What’s it to you?

John 21:22 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

As I was listening to my Bible app the other day, this conversation between Peter and Jesus took on a whole new meaning for me. I actually got tickled thinking about it! 😄 Jesus and Peter just concluded this deep heart-to-heart moment where Jesus repeatedly asked Peter, “Do you love me?” (Verses 15,16,17)

Peter was so overcome with emotion as the Lord asked him the third time, and Peter anguishly repeated himself, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” And, Jesus continues to prophesy over Peter ending with the command, “Follow me.” (Verse 19)

Then, Peter turned around, looks at John, and says, “What about him?” Wow! Isn’t that how we are? What about him? What about her? What about that group? What about that organization? We are always worried about someone else.

When we focus on others rather than ourselves, we fall into the trap of comparisons. When we compare one to another, we will never be satisfied. In some way, we always fall short. We are unique individuals. No two people share the same fingerprint. If even our fingerprints differ, why would we expect other aspects of our body to “look just like so-and-so”? Our physical appearances are distinct, our personalities vary, and certainly our talents and abilities are diverse.

I love how Jesus answered when Peter inquired about John, “What is that to you?… Follow me.” Right back to his command from verse 19, “Follow me.”

If we keep our eyes on Jesus, and follow wholeheartedly after him, perhaps we will cease to meddle in the business of others. We are not called to judge but love. When the comparison tempter arises, remember Jesus’s words, “What’s it to you? Follow me.”