What Jesus Did! 'What About ...?' — John 21:20-22

Friday, December 30, 2022

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Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved — the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?"

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

— John 21:20-22 NLT

Key Thought

It's so hard for us not to compare! We want to compare our lot with others. We want to compare our future, our faith, our church, our efforts, our ... with others. Our discipleship shouldn't be about comparing ourselves to others. [1] God doesn't grade on the curve. He calls us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. He calls us to uniquely important and distinctive lives of influence and grace. Comparing ourselves to others can be the cause of envy, jealousy, strife, covetousness, resentment, and a host of other sins. Of course, we can look at mature disciples for our examples. [2] We certainly must look to Jesus as our goal, pioneer, and hero. [3] And we must serve, help, and encourage others to pursue Jesus!

[1] 2 Corinthians 10:12.
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17.
[3] Luke 6:40; John 13:15.

Today's Prayer

O God, the Almighty and gracious Father, thank you for judging me with grace, empowering me with your Spirit, and calling me to a wonderfully unique life in your service. Forgive me for the times I've been envious of other believers. Forgive me for comparing my faith with others, whose hearts I could not know. Focus me on your will and lead me to you so the glory that others see in me is attributed to your grace and presence in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 3:13-18
  • Galatians 6:2-5
  • Romans 14:4

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Illustration

Illustration of John 21:20-22 NLT — "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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