Children usually have a good appetite! But we all know the hungry baby has to be fed milk, not solid food! It will be some time before the baby can benefit from strong meat.
In the same way, our minds are hungry for information, but not everything that can be fed into them will be profitable! Some knowledge is for the older and more responsible to benefit from. Who would want a four year old to be pilot of an aeroplane they were in? What patient would want a child to carry out an operation on him or her?
The Lord Jesus knew Peter was now strong enough in his faith to be told more about what it would cost him to follow Jesus.
“‘I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’” (verses 18-19.)
Even though this was to lead to unwelcome suffering, and even death, Jesus was telling Peter to follow Him! Jesus had taught, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12.)
Jesus doesn’t try to hide the fact from those who want to follow Him that they are to expect opposition and persecution from religious people. (John 17:13-19.)
When Peter turned and saw John he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Peter wanted more answers; it was as if he was saying ‘Tell me more - what will happen to John?’
“Jesus answered. ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.’” (verses 20-23.)
Jesus did not want Peter comparing what was to happen to him as a follower of Jesus with what was to happen to others. This was not something he needed to question or understand.
Many true Christians have had to suffer and even die for their faith in Jesus. Yet some are not even going to have to face death; perhaps some living today will live to see Jesus’ glorious return. Jesus is coming soon to take all those who love and trust Him to be with Him in Heaven! (Hebrews 9:28.)
What is important for each one who follows Jesus is to be willing to continue following Jesus, and living to please Him, whatever it may cost us. What we all can know is that every true follower of Jesus is sure of being with Jesus forever after the trials and testings of this life are over.
This brings us to the end of John’s wonderful Gospel account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He concluded by saying, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." (verse 25.)
Later, John did tell me more about things Jesus revealed to him – he wrote the book of Revelation. (The last book of the Bible).
Read these closing verses of John’s Gospel chapter 21, verses 18-25. The rest of the Holy Bible will tell you more, so don't stop reading the Bible.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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