What is the meaning of John 21:22? If I want him to remain - “If I want him to remain…” (John 21:22) reminds us that Jesus holds absolute authority over each believer’s lifespan and mission. • Jesus has the right to will that John live longer than Peter—just as He keeps “everyone in My Father’s hand” (John 10:28). • Scripture frequently highlights God’s sovereign care over individual destinies: “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book” (Psalm 139:16), and not even a sparrow falls apart from the Father’s will (Matthew 10:29-31). • By stating “If I want…,” Christ signals that any difference in length of service or earthly outcome is intentional, purposeful, and wise. until I return - The phrase anticipates Christ’s literal second coming: “If I want him to remain until I return…” • Earlier Jesus promised, “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:3), reaffirmed by the angels: “This same Jesus… will come back in the same way” (Acts 1:11). • Revelation closes with “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). The possibility that John could remain until that day shows Jesus’ return is real and, from a human perspective, imminent. • Whether John lived to see it or not is secondary; the certainty is that Christ will indeed come. what is that to you? - Jesus gently corrects Peter’s curiosity: “what is that to you?” • Comparison distracts from obedience. Paul echoes this: “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls” (Romans 14:4). • Each believer carries a unique assignment: “Let each one examine his own work… each will bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4-5). • God “has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He desired” (1 Corinthians 12:18). Peter’s task is not to micromanage John’s story but to steward his own. You follow Me! - The command distills discipleship: personal, continual, undivided. • Earlier Jesus said, “Whoever serves Me must follow Me” (John 12:26). • Following entails self-denial and daily cross-bearing (Luke 9:23), persevering toward “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). • Peter will shortly lead the Jerusalem church and ultimately glorify God in martyrdom (John 21:18-19). His success hinges on locking eyes with the Shepherd, not on gauging another disciple’s path. summary John 21:22 teaches that Jesus sovereignly directs each believer’s life, holds the timing of His return, forbids fruitless comparison, and calls every disciple to steadfast, personal obedience. Our role is clear and constant: keep following Him. |
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