Individual Responsibility
Homiletic Monthly
John 21:21-23
Peter seeing him said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?…


Each one must answer for himself. The account is kept between God and each individual. There must be no impertinent curiosity as to God's dealings with others — the heathen, children — those possessing few privileges. In a sense we are not our brother's keeper. God communicates direct, seldom by the way of other souls. He did not convey His message to John through Peter. Christ wished to hold Peter's mind to his own sin and responsibility. See that you follow Me, whatever John or others do. Yet this he was to do in a way that did not prevent his seeking the welfare of others. The thrice-repeated command of Christ was still ringing in his ears — "Feed My sheep;" "Feed My lambs." Observe —

1. What this individual responsibility is.

2. The sin of neglecting it.

3. Our only escape if we have neglected it in the past, immediate repentance and acceptance of the proffered pardon.

(Homiletic Monthly.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

WEB: Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"




Following Christ
Top of Page
Top of Page