Our Text, King James Version …
“20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”
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Notice that the verb “to follow” is used twice with Peter, going back to verse 19. (What Peter is to do!)
Then see that the verb “abiding” is used twice describing John! (What John has been doing all along!)
Hence, I say that among the Disciples, Peter is NOT the more powerful one! NOT the one with more honor, either! In fact, God is no Respecter of persons, period! See Acts 10:34 for Bible proof.
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I thought this fact was worth reporting …
Jesus’ last Words in John … “Until I come!”
The very first Words in this Gospel, about Jesus … “In the Beginning!”
Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, that’s our dear Saviour!
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Jesus’ Words to Peter … “What is that to thee?” In essence … Peter, mind your own business! Other Verses agree …
2 Corinthians 10:12 … For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Philippians 2:4 … Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 … But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come …
1 Timothy 4:16 … Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
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If I have counted correctly, Jesus spoke to Peter seven times in this dialogue! One might call these “Jesus’ Seven Last Sayings to Peter!”
Three times about feeding God’s sheep, once about Peter’s some-day martyrdom, then the first command to follow, then the “Mind your own business” admonition, then the last “Follow Me” Invitation!
A seed thought for a Sermon or Sunday School lesson!
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There’s more, but it’s best to learn from the video!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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