Sermon #132                                                                                                                             John Sermons

 

            Title:                           ÒWhat is that to Thee?Ó

                                                            

            Text:                            John 21:18-25

Date:                                Sunday Morning—September 18, 2011

            Tape #                       John #132

            Subject:                     Following Christ

Reading: John 21:1-25 and Psalm 80:1-19

Introduction:

 

Did you ever notice this? — In the New Testament, every time anyone came to our Lord and complained to Him about what someone else was doing or was not doing, what someone else might do or might not do, He rebuked them sharply.

á      The Disciples and Those Who Followed Not with Them (Luke 9:49-50)

á      Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)

á      Peter and John (John 21:18-25)

 

(John 21:18-25)  Ò18  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19  This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.Ó

 

Ò20 ¦  Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21  Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23  Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24  This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25  And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.Ó

 

Background

 

LetÕs stop here for just a minute; and let me remind you of the events leading up to this. The Lord Jesus gave His last message to His disciples. You can read the SaviorÕs final instructions to His Church in chapters 13-16. In chapter 17 He made that great high priestly prayer to God the Father as our Mediator. Then, in chapter 18, He is in the garden, praying with Peter, James, and John, anticipating all that He must suffer as our Substitute, when a band of soldiers, led by Judas, came to arrest Him.

 

1. When these soldiers came to arrest him, Peter arose immediately to defend his Master, without regard for his own life (v. 10).

 

2. Our Savior voluntarily gave Himself up to be crucified by wicked men upon the condition that His own elect would be spared (vv. 8-12). — ÒWhom seek ye?Ó

 

3. The Savior was led away to the judgment hall, where Peter denied Him three times (18:27).

 

4. Our blessed Substitute accomplished our redemption by the sacrifice of Himself upon the cursed tree (19:28-30).

 

5. On the third day[1], early in the morning, the Lord Jesus Christ arose from the grave, triumphing over it for us (20:1-17).

  • He appeared to Mary Magadalene and the other Mary. (Mark 16 — ÒGo, tell my disciplesÉand Peter.Ó
  • He appeared to the disciples, Thomas being absent.
  • Then He appeared to them one week later when Thomas was present.

 

6. Now, in chapter 21, He appears a third time to His disciples, specifically to restore Peter, to confirm His love to Peter and to confirm (in PeterÕs own mind) PeterÕs love to him.

 

You know the story. When Peter had publicly confessed, ÒLord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee,Ó the Lord gave him this charge — ÒFeed my sheep.Ó Peter had denied his Master three times. Here he confesses his heartfelt love for Christ three times and is commissioned by the Lord three times to feed His people. Now, read verse 22.

 

(John 21:22)  ÒJesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.Ó

 

ÒWhat is that to theeThat is the question I want to address.

 

Proposition: We must learn to leave GodÕs servants and GodÕs people to GodÕs care.

 

(Romans 14:4)  ÒWho art thou that judgest another manÕs servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.Ó

 

GodÕs people are GodÕs people. TheyÕre not yours; and theyÕre not mine. TheyÕre Hs! — GodÕs servants are GodÕs servants. TheyÕre not yours; and theyÕre not mine. TheyÕre His! — I sure wish we could learn that! — They are not to be judged by us. They are not to be controlled by us. Their lives are not to be run by us. — Religion binds people. Christ sets them free. — ÒLoose him, and let him go!Ó

 

It is absolutely none of your business or mine how someone else serves Christ. — It is none of your business or mine what someone else does for his Master, or doesnÕt do. — It is none of your business or mine what someone else gives, or doesnÕt give. — The Lord God almighty is perfectly capable of taking care of His own. — Besides, most of us have a full time job, with plenty of overtime, taking care of ourselves!

 

(1 Thessalonians 4:11)  ÒAnd that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.Ó

 

Again, it is absolutely none of your business or mine how someone else serves Christ. — ÒTo his own Master he stands or falls!Ó

 

Grace Assured

 

The Lord Jesus told Peter how that he would be required to suffer and die for the glory of God. Impetuous and sometimes fickle in his youth, Peter was assured that in the end he would be faithful unto death. And he was. He was crucified at Rome because of his faithfulness to Christ. When the Lord Jesus gave Peter this word of assurance, He said to him, ÒFollow meÓ (vv. 18-19).

