John 21:20-22

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

From Background Notes [BN] for August 17^th & 18^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Jesus then proceeds to tackle Peter’s deflection by asserting, “If it is my will…” and, in so doing, reminds the vacillating disciple that the only crucial issue remaining between them was the “will” of Jesus and whether Peter would accept that will in his own life. 

More specifically, if the beloved disciple should live until the return of Jesus, that was none of Peter’s business.  What was Peter’s business was Jesus’ single command: “Follow me!”  Would Peter choose what Jesus wanted or would Peter choose what he wanted?  That was the presenting issue, and remains for all would-be disciples of Jesus their supreme decision.  Peter’s choice in the courtyard of the High Priest, and his choice in the presence of Jesus make the same demands on him.  He is without excuse.  He must decide. [BN,4]

Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene:

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, 5:30pm