John 21:22

If I will. Christ’s saying was a supposition. This is made clear in v. 23. Some misunderstood it and took it as a statement of fact. Jesus had simply said, in effect, “Suppose I should will that he tarry, that would not be a matter of concern to you, Peter.” The reply came as a reproof to Peter. He was not to become too anxious about his fellow men. His matter of concern was to follow his Lord. This does not mean that we should not have a loving interest in a brother’s welfare. But such solicitude must never take the place of keeping our eyes upon Jesus. Looking too intently upon our brother may lead us to fail where he fails.