Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)
When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
The scene has shifted here a little. In verse 15 we are finishing up with breakfast when Jesus starts talking to Peter. In this verse, Peter and Jesus appear to be walking with John following behind.
Jesus has just told Peter how he will die. When Peter notices John following them he asks, “Lord, what about him?” I understand Peter to mean if that is what is going to happen to me, what is going to happen to him?
The phrase, “What about him?” has special meaning for me. I grew up with three younger brothers. If one got to do something special the others would cry, “What about me?” When I read Peter’s words I hear the same tone of voice I heard from my brothers when I was young.
Jesus’ answer is classic, but we will talk about that tomorrow.
Application: How much do we need to know about other people’s lives? Isn’t it enough for us to know what God expects of us? Is it unfair if God has a different expectation for someone else? Peter is about to get a lesson in minding his own business.
Food for Thought: God knows every intimate detail of every life on the planet. He knows every thought you have ever had and every tiny part of your body. What would be the benefit or harm if one person (you) could know that much about someone else?
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What about him? We just love to be up on everyone’s business.
Thanks Rob! Sounds like the root of gossip, doesn’t it?
Test reply
God is love (1 John 4:8,16). He will use information to do His intended good for each of us. He also created each of us to be unique and knows His best for each of us. Part of His good, at least, is for each of us to become transformed to the image of His Son. Since His character and motives are pure and righteous He can be trusted. I cannot be trusted with such information. Neither can anyone else but the Creator.
Hi Rich,
You make a good point: Trust is a critical issue. We can trust our Maker because of his Word, his Spirit, his Sacrifice (Son) and his Love. Ourselves, not so much. We have this self interest issue going on. Which is probably why Jesus taught us to do to others as we want them to do to us. (Luke 6:31 – Forgive the paraphrase! 🙂 )