John 21:22
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
John 21:22
Jesus’ reply to Peter’s concern about the other disciple is direct: “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” The insistence on obedience over speculation reiterates the call to single-minded discipleship. The phrase mirrors Jesus’ prior rebuke and reinforces the priority of the disciple’s own following over curiosity about others’ timelines. The immediate setting—after a commission and forecast—emphasizes that the life of faith is defined by obedience to Jesus’ call, not by comparison or curiosity about others’ destinies.
This verse highlights the central Christian principle of following Jesus as the path of life, independent of others’ paths. It reinforces trust in divine sovereignty and grounds pastoral ministry in personal fidelity.
Practice focusing on your own journey. When you catch yourself wondering about someone else’s fate or role, redirect to action: “What can I do today to follow Jesus more closely?” In leadership, model contentment with your own assignment and support others in theirs without jealousy.
Cross-References: Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Colossians 3:23-24; Romans 12:4-8