Follow Me!

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." John 21:22

Peter was afraid John would get something he missed. He doubted the love of Jesus for a moment, as he learns from the Master Himself about his own (Peter's) death, and wants to be sure John gets no less.

"If I will that he (John) tarry till I come, what is that to thee (Peter)? Follow thou me." Peter's predicament is so human and so understandable. Jesus understood it, too. That's why He went straight to the only point that would help Peter: Complete and uncomplaining obedience to Himself.

How often have you attempted to inquire of the Lord about some Christian brother or sister whose lot seems to be better than yours? How often have we carefully told the Lord everything that is wrong in the attitudes and conducts of our brothers and sisters? And how often have we heard the Lord Jesus gently, but firmly reply, as He did to Peter: "What is that to thee? follow thou me."

Once in particular did He prompt me with this verse. In my prayer, I was explaining in colorful terms, the shortcomings of a Christian brother. Then came the word: "What is that to thee? follow thou me!" And more yet: "If you see his failings, it is only because I have given you the insight to see them. Your part is to turn your criticism to true intercession." There was still more to come: "And even after you have prayed in love for this brother, he may still go on behaving in the same way. but your only concern is to see to it that you increase your own value to me to help make up for his defects!"

The Lord Jesus is not being hard here.

He is showing His need for us, and He is showing His love.

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Judges 1-2
Old and New Testaments Together: Deut. 32-34 & Mark 15:26-47
Historical: Judges 1-2
Chronological: Deut. 21-22
Blended: Job 32-33 & I Cor. 11:1-16

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible