John 21:20–22

In these verses we have Christs conference with Peter, concerning John the beloved disciple: wherein is recorded, that after Christ and Peter had left the rest of the company, John of his own accord did follow on; which Peter turning back and observing, he enquires at Christ, (who had foretold of his own sufferings) what should become of John. For which he is checked by Christ, as medling with that which concerned him not, and he sheweth him, that although it should please him, not only to exempt John from suffering death, but to continue him alive till his own second coming, it ought not at all to retard him in his resolutions, and therefore he commands him to follow him, and cleave to his duty, which by this means he had neglected. Whence learn, 1. Much love to Christ, and much of the sense of his love, will make a man an earnest pursuer after Christ, and to cleave to him, even when Christ seemes to take no notice of him; Therefore John followed, when Christ had bidden only Peter follow him, and when it seems the rest did not stirre; and in this he is described to be the disciple whom Jesus loved, one who had been very familiar with Christ, and leaned on his breast at supper, and very inquisitive concerning Christs safety, and said, Lord, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (of all which, see chap. 13.23.) and therefore he could not stay behinde. 2. The children of the Lord are subject to many distractions and interruptions in following their Christian coursse, and do often look, or turn aside, and intermit their earnest eyeing of their mark and prize; for, when Peter is bidden follow Christ at this time, hereby to teach him, closely to follow his calling, and set his heart and eye upon it, and what he was to meet with, (as the check and repetition of that command in this verse doth teach us) he turned about, to look to somewhat behind him, and that either meerly of his own accord, or because he had heard some noise of one following. See Luke 9.62. 3. Albeit the intermissions of the children of God in their duty may seem very little and small; yet oft-times it casts them upon snares and tentations, which are ready to catch and detain them more, and so draw out reproofs from Christ; for, Peter, but turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following, and this occasions his curious question, and draweth out a reproof, not only for his looking back, but for his curiosity. 4. Christ abhorreth curiosity in his people, and that when they have so much needful exercise among their hands, yet they should meddle more with what concerneth them not so much; for, when Peter propounds this question, and what shall this man do? or, and what this man? that is, what shall become of him, (as Christs answer makes it clear) he gets this answer, what is that to thee? follow thou me, Not that Christ condemnes sollicitude for our brethren, which floweth from charity, but that he is ill pleased with his idle curiosity, when now he had received a strict command to follow him. 5. It is a sin to be anxious, or too much careful about what Christ will do with his beloved people; for, so much also doth Christs reproofe of his enquiry concerning the beloved disciple, import, that it was weaknesse in Peter to be any way troubled concerning him. 6. Christ hath soveraigne authority to dispose of his own, and to keep them longer or shorter time in the world, and give them ease or trouble, as he pleaseth, without giving an account of his dealing to any; for, saith he, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Wherein there is no hint given that John should not suffer, and that he should live long, and till Christ should come by his judgements against the Nation of the Jewes (though these proved true in the event) but it is only an absolute supposition, that if Christ pleased to preserve him alive, even till his second coming, or otherwise disposed of him at his pleasure, Neither Peter, nor any other, had any thing to say to it. 7. As Christ will come again, so the sweet notion under which Saints should take up the last and dreadful day, is, that Christ will then come again unto them; for, so doth Christ here point out that day, I come, See 1 Thes. 4.16, 17. 8. It is the duty of Saints, not to compare the Lords dealing with themselves and others, so as to be thereby withdrawn from, or discouraged in, their own duty and lot; for, whereas Peter might think it strange if he only were called to suffering, Christ takes him off looking to his dealing with John, and bids him minde his own work, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Such comparisons (however sometime they may sharpen us, and afford matter of praise, yet) do oft-times breed many inconveniences. For we are naturally inclined to be discontent with our own condition, and to think that best which we want, and so will more readily be grieved if we got a harder lot then others; whereas Christ hath variety of services, and may lay them on as he pleaseth: And beside, Such comparisons may, oft-times, tempt men to sit up from duty, when they see the security of others. 9. Such as would avoid curiosity, and much needlesse and vain exercise, ought closely to follow their own work and calling; Therefore, doth Christ withdraw him from all these enquiries, by bidding him again, follow thou me.