By Andrew Williams
John 21:20-22 (NLT): “Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, ‘Lord, who will betray you?’ Peter asked Jesus, ‘What about him, Lord?’ Jesus replied, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.'”
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this passage, Peter, after hearing about his own future and the cost of following Jesus, becomes distracted by looking at John, “the disciple Jesus loved.” Instead of staying focused on his personal calling, Peter asks, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus’ response is both corrective and instructive: “What is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
This moment teaches us a profound lesson about discipleship. Each of us has a unique calling and journey with Christ. Comparing our path to others’ can lead to distraction, envy, or even a lack of trust in Jesus’ plan for our lives. Jesus redirects Peter’s focus back to what truly matters—his personal relationship with and obedience to Jesus. The reminder is clear: our responsibility is to follow Jesus, not to concern ourselves with what others are called to do.
Simon Peter’s moment of distraction is one we can all relate to. How often do we look at others’ lives and ask, “What about them?” Peter’s story empowers us to stay focused on our own walk with Christ, trusting that He has a specific purpose for each of us. Peter’s journey reminds us that Jesus calls us individually and uniquely, and our role is to respond to Him with obedience and trust.
This passage also highlights Jesus’ patience and grace. He doesn’t rebuke Peter harshly but lovingly redirects his attention. In the same way, Jesus gently redirects our focus when we become distracted by comparisons or concerns about others.
Today, reflect on whether you’ve been distracted by comparing your journey to someone else’s. Are you asking, “What about them?” instead of focusing on Jesus’ call to you? Redirect your focus to your own walk with Christ, trusting that He has a plan for you that is good and purposeful. Choose to celebrate the paths of others while staying faithful to the unique calling Jesus has placed on your life.
Take a moment to identify an area where comparison or distraction has crept into your heart. Surrender this to Jesus in prayer. Then, write down one step you can take today to focus on your personal calling, whether it’s spending time in prayer, serving in a specific way, or simply trusting Him with your journey.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the unique calling You have placed on my life. Forgive me for the times I have become distracted by comparing my journey to others. Help me to redirect my focus to You and to the specific path You have called me to walk. Teach me to trust in Your plan and to follow You wholeheartedly, without distraction or envy. I commit to walking faithfully with You, keeping my eyes fixed on You alone. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
