Topical Encyclopedia In the Gospel of John, we encounter a moment that highlights the theme of presumption in the context of following Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. During this encounter, He reinstates Peter, who had denied Him three times, by asking Peter three times if he loves Him and instructing him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:17).Following this, Jesus gives Peter a glimpse into his future, indicating the manner of his death and calling him to follow Him. It is at this point that Peter, noticing the disciple whom Jesus loved (traditionally understood to be John), asks, "Lord, what about him?" (John 21:21). This question reveals a presumption on Peter's part, as he seeks to know the future or destiny of another disciple. Jesus' response to Peter is both direct and instructive: "If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!" (John 21:22). This reply underscores a key principle in the Christian walk: the call to follow Jesus is personal and individual. Each believer is called to focus on their own path of discipleship without undue concern for the specific plans God has for others. The presumption in Peter's question serves as a reminder of the human tendency to compare oneself with others or to seek knowledge of God's plans beyond what He has revealed. Jesus' response redirects Peter—and by extension, all believers—toward a trust in God's sovereign will and a commitment to personal obedience. This passage also highlights the importance of humility and contentment in the Christian life. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and timing, recognizing that His plans for each person are unique and tailored to their individual calling and purpose. In summary, the incident of Peter's question, "What will this man do?" serves as a caution against presumption and a call to focus on one's own relationship with Christ. It emphasizes the need for trust, obedience, and a personal commitment to follow Jesus, regardless of His plans for others. Nave's Topical Index John 21:20-22Then Peter, turning about, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrays you? Nave's Topical Index Library Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved. "I Will Give You Rest. " The Truth in Jesus. The Scales of Judgment "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ... The Hardness of the Way. "Lo, I Come": Application God's Scrutiny Longed For Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... The Healing of the Man Born Blind. Resources What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus Yahweh? Is Jesus Jehovah? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |