Comparisons (Part 1)

Scripture — John 21:15-22 (NRSV)

Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. (This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus’ chest at the meal and asked, “Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?”) So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? You follow me!”

Devotion

It is human nature to compare things. We recognize the nature and value of it in the most ordinary places, such as the grocery store. I think it was through differential equations that I really began to recognize how much math is about comparison. That was probably about the time I began to compare my journey in the school of engineering to the path of others.

Comparisons can be beneficial. If you are buying a large ticket item, it is financially beneficial to price match another store for a wiser deal. I’m constantly comparing traffic routes and seeing what will give me the most right turns and least stops.

The place where comparisons have the potential to become a problem is when we compare ourselves to others. It is quite possible to find inspiration in the life of someone else. But when the success or failures of others are more alive than your own experience it is quite possible to miss the better comparison.

John 21:15-19 recounted the story of Jesus realigning Peter to what it means to be a disciple. It was precipitated by Peter’s three denials of knowing Jesus (John 18:15-27). The consequences were heavier, but if you compare the incident to previous conversations, there were some similar characteristics, such as Peter’s brash presumptuous nature and his bold assertions that were often incorrect. Jesus rebuked Peter, even in one case so seriously he alluded to Peter acting as Satan (Matt 16:23). Jesus forgave and reminded Peter to whom he belonged. In the John 21 text, Jesus fed the disciples (John 21:1-14) and then asked Peter three times “Do you love me.”

Jesus balanced the equation for Peter and refocused him on what it means to follow Jesus. The comparison should be between who Jesus is and how far we are off from how he made us. Jesus probed into the inner recesses of Peter’s heart to derive the kind of humility that will bring about service. If you love him, you’ll serve others (John 21:15b, 16b, 17b). If you love Jesus you’ll acknowledge that He knows all things (John 21:17.) If you love God, you know your love doesn’t compare to God’s (1 John 4:19). And when you see that clearly it should impact how you make comparisons.

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: How to Beat Back the Cold.