Peter must have observed the camaraderie between Jesus and John the beloved, long enough for him to question Jesus about John’s fate. He wondered why John was the only disciple that was so close to the master, to the extent he laid his head on his breasts comfortably while conversations ensued between them.
The closeness must have been noticed by other disciples, however, trust garrulous Peter to always voice out his thoughts.
He was amazed to see how quickly they had bonded without any qualms but for himself, he was questioned about his Love for Christ.
Peter had decided to embark on his once abandoned fishing expedition, but was stopped halfway, courtesy of Christ’s intervention. Christ placed him in a position where he had to validate his Love for the him. However, it wasn’t only Peter that initially left to attend to his business, other disciples followed suit, including John the beloved. None was brave enough to call Peter back to his senses and remind him of how they had left all to follow Jesus. So he wondered why this beloved disciple wasn’t placed in the same hot spot Jesus’ placed him seeing they all went “on a fishing” together. He was amazed to see how quickly they had bonded without any qualms but for himself, he was questioned about his Love for Christ.
Can Christ not trust his Love for him like he did John’s without questioning him to ascertain it? Was Christ not partial in his ordeals with his disciples?
The answer he received from Christ was a humbling one, “… What is it to you?Follow thou me.” That was enough to steer the wheel of Peter’s attention from John’s walk with God to his personal walk with the Saviour.
Recently, I have meditated more on the words of Jesus and discovered that no matter how short they are, contain great lessons if we will be patient enough to ponder on them, while allowing the Holy Spirit to chart the course of our thoughts.
Many have left the Faith because they have failed to understand that Jesus relates with every believer in unique ways that will strengthen their faith in him
This biblical story line is not only about Peter, but also about us. After all, the scriptures were written for our learning and edification.The rapport between Jesus Christ and John was indeed an enviable one. It was evident that their hearts were closely knitted. Peter, on the other hand, who was always on the move to defend Christ, as seen in his swift action in slicing off the ear of one of the priest’s servants when Jesus was about to be taken away, didn’t enjoy such closeness( so, he thought)
“ What is it to you?” Is Jesus Christ’s question to as many believers who are busy placing their walk with God on a scale of comparison with a fellow believer’s, and thinking that Christ is partial in his dealings with us.
Jesus expected more maturity from Peter at that instance because he was interested in his spiritual stability and he utilized the best approach for Peter
Many have left the Faith because they have failed to understand that Jesus relates with every believer in unique ways that will strengthen their faith in him. If it will take John’s leaning on Christ’s breast to be assured of the Saviour’s love for him or if it will take Thomas’s request to see Jesus’ pierced hands for him to believe in his resurrection, so be it; As long as the aim is the growth of their faith in God. What about the parable of the prodigal son? How his Father threw a huge feast to welcome him home whereas the older son hasn’t enjoyed such a benefit ( or so he thought).
Your relationship with God is different from another’s, although the foundation is the same. Also, God’s expectations of you is also different from others. Jesus expected more maturity from Peter at that instance because he was interested in his spiritual stability and he utilized the best approach for Peter.
This is a clarion call to shift our gaze from every distraction that will cause our Faith in God to dwindle, and fix it on the Savior.Whatever it is you admire in the lives of other believers and desire in your life, let it be to only spur your walk with God and not hamper it by breeding envy. The goal is following Jesus till the end. No matter what others have done or haven’t, your sole gaze should be on Jesus and serving him with whatever gift(s) he has given you.
So, dear friends, whatever it is? What is that to us? We should still keep following Jesus.
God bless us.