What is the meaning of John 21:20? Peter turned • In the previous verse Jesus tells Peter, “Follow Me” after predicting the manner of Peter’s death (John 21:18-19). Turning shows Peter’s very human tendency to look around rather than remain fixed on Christ. • Similar moments of distraction appear when Peter walked on water and “saw the wind” (Matthew 14:30); each time, the Lord graciously redirects him. • The verse reminds us that obedience often means keeping our eyes on Jesus, not on what others are doing (Hebrews 12:2). saw the disciple whom Jesus loved • This phrase points to John, the Gospel’s author (John 13:23; 19:26-27; 20:2). • John’s self-description highlights relationship over name—his chief identity is being loved by Jesus (1 John 4:19). • Peter’s notice of John underlines the differing callings of believers: Peter to pastoral leadership (John 21:15-17), John to faithful witness (Revelation 1:2). following them • John physically follows the risen Christ and Peter along the shoreline, just as he has followed Jesus from the beginning (Luke 5:11). • The scene pictures discipleship: walking behind Jesus, attentive yet unobtrusive (Mark 8:34). • It also sets up Jesus’ later words about John’s future (John 21:22), stressing that each disciple’s path is God-designed. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper • The reference recalls the intimacy of the Last Supper, where John sat next to Jesus and leaned against Him (John 13:25). • That closeness symbolizes both fellowship and privileged insight into the Lord’s heart (Psalm 25:14; John 15:15). • The Gospel writer re-anchors his credibility: the same eyewitness who heard Jesus predict betrayal now witnesses the post-resurrection commission. to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” • John’s earlier question (John 13:24-26) showed courage and trust; he could ask what others feared to voice. • Mentioning it here contrasts the treachery of Judas with John’s steadfast devotion (Acts 1:16-17). • It also underscores Jesus’ omniscience: the prediction came true, validating every word He now speaks about Peter and John (John 18:2-5). summary John 21:20 captures a candid moment: Peter, freshly charged to “Follow Me,” turns and sees John quietly trailing them—the same beloved disciple who once leaned on Jesus to learn about the betrayer. The verse spotlights three truths: disciples easily shift focus, each believer enjoys a unique walk with Christ, and lasting closeness to Jesus springs from knowing we are loved by Him. |
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