 

(John 21:18-19)  ÒVerily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.Ó

 

An Evil Question

 

Then, as they walked along the beach, Peter saw John following. That is what a disciple is supposed to do. But when Peter saw John, he said, ÒLord, You have told me what I must do, but what about John, what is he to do?Ó — (vv. 20-21)

 

John 21:20-21  ÒThen Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (21) Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do

 

That may appear to be a perfectly innocent question; but it was horribly evil. It was a question that arose from PeterÕs proud heart. It ought never to have been asked. It was a question that would, if entertained, be sure to cause a division among the LordÕs disciples and lead to other evils. At that point, the Lord must have stopped, turned to Peter, and looking squarely into his eyes, He gave this stern admonition and reproof — ÒIf I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou meÓ (v. 22).

 

Here is a message directly from the lips of the Lord Jesus Christ to you and me. He says, ÒWhat is that to thee? Follow thou me!Ó

 

If the Spirit of God will enable me, I want to talk to your heart and my own about following Christ. It is our responsibility in all things ever to follow Christ; but it is never our responsibility to determine what another disciple is doing, or even concern ourselves about what another is doing or not doing.

 

Some time ago, while discussing this very subject, I made that statement to Bro. Todd NibertÉ

 

ÒIt is our responsibility in all things ever to follow Christ; but it is never our responsibility to determine what another disciple is doing, or even concern ourselves about what another is doing or not doing.Ó

 

He said, ÒWhat an important message! If we could learn that, it would put an end to every problem there is in the church and kingdom of God.Ó — I agree. — I am convinced that all the strife and division that exists among true believers can be traced to this one, proud evil. — We all concern ourselves with what others are doing and not doing, when we ought to concern ourselves only with what the Lord would have us do.

 

Divisions: Now, let me show you three things, and I will wrap this message up.

1. Our primary responsibility in life is to follow Christ.

2. If we would follow Christ, we must subject everything to his sovereign will.

3. It is most reasonable that we should confine ourselves to this one life-long occupation — Following Christ.

 

Our Primary Responsibility

                                              

1st — Our primary responsibility in life is to follow Christ. I know the consequences, ramifications, and implications of what I am saying. I know what it will cost us if we dare to do what the Lord commands. But, oh how I pray that God will give us grace to hear and obey His Word. I am talking to my own heart as well as yours.

 

The main business of your life, the primary, all-consuming business of your life and mine, is to follow Christ. We live in vain if we do not live for God! Indeed, it were better for you and me had we never been born, than that we should live and die without Christ. The Lord Jesus says to you and me, ÒFollow meÉFollow thou me!Ó

 

This is the command of the Gospel. Many today try to separate salvation from discipleship. They suggest that there may be faith in Christ without the following of Christ. But that is not so. In Bible terms, to believe on Christ is to follow Christ (Matthew 4:18-22; 16:24-26; 19:20-22).

 

(Matthew 4:18-22)  ÒAnd Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (19) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (20) And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. (21) And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. (22) And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.Ó

 

(Matthew 16:24-26)  ÒThen said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Ó

 

(Matthew 19:20-22)  ÒThe young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.Ó

 

If you are yet without Christ, I want you to hear me. May God help you to hear me. You would be wise to make the salvation of your immortal soul the primary concern of your life. Make your soul your first care, if necessary, to the neglect of all other things. What shall it profit you, if you should gain the whole world and lose your own soul?

á      If you are without Christ, you are under the wrath of God, cursed and condemned because of your sin.

á      If you die without Christ, you shall forever suffer the wrath of God in hell.

á      Will you follow Christ and be forever saved; or will you follow your own devices and be forever damned? (Deuteronomy 30:15, 19).

 

(Deuteronomy 30:15)  ÒSee, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.Ó

 

(Deuteronomy 30:19)  ÒI call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:Ó

 

á      To follow Christ is to seek Him.

á      To follow Christ is to trust Him.

á      To follow Christ is to submit to His dominion.

