What can we learn from Jesus' response to Peter about focusing on our calling? Setting the scene After His bodily resurrection, Jesus shared breakfast with the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14). He publicly restored Peter, three times charging him, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-19). Immediately afterward, Peter noticed “the disciple whom Jesus loved” behind them and asked, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:20-21). Jesus redirects Peter’s gaze “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!’ ” (John 21:22). With one sentence, the Lord pulled Peter’s eyes off another servant and back onto the path prepared for him. Core lessons for our own calling • Comparison is a distraction. – Peter’s curiosity about John drew his focus away from his newly received stewardship. – Proverbs 4:25-27 calls us to keep our eyes straight ahead. • Each disciple’s assignment is unique. – Romans 12:4-6: “We have different gifts according to the grace given us.” – God’s plan for John was not Peter’s concern; nor is another believer’s path ours. • Obedience outweighs curiosity. – 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” – Jesus values prompt, wholehearted obedience over speculative questions. • Christ remains sovereign over every outcome. – “If I want him to remain…” underscores Jesus’ absolute authority over life spans and ministries (Psalm 139:16). – We can rest, knowing He writes every chapter. • The essential command is constant: “You follow Me.” – John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice… and they follow Me.” – Our highest call is relationship-driven obedience to Christ Himself. Other passages that echo the same call • Hebrews 12:1-2 — Run the race “set before us,” fixing eyes on Jesus, not other runners. • Galatians 6:4-5 — “Each one should test his own work… each will carry his own load.” • Matthew 25:14-30 — Parable of the talents: servants are judged by faithfulness with what they received, not by comparison. • 2 Timothy 4:7 — “I have fought the good fight… finished the course,” highlighting personal stewardship. Practical steps for staying on track • Begin each day reaffirming, “Lord, I will follow You today—wherever, however.” • Thank God for the diverse callings He entrusts to others; celebrate, don’t rival (1 Corinthians 12:26). • Limit comparison triggers—social media, casual competition, or critical talk. • Write out your God-given responsibilities and revisit them weekly. • When envy surfaces, immediately confess it and refocus on Christ (1 John 1:9). • Serve faithfully in the present assignment, trusting God to unfold the next step (Psalm 37:3-5). When comparison tempts us again • Remember Peter’s experience—the gentle rebuke of love. • Recite John 21:22 aloud; let it reset your heart. • Shift from “What about them?” to “Lord, how can I glorify You right now?” • Lean into grace: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In the end Jesus’ response to Peter calls every disciple to single-minded devotion. Our task is not to chart another believer’s course but to follow the Master ourselves—with humility, courage, and unwavering trust in His perfect plan. |
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