How does John 21:21 relate to Matthew 7:3-5 about judging others? Setting the Scene in John 21 “When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’” (John 21:21) • The risen Jesus has just recommissioned Peter after his threefold denial (John 21:15-19). • Peter spots “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John) walking behind them and blurts out, “Lord, what about him?” • Jesus answers, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me!” (John 21:22). Jesus’ Redirect: Focus on Your Own Walk • Peter’s question shifts attention from his own obedience to someone else’s destiny. • Jesus firmly but lovingly steers Peter back: “You must follow Me!” • The implication: Don’t measure your path by another believer’s; keep your eyes on Christ. Matthew 7:3-5—The Speck and the Beam “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? … First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” • Jesus exposes hypocrisy: critiquing minor faults in others while ignoring major issues in ourselves. • The command is not to avoid discernment altogether (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:12), but to examine ourselves first. • Only after personal repentance are we fit to help a brother. How John 21:21 Echoes Matthew 7:3-5 1. Same heart issue—deflecting attention: • Peter: “What about him?” • Hypocrite: “Look at your speck.” 2. Same corrective—personal accountability: • Jesus: “You follow Me.” • Jesus: “First take the beam out of your own eye.” 3. Same outcome—clearer discipleship: • Peter can now concentrate on feeding Christ’s sheep (John 21:17). • The disciple, once beam-free, can truly help remove a speck. Supporting Scriptures • Romans 14:4 – “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” • Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test his own work.” • James 4:11-12 – “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge.” Practical Takeaways • Before critiquing another believer, ask: “Am I faithfully following Jesus in this area?” • Resist curiosity about God’s individualized plans for others; trust His sovereignty. • Self-examination precedes helpful correction—humility unlocks clarity. • Focusing on Christ frees us from comparison and cultivates genuine love for fellow believers. Summary John 21:21 places Peter in the same position Matthew 7:3-5 warns against: looking outward before looking inward. Jesus’ response—“What is that to you? You must follow Me!”—reinforces the call to personal obedience, humble self-scrutiny, and gracious involvement in others’ lives only after our own hearts are aligned with Him. |
    |