Before the Gospel of today in John 21:15-19, Jesus had breakfast with Peter, where he tasked Peter to tend his lambs and ‘feed his sheep’ (cf John 21:16-17). He then informed him of the type of death that would befall him, as we see in today’s Gospel.
THE BELOVED DISCIPLE
As Jesus welcomed the affirmation of Peter’s love, he diplomatically informed him of the type of death that would come his way as the leader of his disciples, and then tasked him to follow him. Peter was not taken aback by the revelation of Jesus, but wanted to know about that of the beloved disciple. Perhaps he wanted to compare their fate.
The beloved disciple had four times been associated with Peter. The first was at the Last Supper (John 13:23); the second was at the foot of the cross (John 19:26); the third was at the empty tomb; and finally, in the Gospel of today. The beloved disciple, in this context, represents each one of us. We are all beloved disciples of Christ.
THE DANGER OF COMPARISON IN JOURNEYING WITH CHRIST
Jesus revealed to Peter about his death, and instead of Peter clarifying the information given to him, he was interested in the fate of the beloved disciple and asked Jesus about him, perhaps to compare their fates. He must have thought that his past had merited him such a route of departure, and felt less valued and was, therefore, a bit jealous towards the other disciple. We witness these things among siblings, friends, colleagues, etc. We must be vigilant because unnecessary comparison can breed anger, separation and unhealthy competition in team ministry.
As disciples of Christ, we have our various talents, spirituality, and ways of reaching out to the Lord. We are in our different lanes and must maintain them lest we fall out of the track due to jealousy, struggle for position, and power. Comparing ourselves with each other can make us lose sight of Christ and fall away. Perhaps that is the reason Jesus said to Peter: ‘Follow me’ (John 21:19). This is a simple way of telling Peter to be focused on the Lord, mind his business, and maintain his lane. We must learn to control our emotions and be in charge of ourselves like Christ.
FAKE NEWS
When Peter enquired from Jesus about the fate of the beloved disciple, Jesus said to him: ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me (John 21:22). He never addressed the question nor said that the beloved disciple would not die. He simply made a rhetorical statement to Peter to mind his business, take up his cross and follow him in his own way; same to the other disciples.
However, the statement of Jesus was misinterpreted. The news spread among the brethren and communities that the beloved disciple was not going to die. No one verified or confirmed the news from Christ, but it made waves on the air like other fake news in both conventional and social media today. Most social media influencers of today would have used it to build their page without calculating the impact of falsehood on the persons involved and society. That is the reality we have found ourselves in, but we must desist from using our media platforms to spread fake news. It can distort society and does not represent our Christian identity as followers of Christ. We can promote good news, which is embodied in Christ.
TESTIMONY
The last part of the Gospel reveals the testimony of the beloved disciple. He bears witness to what had been written as true and authentic for posterity. He affirmed that there were other unwritten documents which, if they had been written, the world would not have contained them. Such a statement confirms without doubt the teaching of the church on tradition that has been passed from one generation to another, which we are bound to listen, reflect and use in our journeying with Christ while maintaining our lanes and carrying our cross.
Peace be with you!
