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Follow Me

April 17th, 2025

John 21:20-25      

What was Peter feeling when Jesus asked him if he loved Him? We know he was hurt at the repetition of the question, “Do you love me?” (vv. 15-17). And it must have been puzzling to Peter to hear Jesus’ remark about being made to go where he did not want to go at the end of his life. John’s comment in 21:19 notes that Jesus was speaking of Peter’s death, but he does not clarify if Peter knew that at the time.

Now, Peter became aware that “the disciple whom Jesus loved” had been following Peter and Jesus. So Peter asked, “What about him?” Jesus refused to satisfy Peter’s curiosity. Why did Peter want to know? Was he feeling vulnerable at having such a sensitive conversation being overheard? Was there some hidden rivalry he felt with John?

While we can speculate, what is clear is Jesus’ answer. Sometimes we need to be told to “mind our own business.” We get caught up in what others are doing, or what they are getting. We compare ourselves to them, and feel inadequate. Instead, we must do as Jesus directed Peter: “You must follow me” (v. 22).

Author: Judi King