Look to Jesus
January 5, 2004
Comparisons are odious. If we compare ourselves to
someone higher on the food chain we feel inadequate. If we look
at someone who has less money, education, power, looks or toys,
we feel superior. Let's not kid ourselves, we all play
comparisons. Unfortunately, we're not the only ones.
The tiny pebbles and small white shells of the
Galilean beach crunched under the feet of the two men as they
walked beside one another. A third followed behind them at a
short distance.
Jesus asked Peter several stinging questions.
Three times he asked the fisherman if he loved him. And three
times Peter assured the Lord of his love. Peter remembered
denying the Lord three times. On the beach he confessed his love
three times.
Jesus forgave Peter and instructed him to feed his
sheep. Peter would spend the rest of his life obeying that
command.
As the Lord spoke, Peter glanced over his shoulder
and saw John. Like a little brother, he always wanted to be
close to Jesus, even when Jesus spoke privately with Peter.
Peter heard the command of the Lord but he
wondered about one thing. He had a single question that couldn't
wait. Pointing at John, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" (John
29:21).
Peter had to know what Jesus would do with John.
While he fed the Lord's sheep what would John do? Would he build
a massive following or humbly serve Peter?
The ugliness of Peter's competitive spirit stained
that page of history. But the response of the Lord gives us an
effective antidote for an obsessively competitive spirit.
"Jesus answered," ‘If I want him to remain alive
until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me'" (John
21:22). In other words, "Peter, don't worry about my plans for
John. Concentrate on me."
The next time you catch yourself looking over your shoulder and
comparing how your doing with someone else, look to Jesus
instead.
|
