Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

John 21:18-21

This word from Jesus is not what Peter wants to hear.

All languages have slang words and phrases and Jesus is basically using one here when he says to Peter “you will stretch out your hands”. We don’t pick up on the meaning, but Peter would have known that Jesus was referring to crucifixion.

Tradition has it that Peter was indeed crucified and that, upside down. Utterly barbaric behaviour.

So it’s no wonder really that Peter starts to look around at the other disciples and wants to find out about their future lots. Peter, James and John being the three leaders within the twelve, it’s unsurprising that Peter points to John and asks about his future.

“Lord what about him?” Read: Is he going to come to a tragic demise as well? Or is he going to just tuck himself up into some new digs post mission and write books?

Of all the people who could write some award-winning, top ten new releases at your Christian bookstore, the disciples have definitely got a shoe-in. Peter understandably would prefer this and wants to know if he’s the only lone ranger on a calling he wishes he’d rather not have, or if there are others walking the same journey of persecution.

However, regardless of our callings, I think this passage demonstrates two aims that should be present in every believer’s life: glorify God and follow Jesus.

Whether we’re being a warrior on the front line (Onward Christian Soldiers style) or a writer in our study, these two things should be our aim.

Glorify God. That means we are where he wants us to be and when he wants us to be there (I’m speaking to myself on that one. I get that wrong countless times). When we do that, we allow God to go into action and show his glory.

Follow Jesus. This means we follow his example of a life of service. That life of service occurs in multiple contexts: in the church, in our relationships, in our workplaces. As they say, “Bloom where God plants you.”

Where has God planted you? Or where does he want to plant you next?

Even if like Peter, the path seems unexpected, let God still carve the path and let yourself listen and follow.

For it will bring God the glory he deserves.

Yours with the potting mix,

Alison