John 21:21
Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
John 21:21 (KJV)
Context
John 21 records Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. After a miraculous catch of fish and a shared meal, Jesus spoke with Peter, asking three times whether Peter loved Him. This exchange restored Peter after his earlier denial and led to Jesus’ commission: “Feed my lambs” and “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Jesus then told Peter the kind of death by which he would glorify God and said, “Follow me” (John 21:19).
In verse 20, Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved—traditionally understood as John, the author of this Gospel—following them. This is the same disciple who had leaned on Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper and asked who would betray Him. Seeing John, Peter asks in verse 21, “Lord, and what shall this man do?”
Meaning
Peter’s question is short and direct. The Greek can be rendered literally as “Lord, and this what?”—meaning, “What about him?” or “What will happen to him?” Peter likely wondered whether John would face a similar fate or enjoy a different lot. His question may have arisen from curiosity, concern, or a desire to understand how John’s path would compare with his own.
Jesus’ reply in John 21:22 redirects Peter: “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” Jesus does not answer Peter’s question about John’s future. Instead, He calls Peter back to his own discipleship. The focus is not on another person’s destiny but on faithful obedience to Christ.
Biblical connections
Jesus’ response corrects the tendency to compare our calling with others’. Peter had just received a specific commission to shepherd Christ’s flock (John 21:15-17). His question about John risked distracting him from that task. Jesus’ words, “follow thou me,” echo His earlier call to discipleship and emphasize that each believer’s path is personally ordered by the Lord.
The chapter later clarifies that Jesus did not say John would not die; He only said, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” (John 21:23). This correction prevented a misunderstanding among the brethren and reinforces that Christ’s words are to be received exactly as given.
Application
Focus on Your Calling: Seek God’s guidance for your own life and ministry. Ask what He desires for you, rather than measuring yourself against others.
Avoid Comparison: Resist comparing your spiritual gifts, opportunities, or successes with those of others. Trust that God has designed a distinct plan for you.
Trust God’s Sovereignty: Remember that God is in control of every person’s journey. Instead of worrying about what others are doing, focus on trusting and obeying Jesus in your own walk.
Encourage and Support Others: Rather than being envious or overly curious about others’ callings, celebrate the diversity of the body of Christ and support fellow believers in their God-given tasks.
Reflection
Peter’s question is a gentle reminder that our attention belongs on Christ, not on the paths He gives to others. Jesus’ reply, “follow thou me,” is both a command and an invitation. It frees us from the burden of comparison and calls us to walk faithfully in the unique purpose He has set before us.
