John 21:20-23 20After turning, Peter saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is the one who will betray you?” 21When Peter saw this one, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this one?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23So this word went out among the brothers that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”
The next interchange between Peter and Jesus. The pair evidently was on a walk along the shore of the lake, discussing the matter of Peter’s commitment, even if it meant giving up his life. The anonymous disciple who Jesus loved, identified throughout church history as the apostle John, was close by, possibly following along or even part of the group listening in. The other disciples could have been present as well; the description of the setting is sparse and left to our imagination. The identity of this special disciple is described further by the reference to the last supper when this disciple leaned back against Jesus and asked a question about the betrayer (13:23-25). This physical closeness to Jesus signified a spiritual or at least emotional closeness in relationship to Jesus, which may be one reason John was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. This phrase does not mean that Jesus did not love the other disciples less, but that John felt himself close to Jesus in some special way, including how he took care of Mary after Jesus’ crucifixion.
Two reasons why this short episode was included in John’s Gospel come next. The most significant reason comes in the implication behind Peter’s question in verse 21. There is perhaps a sense of jealousy as Peter compared himself to John. Peter realized that he would need to pay a high cost to follow Jesus, and that someday, he would lose his freedom and eventually his life. Would John face the same fate? Jesus’ response was a soft rebuke and call to Peter to have full commitment, no matter what happened to John. Peter must follow Jesus no matter what happens to him or any of the other disciples.
A second reason this passage could have been included is what it says about John. When this story was retold in early church tradition, the word remain caught people’s attention and imagination. The story began to circulate at some point that John would never die until Jesus came again. Verse 23 clears up that rumor and misunderstanding by a literal recounting and reminder of what exactly Jesus said. Do not put words into Jesus’ mouth that he did not speak. He only told Peter to mind his own business and focus on following Jesus.
Two things were at stake in these verses: 1) Peter’s response of total commitment, and 2) Peter’s attitude towards John (and other disciples). Jesus wanted Peter’s total love and total obedience and not for him to look around at others. Peter represents us all as we are also called to follow Jesus and not become preoccupied with or jealous of others’ journey with Jesus.
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