Jesus calls each of us to follow Him, without comparing our path to anyone else's.
“Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.”John 21:22 (KJV)
What does “Follow thou me” mean in John 21:22?
Peter had just been told about his own future and asked about another disciple. Jesus answers that what happens to someone else is not Peter's concern, and He repeats the call to follow.
Going deeper
After restoring Peter, Jesus gives him a glimpse of the hard road ahead. Peter looks over his shoulder at John and asks, Lord, and what shall this man do? It is a very human question. Jesus answers directly: if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. In other words, your path is yours. Do not measure it against someone else's.
Comparison is one of the easiest ways to lose our footing. We wonder why another person's life seems easier, or more fruitful, or more noticed. Jesus brings us back to what He has asked of us. Follow thou me. Ask Him today what obedience looks like for you, in the next step, in this week. Let go of the sideways glance, and keep your eyes on Him. He knows the path He has planned for you, and it is good. Your calling is yours alone.
Reflect
Where are you comparing your path to someone else's, and how could you refocus on following Jesus?
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to follow You and not to compare. Show me my next step, and give me the courage to take it. In Jesus' name, amen.
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