What About Him?

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.” So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” John 21:21-23 New Living Translation (NLT) Ouch! How would you feel if Jesus told you to mind our own business? Basically, that is what He was saying to Peter. "What is that to you?" We like to think we have a right to the same things as the other guy. We tend to measure our behavior by what someone else is doing. That's not the way it works. Jesus gave His life for all of our individual sins. And individually we are to each choose to follow Him. He calls the shots on what He calls each of us to do. He is the righteous Judge and our judgment will not be a group participation. Jesus had plans for both Peter and John and both their purposes would be fulfilled. God has a purpose for each of our lives too. We need not concern ourselves with His plans for any one else. He will show us our designated path through this world and His unique purpose for every existence. "You follow me." Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:3-4 NLT Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard, just as we taught you to do. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 CEV