á      To follow Christ is to be saved by Him. — ÒBelieve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.Ó This is the LordÕs commandment to you: — ÒFollow thou me!Ó

 

This is also the character of faith. Faith follows Christ. My brothers and sisters in the grace of God, having been saved by Christ, having been washed in His precious blood, robed in His perfect righteousness and born again by His Holy Spirit, our MasterÕs word to us is — ÒFollow thou Me!Ó

 

The main, primary, all-encompassing business of our lives is to follow Christ. When sin is pardoned and salvation is secure, the one thing we must do is follow Christ. Peter was a believer, a preacher, and an Apostle. And this was our LordÕs command to him: — ÒFollow MeÉFollow thou Me!Ó

 

C. H. Spurgeon said, ÒThe one thing we are to aim at is, to tread in ChristÕs footsteps, to do what He did; and, as far as He is imitable by us, to do it as He did it, and to be as He was in the midst of the sons and daughters of men.Ó (See Titus 2:11-14).

 

(Titus 2:11-14)  ÒFor the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Ó

 

A disciple is one who learns to live the life his teacher lives. Discipleship is more than getting to know what the teacher teaches. It is getting to be what the teacher is. And Christianity is more than believing the doctrine of Christ. Christianity is following Christ. It is seeking to mold my life after Christ. If I am a child of God, I am not a follower of Calvin, Gill, or Spurgeon, or any other mere man. I am a follower of Christ. I seek to mold my doctrine, my thoughts, my words, my character, and my deeds after the example of Christ. Christ Himself is the rule and pattern of my life (John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21).

 

(John 13:15)  ÒFor I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.Ó

 

(1 Peter 2:21)  ÒFor even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.Ó

 

We are trees of GodÕs planting, set in His vineyard to bring forth fruit for GodÕs praise. If we would do what we were created to do, we must follow Christ. This is the life, the character, and the business of faith (Philippians 3).

 

God has given every believer a place, position, and gifts, in which to serve Him, which no one else can occupy.

 

Illustration: ÒMaybe the Lord yet has something for me to do.Ó – (Larry Brown)

 

This is the vocation to which we are called. No matter what your earthly occupation is, if you are in Christ, you are first and foremost His servant. That is your occupation. God has put you where you are, with the gifts, talents, abilities, and opportunities you have to influence and minister to other people, people no one else can reach, for the glory of His name.

  • All saved sinners are missionaries.
  • All saved sinners are His witnesses.
  • All saved sinners are martyrs!

 

I do not believe that any child of God was created just to run a business, keep records, build houses, connect water pipes, sell insurance, or teach school There is something greater for you and me to do. We were created to serve the cause of God our Savior in the place of our calling, for the glory of His name (1 Corinthians 7:20-24).

 

(1 Corinthians 7:20-24)  ÒLet every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. (21) Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. (22) For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the LordÕs freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is ChristÕs servant. (23) Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. (24) Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.Ó

 

Illustration: My conversation with Jamel Wright

 

God has put you and me where we are, with the gifts, talents, and means we have to seek the salvation of those people who are under our influence for the glory of His name. This is your lifeÕs business, occupation, and calling: — ÒFollow thou Me!Ó (See John 20:21; Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

(John 20:21)  ÒThen said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.Ó

 

(Hebrews 12:1-2)  ÒWherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Ó

 

Voluntary Subjugation

 

2nd — I want you to see that if we would follow Christ we must subject everything to Hs sovereign will. When Peter learned what he must suffer and endure for Christ, he looked at John and said, ÒAnd what shall this man do?Ó And the LordÕs answer to him was, ÒWhat is that to thee? Follow thou Me!Ó

 

If we would follow Christ, we must not concern ourselves with the responsibilities of others. It is true that we are all members of the body of Christ. And we work and labor together for one cause — the glory of God. All GodÕs people together preach His Word, feed His sheep, and promote His glory.

 

But each individual believer is the LordÕs servant. And we must recognize that every man stands or falls before his own Master. We must each be occupied with our own responsibilities, our own ministries, our own calling, and our own faithfulness. We must not concern ourselves with how, when, or where God is pleased to use others.

á      We gladly help others as they serve Christ — Missionaries, churches, pastors, etc.

á      But we must not seek to govern others in their service for Christ. We leave them in the hands of God.

á      And we must not allow ourselves to be turned aside by others from our own responsibilities.

 

I am not responsible for what God has called you to do. But I am responsible for what He has called me to do.

á      What God does with you is His business.

á      What you do for God is your business and His, not mine.

á      What I do for God is my business and His, not yours.

