What Is That To You? You Follow Me!
Dear Friends, I read the following scripture again recently, and it ministered afresh to me. This scripture, along with the surrounding Bible Verses, remind us to keep focusing on God, to keep following God, to keep trusting God, and to keep fixing our eyes on Jesus, instead of being distracted by what is going on around us, and instead of constantly comparing ourselves to others.
I pray these words and scriptures are a blessing and encouragement to you and yours.
Main Bible Verse:
John 21:22, ESV Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
Surrounding Scriptures & Explanation:
In the verses preceding these, Peter, John (“the disciple whom Jesus loved”), and a few other disciples had been out trying to catch some fish. Jesus showed up, helped them, and invited them to eat and fellowship with him. The following exchange took place when they had finished eating together:
John 21:15-23, NIV
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
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Dear Friends, Jesus had told Peter what was going to happen to him, and how Peter’s life and death would glorify God. Peter then turned and saw John, and proceeded to ask – “Lord, what about him”?
Jesus’ response? – “What is that to you”? In short, Jesus was saying to Peter – don’t get distracted by people or by your circumstances. Stop comparing yourself to others. Focus on me, and Follow me. Focus on the assignment I have given you. Focus on living your life to glorify God!
This also reminds me of the time when Jesus invited Peter to walk on water with him, in Matthew 14:22-32. Peter walked on water when he fixed his eyes on Jesus! But once he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink (verse 30).
Dear Friends, God is again encouraging us through all these scriptures – focus on God! fix your eyes on God! Set your heart on God!
So help us God, Amen.
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Encouraging Scriptures:
Colossians 3:23, CSB Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,
Colossians 3:17, ESV And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Matthew 6:33-34, TPT So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
See also:
15 Bible Verses about Comparing Yourself To Others
16 Bible Verses about Choosing Gratitude
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
Bible Verses about Distractions
Trusting God One Day At A Time
Remembering What God Has Done
Set Your Heart On God.
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Thanks for reading, Dear Friends!
Have a wonderfully blessed, stress-free, productive, and joyful day!
Much Love & Blessings,
Bomi Jolly ~ JollyNotes.com
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