John 21:21

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

I do not know what Peter was thinking. I do know what I am thinking. My thoughts went along the lines of jealousy. That is me, my reaction, me judging this situation. That is not the truth, that is perspective.

I see things from my point of view. I don’t not have the right to teach it as truth. Perhaps this is why Jesus said to Peter “What is that to you?”

I can only share my thoughts but who is going to benefit from hearing my thoughts? Others might get to know a little bit more about me but no one should follow me. We follow Jesus.

My past is riddled with jealousy, not my own, my brother was jealous of me. His attitude towards me affected my whole life and ruined any chance of brotherly love. Perhaps that is why my first thoughts about Peter’s question leads me to think Peter was jealous.

I do believe Jesus knew Peter’s thoughts but He is God and has that power. Did Jesus call Peter out on specifics? No, He just added “You, follow me!”

I do not believe I am alone in judging Peter’s motives. I expect there will be other opinions.

John 16:8

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

The he in that verse is referring to the Holy Spirit. He will judge each aspect of our life in Christ, sin, righteousness and judgment.

1 Peter 4:6

For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

We are judged in the flesh for the way we are in order to confess our condition and return to following God.

John 21:15-19 English Standard Version

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

That was Jesus speaking to Peter.

John 21:20-23 English Standard Version

Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 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?”

Here is a lesson about human nature. When we ask questions that have nothing to do with our calling in Christ, as Peter did, it can lead to misunderstandings, rumors and false assumptions.

Perhaps this is why Paul told us that when we are running our race we need to stay in our own lane.

Perhaps, but that is just what my Lord is telling me about what I have done.

Confession is good for the soul.