"Follow thou Me"

This week, I have been reading in the Gospel of John in my New Testament Class.  One of the insights that stuck out to me was when Jesus was talking with Peter after His Resurrection.  He asks Peter three times: "Lovest thou me?", and after Peter responds in the affirmative, Jesus says, "Feed My Sheep", inviting Him to care for his brothers and sisters and bring them unto Christ. (John 21:15-17).

Less well known is the conversation that takes place afterward.  Jesus prophesies of Peter's coming martyrdom, and tells Peter: "Follow me."  In this way, Peter is given a glimpse of the sacrifices he would make for Christ and what Christ expected of him.  However, at that moment, Peter notices John, and remembering the love that Christ had shown John, asked Jesus: "Lord, and what shall this man do?" (vs. 21) In other words, Peter was essentially trying to compare his work, calling, and responsibility with John's.

Jesus responds with a gentle rebuke: "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me." (vs. 22).

Although we often focus on this scripture as a witness of John the Revelator's ongoing mission on earth, in context, it also can teach us about how we should respond to callings and responsibilities in the church.

So often, it is easy to compare our callings, our blessings, or our opportunities with those of others.  We ask, "But what about them?"  We look to those who have more prominent callings such as "Elder's Quorum President", "Relief Society President", or "Zone Leader".  I know that many times, I have compared my calling or my present life experiences with those of others, but the more I do that, I just become resentful and feel self-pity.

It seems like Peter may have felt this way.  Because Peter knew John's close relationship with the Master, and especially if he had somehow heard about John's future transfiguration, it would be easy to feel less important or to want to compare his blessings or role with John's.   However, in this scripture, Jesus invites Peter to turn from others and look to Him.  It didn't matter to Peter what John's role would be.  He was just expected to follow Christ.

Similarly, it doesn't matter what blessings that others are receiving.  The gospel is between us and Him, and if we are doing all we can to follow Him, that is all that He expects of us.   We each have a role to play in Christ's work, and our joy and growth will come from our efforts to do what he has asked of us and to appreciate the opportunities that he has given us, not from how our efforts or blessings compare with other people.  Just as Jesus redirected Peter's focus towards Himself, as we let go of our need to compare ourselves with others and look to Christ for direction and strength, He can make us the people that he wants us to be.

I invite each of you (as well as myself) to study the talks from General Conference when they come out and ponder on how you can better look to Christ and fulfill His role for you.  I know that as we do so, He can help us to strengthen our relationships with Him and to know what He wants us to do.

Have a great week!