Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Numbers 18-21
     New Testament Reading: John 21

So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them, the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:20-21).

The 20^th chapter of John seems to be the crowning ending to Jesus’ story. He arose from the grave victoriously, Jesus appeared to His disciples, and He commissioned them. John then gives his purpose for writing his Gospel in verses 30 & 31. It appears to be anti-climactic to write anything more. But there was one more story to be told. How did John’s close friend and companion Peter go from the confused, disillusioned disciple who denied even knowing Jesus, to become the confident, courageous Church Leader we read about in the book of Acts?

A few weeks had pasted since the crucifixion, Jesus had reappeared to the disciples on a few occasions; but as quickly as He came, he left again. Discouraged and uncertain of their future, Peter persuaded six other disciples to go fishing with him. This was not a weekend of rest and relaxation on the lake as they fished to pass the time. They set out to return to their previous occupation as fishermen.

After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Jesus greets them from the shore and serves them breakfast. Jesus then calls Peter aside, and in the most beautiful way, restores the faith of Peter. Peter had denied Jesus three times and three times Jesus asks Peter if he loved Him. Each time Jesus gave instruction for Peter’s ministry, Feed My Lambs, Shepherd My Sheep, Feed My Sheep. Jesus then must have shock Peter as He told him how he was to die. No doubt Peter rejoiced that he had been restored to fellowship, but why bring up martyrdom?

Peter had one more lesson to learn. He heard the footsteps of his friend John and took his eyes off of Jesus. Jesus had just told Peter to follow Him, but he was distracted by a fellow believer. Instead of looking to Jesus and following God’s plan for his life and ministry, he became preoccupied by what God was going to do with someone else.

Peter had made the mistake of taking his eyes off of the Lord at least two other times. In Luke 5, after that first great catch of fish, Peter took his eyes Jesus and looked at himself saying, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”. Then, in Matthew 14, as Peter was walking on the water, he looked away from Jesus and looked at the wind and waves. Immediately, he began to sink. It is dangerous to look at our circumstances instead of looking to God.

Jesus rebuked Peter this time and reminded him it was not his job to meddle in the lives of other believers. Peter was to follow Him, and not follow John, the rest of the disciples, or the majority.

It is easy to see the flaws in someone else’s walk with God. It’s natural to compare your ministry with another’s ministry. If you try to follow Jesus while you look over your shoulder to see what direction other Christians are going, soon or later, you are going to stub your toe. God doesn’t deal with us comparatively, but with each of us individually.

As we learn from the book of Acts, Peter learned his lesson and serves as a grand example for us to follow. To be distracted by ourselves, our circumstances, or by other Christians is to disobey the Lord. We need to keep our eyes of faith on Jesus and on Him alone.