Jesus and walk faithfully in the path He has set for us.