John 21:1-25

“What is that to you?”

John closes with something of an epilogue. There is the catch of fish showing once again that Jesus is concerned about everything in our lives. As if that were not enough Jesus also cooked them breakfast. It is at the breakfast that things start happening.

“Do you love me more than these?” What is Jesus talking about? Is He asking Peter if he loves Him more than the other disciples or more than hot fish for breakfast? In either event Peter is quick to answer, “Yes, Lord! You know that I love you.” Then Jesus dials it down. “Do you truly love me?” Peter gives the same answer, “Yes Lord. You know that I love you.” Once more, dialed down further. “Do you love me?” Peter’s reply changes slightly but importantly. “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

What’s going on? Well, Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus. On one level you could say that Jesus was giving Peter a shot at redemption; however, I see something more here. Peter had been so certain that he would lay down his life for Jesus on the night Jesus was arrested. His first two answers here harkened back to that self confidence; and therein lies the problem - “self” confidence. By the time Jesus had dialed it all the way down and the obvious reminder of Peter’s spectacular crash and burn from that night had been made Peter’s tone changed. “I love you the best I know how, Lord, but only You really know.”

Then Jesus, in marked contrast to the night when He told confident Peter that he would betray Him that very night; this time Jesus tells Peter that he really will lay down his life for his Lord. Comforting? Hard to say.

Seeing John nearby he asks, “Lord, what about him?” No, no, no, we don’t get to hear anyone else’s story. We are connected in all the important ways but we are not connected in that our paths are the same. It really doesn’t matter what He has called someone else to do. It only really matters what He has called me to do. I’m the only person I have control over and even that seems questionable at times.

Of course, when Jesus said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me,” the rumor stared that John would never die. Just like a bunch of Christians to take what Jesus said and stretch it. I guess that’s why Jesus was so insistent about wanting Peter to “Take care of my sheep.” And why He still calls people to do to this very day.