NOTES for Joh 21:20-25

Having heard about his coming martyr's death, Peter immediately asks Christ about the evangelist John. As a future shepherd concerned for the future of those entrusted to him, the chief apostle is worried about the fate of the young disciple. But in these words one can see not only care and concern, but also simple curiosity. Peter wants to look into the future, to know whether Jesus predicts a violent death for all His followers. And to this the Lord answers him rather sharply: "what is that to you." And at once He adds: "you follow Me."

At times we greatly want the path and the heart of our neighbor to be opened before us, for those hidden things that happen between him and God to be shown to us. And we are not always moved by curiosity; often it is our human concern and sympathy. But Christ calls each person to follow Him, expecting complete trust from us. Because we can follow Jesus only if we bring Him those who are in our heart.