John 21:21-23 Peter seeing him said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?… It is good to know the principles of Christianity, it is better to practise them. One of these is that the conduct of ethers towards Christ ought not to govern our own. Peter felt a great interest in John, and was anxious to know what department he was to occupy in the new kingdom. Peter meant no wrong: but Christ said, What is that to thee? Thy work is to echo My doctrine, to tread in My steps. By "If I will" Christ intimates that we are not to be or do what we like, but what Christ wills. The doctrine is, that it is important to think more about Christ Himself than about any fellow-agents in spreading His religion. Because — I. CHRIST HAS A PERSONAL AND ESSENTIAL PRE-EMINENCE. 1. He is what others are not and cannot be. If we want to come in contact with the most agreeable truths, let us rise above the agitation of the Church in its present state of imperfection, and fix our minds on the Redeemer Himself. 2. He is the Revealer of God to man, and I look at Him to see all I need. 3. He has a peculiar relation to me — Brother, Teacher, Priest, King. My all depends on Him. My fellow-man may be very valuable, but I can and must do without him; but I cannot live without Christ. II. OUR ENGAGEMENTS TO CHRIST ARE INDEPENDENT OF OUR FELLOW-BEINGS. Anything they may or may not do cannot affect our individual obligation to Him. We perceive this if we consider that every one has his own work. The Church has its work, and it cannot be done by schools of philosophy; and each member has his, and if he neglects it he will be rebuked in the presence of the universe. But, you say, my ability is small and my sphere contracted. Never mind; God has called you to that; be faithful in the least, and He will make you ruler over many things. Does the scholar or business man say, Because such a man is indolent I may be? I can love many of my fellow agents, but I would not stand before the love of God in the place of any one. "Each must give an account to God," and "bear his own burden." III. BY THINKING OF JESUS WE CAN MAINTAIN AN EMINENT STANDARD OF MORAL ACTION. There is a tendency in individuals and churches to imitate one another, but since none is perfect this may be injurious. It is right and safe, however, to imitate the perfect Redeemer. Then imitate — 1. His cordiality in religion. Whatever Christ did He did with all His heart. 2. His wonderful triumphs over obstacles. It would be useful to be acquainted with Christ's methods with His enemies as well as His friends. 3. His devotion. (Caleb Morris.) Parallel Verses KJV: Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?WEB: Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" |
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