John 21:22

[dsdrmmn]

This passage recently grabbed my attention, especially the last phrase, where Simon Peter is curious what Jesus said to another disciple, Jesus says basically, "What is that to you?" It's one of those passages where I see His personality so vividly.

I think he is saying not to worry so much about what God asks of others. I often think of this when talk of hell and who's in it comes up, like that is not really any of our business. This passage is a subtle, but major example about how Jesus wants us to be tolerant of others, other religions even, because we must be concerned foremost with what He says to us, and not how he reveals to others. Thoughts?

 

[JTLauder]

Indeed, Jesus is saying that we need to stay focused on our own business and not so concerned with what others are called to do.

But read the fuller context of the whole half of the chapter for the proper interpretation of why Jesus said this. There isn't anything there that suggests Peter was intolerant of anything or anyone that prompted Jesus' reply to mean "Be tolerant."

The scene of the passage is Peter talking to Jesus. Jesus is questioning Peter's devotion and commitment because that is what he will need to be able to carry on with the ministry. Jesus follows that describing how he will be persecuted, but despite that, he still calls Peter to follow him.

This is happening right at the heels of Jesus' death, and along comes "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (supposedly John). And Peter is asking if others will be following a similar hard and dire fate. Jesus reply is that what Jesus calls another to do is not our concern.

This isn't about tolerance, but about how we shouldn't compare ourselves with others, either being jealous or envious of others or wanting to be better than others. It's something many people tend to do, comparing oneself against another's spirituality, work, etc.

 

[dsdrmmn]

..we shouldn't compare ourselves with others, either being jealous or envious of others or wanting to be better than others.

But isn't that exactly what tolerance is? What's it to ya? It is even more interesting that He asks this to Peter, who goes on to found the church. As such, Jesus meant him to understand the church is not the end-all be-all. Peter (the church) should not worry how God is revealed to others, (Mormons, Muslims, Jews, etc.).

It makes sense to me because that is how I see Christ, as the great understander. He knows the hearts of everyone, and with that knowledge He tells us not to worry what He expects of others, follow what He tells our hearts. If He knows the hearts of even the most heathen people and still He tells us to love them, that is a very powerful decree.

Intolerance of creed, color, gender whatever flies in the face of His wisdom. Because in the end, "What's it to ya?"

 

[Dicy mind]

I think Peter just wanted to know what will the "disciple whom Jesus loved" do because he was probably surprised that Lord gave him such a big task "Feed my sheep." even after all the failures (his disbelief, denial of Jesus, etc). So he must have asked that question out of surprise perhaps thinking if there is even bigger task for this other disciple.
Just sharing one view, I hope this comes as a blessing.

 

[dsdrmmn]

Thank You Dicy Mind. It is a blessing!