Jesus isn't just deflecting Peter's curiosity; He's directly rebuking Peter's tendency to fixate on others' destinies instead of his own path, sharply redirecting him back to his personal calling: "You, follow Me!" The emphasis isn't on John's fate, but on Peter's own unique journey and responsibility to keep following Jesus, no matter what others might do.
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?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter, after being restored by Jesus and asked to "feed my sheep," turns his attention to John, who is walking nearby, and asks Jesus about John's future. Jesus redirects Peter's focus, telling him not to worry about John's destiny but to concentrate on following Him, implying that John's path is ultimately in God's hands and not Peter's concern.
Peter is trying to figure out John's future, but Jesus redirects him. Why does Jesus emphasize His own will in this moment?
Jesus asserts His absolute authority over life and destiny. When He says, “If I will that he remain…”, He's not just stating a possibility; He's declaring His sovereign power as Lord over life and death. This is the same authority He demonstrated when He said 'I will' to the leper (Matthew 8:3) and submitted His own will in Gethsemane ('not what I will, but what you will' - Matthew 26:39).
His will is the ultimate determinant of our path and our end. Peter’s question about John's future is misplaced because only Jesus holds the keys to such knowledge and determination. This sovereignty is not meant to be a source of anxiety, but a foundation of trust.
Peter’s question about John's future seems innocent, even loving. So why does Jesus push back so firmly? What's really at stake?
Jesus’ response, 'What is that to you?', isn't just a dismissal; it’s a gentle rebuke of unwarranted curiosity and a redirection of focus. Peter, fresh from his own failures and recommitment, is tempted to get sidetracked by knowing the destinies of others instead of concentrating on his own calling.
This curiosity can stem from various places – genuine love, jealousy, pride, or a desire to control or predict. Whatever the motive, Jesus redirects Peter (and us!) back to the primary command: 'You follow me!' Our main task is to faithfully pursue Jesus, not to scrutinize the paths He lays out for others. Envy or speculation about another's walk with God can hinder our own spiritual progress.
Ask a follow-up
After a complex question about John's fate, Jesus gives a simple, direct command. What makes 'Follow me' so crucial here?
The core of Jesus' response is a powerful imperative: 'You follow me!' This isn't just a suggestion; it's the essential directive for every disciple. Peter, having just been restored, needs to anchor himself in this fundamental call.
The original Greek word for 'follow' (akoloutheo) implies more than just walking behind someone. It means to accompany, to be a disciple, to adhere to, and to obey. Jesus is calling Peter to a life of devoted discipleship, marked by obedience to His commands and living out His example, regardless of what the future holds for others.
This command is timeless. It’s a call to stay connected to Jesus, to learn from Him, and to walk in His ways, trusting Him with our own journey and the journeys of those around us.
Understand the original words
akolouthei · Greek Verb
The central act of a Christian's life, involving active obedience, imitation of Christ, and a continuous personal commitment to walk in His ways.
erchomai · Greek Verb
Refers to the second coming of Christ, the eschatological event when Jesus returns to judge the world and fully establish His kingdom.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower or pupil of a master; in the New Testament, one who is learning from and committed to the teachings and person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus' sharp redirection to Peter underscores the personal nature of faith. Our journey is about following Him, not comparing our path or fate with others, even those we deeply love and admire.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Following Jesus' death and resurrection, his disciples, including Peter and John, began to experience his presence and guidance in new ways.
c. AD 30-33
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days, including several intimate encounters with Peter, before ascending to heaven.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascended into heaven, promising to send the Holy Spirit and that he would return.
c. AD 33— this verse
Appearance to Peter and the Disciples at the Sea of Galilee
After Jesus' ascension, Peter and several other disciples were fishing when Jesus appeared on the shore. He restored Peter's commission and asked him three times if he loved him, to which Peter responded affirmatively each time. Jesus then told Peter, 'Follow me.'
c. AD 33
Peter Inquires About John
Peter, seeing John following at a distance, asked Jesus about John's future, specifically if he would remain until Jesus' return.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Response and John's Survival
Jesus rebuked Peter's curiosity about John's fate, emphasizing that Peter's own calling was to follow Him. John, the 'disciple whom Jesus loved,' lived a long life, outliving the other apostles and witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem.
c. AD 95-100
Writing of the Gospel of John
It is widely believed that John wrote his Gospel towards the end of his long life, clarifying and expanding upon the teachings and life of Jesus.
This passage echoes Jesus' assertion of His sovereignty over life and death, stating Christ died and rose to be Lord of both the living and the dead.
Philippians 1:24Paul expresses a similar sentiment of 'abiding' or remaining in life for the sake of ministry, paralleling the word Jesus uses for John's potential future.
1 Corinthians 15:6This verse also uses the concept of 'remaining' or 'abiding' in life, further illustrating the alternative to martyrdom that Jesus is subtly hinting at for John.
John 12:34The crowd questions Jesus' statement about abiding, showing a similar human tendency to grapple with questions of longevity and divine timing, much like Peter.
Matthew 16:28Jesus challenges His disciples' focus on earthly matters and pronouncements about who would 'remain' or be present at His coming, similar to Peter's inquiry here.
cambridgeJohn 21:22: "Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
22 . If I will ] Christ died and rose again that He might become the Lord and Master both of the dead and the living ( Romans 14:9 ). He speaks here in full consciousness of this sovereignty. For the use of ‘I will’ by Christ comp. John 17:24 ; Matthew 8:3 and parallels, Matthew 26:39 . While the ‘I will’ asserts the Divine authority, the ‘if’ keeps the decision secret. that he tarry ]…
clarkeJohn 21:22: "Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
If I will that he tarry till I come - There are several opinions concerning this: the following are the principal. 1. Some have concluded from these words that John should never die. Many eminent men, ancients and moderns, have been and are of this opinion. 2. Others thought that our Lord intimated that John should live till Christ came to judge and destroy Jerusalem. On this opinion i…
Jesus isn't just deflecting Peter's curiosity; He's directly rebuking Peter's tendency to fixate on others' destinies instead of his own path, sharply redirecting him back to his personal calling: "You, follow Me!" The emphasis isn't on John's fate, but on Peter's own unique journey and responsibility to keep following Jesus, no matter what others might do.
Peter, after being restored by Jesus and asked to "feed my sheep," turns his attention to John, who is walking nearby, and asks Jesus about John's future. Jesus redirects Peter's focus, telling him not to worry about John's destiny but to concentrate on following Him, implying that John's path is ultimately in God's hands and not Peter's concern.
Peter, after being restored by Jesus and asked to "feed my sheep," turns his attention to John, who is walking nearby, and asks Jesus about John's future. Jesus redirects Peter's focus, telling him not to worry about John's destiny but to concentrate on following Him, implying that John's path is ultimately in God's hands and not Peter's concern.
"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, b…" — Jesus isn't just deflecting Peter's curiosity; He's directly rebuking Peter's tendency to fixate on others' destinies instead of his own path, sharply redirecting him back to his personal calling: "Y…
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Last reviewed October 2026
