Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Recently I read that commercials are not always what they seem. For example, did you know that models who are “washing” their hair in shampoo commercials are often using something else on their heads. Most of the time they are either using laundry detergent, because it whips up creamy and frothy and rich looking,, or beaten egg whites which are carefully laid on the hair-not by beauticians– but by gourmet bakers who layer the hair with the “meringue” to make the “shampoo” look even more appealing. Beer advertisements in magazines in reality are usually light grade motor oil in the bottom of the glass and whipped detergent on top for the foam head.
Obviously those inviting images aren’t exactly the same as what they are made out to be. Outward appearances are very often deceiving. Sometimes we look at other people’s lives and think, “Boy, they sure have it better than I do.” Perhaps they have a bigger house than I do, or a “better” job, or even the “ideal” family situation from my perspective. Usually there are trade-offs that might not always be apparent at first glance. Spiritually speaking this happens as well. We may be impressed by the knowledge of the Bible that someone has, or admire their seemingly “servant” attitude and become aware of the lack in my own life. We then think, “Oh, if my life was only like that” not realizing that while on the outside they may look good, the inside is much different. We need to be careful when comparing what we have to that of others. The Apostle Paul told us, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Instead of comparing our life to others, instead ask the Lord for the real deal in your own life. When I get that, I will rarely be disappointed.
20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (ESV)