John 21:20-25
Chapter 21
20
Peter turned around and saw that the disciple Jesus loved was also following, the one who had leaned close to Jesus at the supper and asked him, ‘Lord, who is to betray you?’
21
Seeing him, Peter asked Jesus:
“Lord, what about him?”
22
Jesus replied:
“If I want him to remain until I come, is that any concern of yours? You follow me!”
23
Because of this, the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to Peter, ‘He will not die,’ but, ‘Suppose I want him to remain until I come back, what concern is that of yours?’
24
It is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written them down, and we know that his testimony is true.
25
Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, I don’t think the world itself could contain the books that would be written.
Commentaries
Simon Peter’s Mission
The Lord asks Peter about the sincerity of his love. Three questions echo and restore Peter’s three denials (13:38; 18:17, 25-27). It may also serve as a ratification of a commitment, following the Semitic custom of doing so (cf. Gn 23:7-23). Peter’s response shows how his painful experience has transformed him. His threefold answer is not based on himself, but on his knowledge of Jesus (17). In Matthew, the focus is on the church: “On this rock I will build my Church” (Mt 16:18). In John, a strong Christological focus is clear. Jesus appoints Peter as the shepherd of his flock and asks for his complete love. This is the core requirement for fulfilling the role of shepherd within the Church and, more broadly, for caring for one’s neighbor.