Gospel
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.”
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?”
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
Peter had just professed his faith and love for Jesus when Jesus told him what to expect as he followed the way of Jesus. Even indicating the type of death he would endure.
And knowing Jesus also loved John he asks him what about that one. What kind of death will he have essentially. To that Jesus speaking dramatically to this question said what does it matter? What if he were to live forever? Your focus and concern is only to follow me. Follow the path I set for you, for it is your way. What happens to others is of no concern to you.
And it feels short and like a reprimand so soon after Peter’s profession of love. But Peter was a lot like us. He had his strengths and weaknesses, and we have seen this since we have the advantage of the Gospels… with all the stories and recounting of their life together.
A journey we are told where there were so many miracles and healing and parables and instructions it would fill the world. Hyperbole yes but the point is, the Gospels include only a portion of what happened as Jesus walked among men.
The Gospels were put together to share the message. Together point across for all generations that followed. Not to be an exhaustive list of everyday life with Jesus. That would satisfy intellectual curiosity but would not inspire faith.
Faith is from hearing the word and taking it into our hearts. It is more about us and our ability and will to hear and see the Word made flesh and say yes to him. Yes, to the way Jesus has set for us.
Just like Peter, Jesus tells us to just follow him. I cannot worry about what others will do or what way Jesus sets for them. I can only follow his teachings and commandments so that I can follow MY way to Jesus Christ. My path is mine alone and my life must seek to stay on the path Jesus set for me. Regardless of the journey, the suffering, or what may look like detours or even failure to the world. For Christians must hold on to what our life looks like to Jesus Christ. No other opinion matters. No other way but our way of following Jesus results in our success as seekers of the kingdom.
On this last Easter Saturday let us remember success for us is arriving in heaven as a friend and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. That’s it. That’s our mission. Jesus simply says, “You follow me.”
What will you do today?
Deacon Tony Pynes 
Leave a comment