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"But what about..."
Pat McFall21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:21-23 ESV)
Jesus had just reinstated Peter. He singled Peter out among his peers, among those who had walked with Jesus. Jesus asked Peter 3x if he loved Him, it even caused Peter hurt. Peter sounds like he is wondering, "Doesn't He know that I love Him?" But Jesus spends this moment of time to encourage Peter, to let him know that he is loved, that he is in fact called and that he is asked in a way that none of the other apostles are to feed and tend the lambs and sheep of God.
But Peter turns (literally turns) and asks Jesus about John. It's like Peter is saying, "Well what about him Jesus, what's he going to do? " Jesus' response puts things in perspective. "It doesn't matter what happens with John, it doesn't matter if he lives until i return, your job is to follow me." But that didn't stop another rumor from spreading that John won't die until Jesus comes back.
I can't help but relate with Peter. In one moment I can have this incredible experience with God, even receive words of truth and affirmation and in the next moment I'm asking, "But God what about that guy?" or"God, what about this though?" I forget so easily the thing that God just did for me or the word that he just gave me because I'm asking, "God, but what about....?" Jesus is reminding me to simply follow Him, to keep my eyes on him the way that He exhorted Peter to do the same. It is a simple and profound challenge that will release joy, peace and trust into my life instead of envy, confusion or comparison.
Jesus, when my heart wants to run towards other things, help me choose to follow you. When I want to compare successes or failures, help me to remember to follow you. When I want to ask, "Jesus, but what about...?" help me to trust you and listen to your voice.
