In John 21:20, Peter refers to “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” a phrase commonly understood to describe John, the author of the Gospel. This beloved disciple had a close, intimate relationship with Jesus, being present at key moments like the Last Supper and the crucifixion. After Jesus reinstates Peter in a conversation about love and discipleship, Peter asks about the future of the beloved disciple, prompting a direct response from Jesus emphasizing the importance of personal focus in following Him. Jesus makes it clear that each person’s journey with Him is unique, and Peter should not concern himself with others’ paths.
This passage offers valuable lessons for today, reminding us to focus on our own calling and avoid unnecessary speculation about others’ spiritual journeys. The story also highlights the role of testimony and witness, encouraging us to share our faith and experiences just as John did. Reflecting on this moment with Peter and John calls us to embrace our personal discipleship and trust in Jesus’ guidance. To gain deeper insights into these lessons and their relevance to our daily lives, keep reading for further exploration of this powerful message.
In the final chapter of the Gospel of John, we find a moment that has intrigued many readers: John 21:20. This verse reads, “Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is going to betray you?'”. This raises an important question: Who is Peter talking about?
Setting the Scene
First, let’s set the context. In John 21, Jesus has already resurrected and appeared to His disciples multiple times. This chapter opens with Jesus appearing to seven of His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. After a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus cooks breakfast for them. The scene is poignant and brimming with significance, especially since it includes Jesus’ conversation with Peter.
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
To understand who Peter is talking about in John 21:20, we need to look closely at the phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This phrase is a key identifier throughout the Gospel of John. It first appears during the Last Supper in John 13:23, “One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.”
Traditionally, this beloved disciple is understood to be John, the author of the Gospel. This identification is based on several factors:
- Intimacy with Jesus: The beloved disciple is shown to have a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. John 13:23 and John 19:26 (where the beloved disciple is entrusted with the care of Jesus’ mother) illustrate this closeness.
- Eyewitness: The beloved disciple is a witness to significant events. In John 19:35, he testifies to seeing the crucifixion, which aligns with John being part of Jesus’ inner circle.
- Self-Identification: Early church tradition holds that John the Apostle wrote the Gospel, and the use of “the disciple whom Jesus loved” is seen as his humble way of referring to himself without using his name directly.
Peter’s Inquiry
In John 21:15-19, Jesus has a profound conversation with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him, paralleling Peter’s three denials. After reaffirming Peter’s commitment, Jesus tells him, “Follow me!” It’s right after this exchange that Peter notices the beloved disciple and asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:21).
Jesus’ Response
Jesus’ response to Peter is direct: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:22). This reply has sparked much theological discussion. However, it’s clear that Jesus is emphasizing that Peter’s focus should be on his own discipleship and mission, not on what will happen to others.
Misunderstandings and Clarifications
Interestingly, John 21:23 highlights a misunderstanding that arose from Jesus’ words. Some believed that Jesus implied the beloved disciple would not die. The text clarifies: “But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?'”.
This passage demonstrates early Christian community dynamics and how Jesus’ words were sometimes misinterpreted. It underscores the importance of focusing on personal faith and mission rather than speculating about others.
The Role of the Beloved Disciple
The beloved disciple, likely John, plays a unique role in the Gospel narrative. His close relationship with Jesus, his presence at critical moments, and his role as an eyewitness and recorder of events make him a central figure. John’s perspective offers a deeply personal and theological insight into Jesus’ ministry.
Lessons for Today
So, what can we take from this passage today?
- Focus on Your Calling: Jesus’ response to Peter is a reminder to focus on our own spiritual journey and calling. It’s easy to get distracted by comparing ourselves to others, but Jesus calls us to follow Him individually.
- Avoid Speculation: The misunderstanding about the beloved disciple’s fate teaches us to avoid unnecessary speculation about others’ spiritual journeys. Our faith should be grounded in following Jesus’ teachings and living out our mission.
- Witness and Testimony: Like the beloved disciple, we are called to be witnesses to Jesus’ work in our lives. Sharing our experiences and faith can strengthen the community and inspire others.
Conclusion
In John 21:20, Peter is referring to John, the beloved disciple. This passage isn’t just about identifying a person; it’s rich with lessons on discipleship, focus, and the individual nature of our walk with Christ. By understanding the roles and relationships within the Gospel narratives, we gain a deeper appreciation for the personal and communal aspects of faith. So, as you reflect on this verse, remember Jesus’ call to Peter: “You must follow me.” This call is personal and direct, inviting each of us to focus on our unique journey with Him.
FAQs for “Who is Peter Talking About in John 21:20?”
1. Who is the disciple mentioned in John 21:20? The disciple mentioned in John 21:20 is traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel of John. He is referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
2. Why is John referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”? John is referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” to highlight his close, intimate relationship with Jesus. This phrase appears several times in the Gospel, indicating John’s special place among Jesus’ followers.
3. What is the significance of Peter’s question in John 21:21? Peter’s question, “Lord, what about him?” refers to his curiosity about the future of the beloved disciple (John). Jesus’ response emphasizes that Peter should focus on his own discipleship and mission rather than worrying about others.
4. What did Jesus mean by, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” Jesus’ statement was a way of telling Peter to focus on his own path and not to be concerned with John’s future. It highlights the individual nature of discipleship and the importance of personal commitment to following Jesus.
5. Did Jesus imply that John would not die? No, Jesus did not imply that John would not die. John 21:23 clarifies that Jesus’ words were misunderstood. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” to emphasize the point to Peter.
6. Why is it important to understand the context of John 21:20? Understanding the context helps clarify the interactions between Jesus, Peter, and John. It provides deeper insight into the nature of discipleship, the importance of focusing on one’s own spiritual journey, and the dynamics within the early Christian community.
7. How does this passage apply to our lives today? This passage teaches us to focus on our personal relationship with Jesus and our individual calling. It also encourages us to avoid unnecessary speculation about others’ spiritual paths and to remain committed to our own journey of faith.
8. What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ interaction with Peter and John? We learn the importance of:
- Focusing on our own calling and mission.
- Avoiding comparisons and speculation about others’ spiritual journeys.
- Being witnesses to Jesus’ work in our lives and sharing our faith with others.
9. Who wrote the Gospel of John? The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, who is also believed to be the beloved disciple mentioned in the Gospel.
10. How does John’s role as the beloved disciple contribute to the Gospel narrative? John’s role as the beloved disciple provides a unique and intimate perspective on Jesus’ ministry. His close relationship with Jesus, presence at critical moments, and role as an eyewitness add depth and authenticity to the Gospel account.
