The Lord commanded Peter not to compare his lot in life with John’s. I’m amazed at how Jesus put it so black and white. Jesus claims immense sovereignty and infers that he can go right ahead and bless John with several thousand more years of life, (hyperbole) and it shouldn’t make any difference to Peter. Peter should follow Jesus.
After studying this portion of scripture, my mind gravitated to a moment in high school when I asked the Lord “Why me?” in a moment of self-pity. The circumstances were different, but I was complaining about my situation being very different from everyone else. (Not everyone has cerebral palsy) Jesus took his time answering me, but his answer was the same. My walk with the Lord is my walk with him; he can do whatever he wants with my life. I am simply following him.
In isolation, this whole issue is reframed. If it is just the Lord and me/us, when he commands us to do something, no one else is around to compare. You’d have no clue if a task is hard or not. Jesus involves everyone in his plans, so we tend to make comparisons. Yet Jesus’ blunt command is clear, “you follow me!” Notice the exclamation mark. In other words, stay in your lane, and mind your own business.
Jesus called Peter and John to unique roles among the apostles and pointed out that he willed it to be exactly so. He insinuates that his plan for both men has zero bearing on each other’s roles.
If you are focused on what Jesus has for someone else, you aren’t focused on what He has for you. Therefore, occupy yourself with following Jesus only, which is what he wants you to do for your good and his glory!
Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member