 

(Romans 14:4)  ÒWho art thou that judgest another manÕs servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.Ó

 

May God give us grace to cease being busybodies about other peopleÕs business.

 

(1 Thessalonians 4:11)  ÒAnd that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;Ó

 

(1 Peter 4:14-16)  ÒIf ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other menÕs matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.Ó

 

If we would follow Christ, we must not concern ourselves with foolish and unlearned questions (2 Timothy 2:22-24).

 

(2 Timothy 2:22-24)  ÒFlee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (23) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. (24) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.Ó

 

  • The origin of evil.
  • The relation between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
  • The mysteries of prophecy.
  • The secret counsels of God (Deuteronomy 29:29).

 

And if we would follow Christ, we must not concern ourselves with our own personal interests, needs, or relations. We must lose our life if we would save it!

á      I must follow Christ whether my family follows Him or not.

á      I must follow Christ, regardless of personal preference.

á      I must follow Christ, regardless of personal costs.

á      And I must do so willingly (2 Timothy 2:8-10.

 

(2 Timothy 2:8-10)  ÒRemember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: (9) Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. (10) Therefore I endure all things for the electÕs sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.Ó

 

Illustration: Jephthah

 

Most Reasonable

 

3rd — It is most reasonable that we should confine ourselves to this one life long occupation – ÒFollow thou Me!Ó —— I know that I am calling for costly commitment, commitment that will require of us many things contrary to the flesh, things that will be often misunderstood and misrepresented by people around us. I am calling for you and me to give ourselves in unreserved, voluntary, whole-hearted commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel of His grace. Our Master says, to you and me, ÒFollow thou Me.Ó And His command is most reasonable.

 

He bought us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). — Shall we take that which belongs to Christ and waste it upon vanity?

 

Our powers are so limited. — I know some of my own limitations. I would like to use what little ability and the brief time God has given me in the work of following Christ, preaching the Gospel, and seeking to bring others to know, trust, worship, and follow Him.

 

Our time is so limited! — ÒThe time is shortÓ (1 Corinthians 7:29). Let us therefore redeem the time we have (Ephesians 5:16) and use it wisely, following Christ!

 

My brother, my sister, do not allow anyone to divert you from the straight path of obedience to Christ. To that, above everything else, we have been called! How I pray that we might, each of us, live to glorify God, that we might each be like an arrow shot from ChristÕs bow, by His own pierced hand, to the target of GodÕs glory. Let nothing turn us aside from the path of obedience.

 

I wonder what God would have us to do, individually and collectively, as members of this church, as members of the Church and Kingdom of God in this day. I wonder what God might do with us, if we will but obey His command and follow Christ!

  • What does He yet have for us to do for Christ?
  • What will He yet do with us in the service of His Kingdom?

 

You are all free men and women, free born children of God, I will not prescribe for you what to do. I simply call upon you to obey the direction of God the Holy Spirit and follow Christ. Perhaps you are thinking, ÒBut, pastor, what can I do?Ó

  • You are ChristÕs witness; so tell sinners about Him.
  • Use your money to support the Gospel. — Here at home! — Missionaries!
  • Distribute CDs, DVDs, tapes, tracts, and books.
  • Take care of the church property.
  • Minister to one another.

 

Illustration: The Preacher and the Business Man.

 

Application: Do everything you can to help one another along the way; but do not set in judgment over or try to manipulate one another. What another does or does not do is absolutely none of your business or mine. Regarding all such matters, the Lord Jesus says to us, — ÒWhat is that to thee? Follow thou me!Ó

á      Follow Christ. — This is the command of the Gospel.

á      Follow Christ. — This is the life of faith.

á      If we do follow Christ now by faith, soon we will follow Him home to heaven (John 13:36).

 

(John 13:36)  ÒSimon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.Ó

 

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

Listen to sermons at FreeGraceRadio.com

 

 



[1] There seems to be a difficulty here. It is obvious that our Lord, being crucified on Friday afternoon and resurrected on Sunday morning was in the grave (to our way of thinking) only one full day (Saturday), the Friday evening preceding it and Sunday morning following it. But that is no problem at all. The Jews calculated any part of a night or day as a whole. Calculating as they did, our Lord was in the tomb the day and night of Friday, the day and night of Saturday, and the night (the time preceding dawn) and day of Sunday.