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The Freedom of “You Follow Me”
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
John 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had reclined at table close to his breast and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, but “What if I want him to remain until I come?” This is the disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Grace Prayed For
Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to release the need to compare ourselves with others. Grant us the wisdom to focus solely on your call for our lives, trusting in your perfect plan for us. Help us to find freedom in saying “yes” to our unique path of discipleship and to follow you with unwavering devotion, participating fully in your Great Commission without distraction.
Reflection
The morning air still carried the scent of woodsmoke as Peter, fresh from his tender recommissioning by Jesus, looked back and saw John following. A familiar impulse, perhaps born of comparison or lingering insecurity, prompted Peter to ask, “Lord, what about him?” It’s a moment we can all relate to – that human tendency to compare our journey, our call, our struggles with those of others. But Jesus’ response is swift and clear, a gentle redirection that cuts through the noise of comparison: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” This isn’t a rebuke, but a profound invitation to singular focus. The resurrection isn’t just about our own personal salvation; it’s about being so intimately united with the Risen Lord that our gaze remains fixed on Him, not on the paths of others. The power of the resurrection frees us from the trap of comparison, reminding us that each of us has a unique role, a unique call, a unique way to participate in Jesus’ Great Commission. Our energy and attention are best spent following Him, listening for His voice, and stepping out in faith on the path He has laid before us. When we release the need to understand or control the destinies of others, we truly become His disciples, available to be sent wherever and however He chooses, confident in the truth of His unique plan for us.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
This passage invites greater intimacy with Jesus by demonstrating his personal and individualized relationship with each disciple. Jesus’ direct and loving response to Peter, “You follow me,” emphasizes a singular, personal call that bypasses external distractions and comparisons. It encourages us to lean into our own unique relationship with Him, trusting that He has a distinct purpose for each of us. This focus on our personal “follow me” deepens our intimacy by requiring us to listen more intently to His voice for our own lives, rather than looking to others for validation or direction. It fosters a profound trust in His sovereign will and His perfect design for our participation in His mission.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post