I sometimes wonder why people who don’t deserve the good life, get one. It’s an interesting question, but here’s a better one: Why do I care?
John was fond of referring to himself as “the disciple Jesus loved,” implying a special and exclusive relationship. This term of endearment appears to have irritated Peter. He seemed bothered that John might not suffer the martyr’s fate Jesus predicted for Peter. His inquiry about John, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?” revealed a spirit of jealousy lurking inside Peter. It was hardly innocent curiosity that prompted his question.
Christ’s plans for other people are none of my business. He has a particular plan for me. It’s my divine obligation, my joyful duty to find out what it is and then, do it. When I am tempted to compare my plight with those whom (I deem) are less deserving or begrudge those whose life (I assume) is easier and softer than mine, it’s time to apply the words of Jesus:
“What’s that to you? You — follow Me,” (John 21.18-22).
