John 21:20-25


"Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, 'Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?' When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, 'Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!' So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, 'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?' This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21:20-25 ESV)


Focused on Your Own Calling

In this passage, Peter’s attention shifts to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, and he asks Jesus about John's future. Jesus' response is a sharp but loving redirection: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (v. 22). Jesus calls Peter to focus on his own path of discipleship rather than being preoccupied with the future of others.

This passage teaches an important lesson about personal calling. As disciples of Christ, we are each given unique responsibilities and purposes. The Holy Spirit equips us for our specific roles within the body of Christ. Comparing our path to someone else’s can lead to distraction, jealousy, or even discouragement. Instead, Jesus invites us to faithfully follow Him, trusting that He has a perfect plan for each of us.

We are not called to compete or compare but to pursue the unique work God has laid out for us. This requires humility and reliance on God, knowing that He will provide the strength and direction through His Spirit to fulfill His will for our lives.

Scriptures to Study:

Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Galatians 6:4-5, Colossians 3:23-24


Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan

Jesus’ words to Peter also emphasize God’s sovereign control over each disciple’s life and ministry. Peter was concerned about John's fate, but Jesus’ reply shifts the focus back to God's will. "If it is my will..." reveals that God alone determines our paths. Whether it was John's future or Peter’s calling, the key lesson is trust in God’s perfect will.

Often in life, we find ourselves questioning why certain things happen to others or why our journey looks different. However, discipleship calls us to trust that God knows what is best for each of us. His plans are good, even when we do not understand them fully. The role of the Holy Spirit is to lead us in obedience, to rest in God's plans, and to remind us that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).

As believers, we must rest in the assurance that God's will is not only perfect but that He orchestrates everything for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Our task is to follow Jesus faithfully, trusting His plans for us and for others.

Scriptures to Study:

Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28


Bearing True Witness to Christ

John 21:24 points to the faithfulness of John as a witness to Christ’s life, ministry, and teachings: "This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true." John’s role was to record the truth about Jesus so that future generations could know Him. His testimony has been preserved for us, pointing us to the eternal life found in Christ.

As modern disciples, we too are called to bear witness to the truth of Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we testify to Christ's work in our lives, proclaiming His death, resurrection, and the hope of salvation to a lost world. Bearing witness is not just about sharing facts but living lives transformed by the gospel, reflecting Christ’s character in our words and actions.

We are part of a long line of witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ. Like John, we have the privilege of sharing the good news with others, confident that our testimony is empowered by the Holy Spirit and aligned with the Word of God.

Scriptures to Study:

Acts 1:8, 1 John 1:1-3, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:15


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions