Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumour spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

John 21:22-25

Jesus seems to put his classroom teacher hat on here with his disciples. He seems to be pulling out the Aramaic version of a line I’ve said a lot – “Just worry about yourself.”

It’s very easy to get caught up with what person X is doing and get sidetracked from the more important point of “What am I supposed to be doing right now?”

Like children and teenagers in a classroom, we can lose focus on what our job is and misinterpret the play. This, again, like children, leads to unfounded rumours that only detract from what we’re supposed to be doing.

There’s really nothing new under the sun, is there? People are forever saying whatever they will say about others, regardless of whether it’s true or not.

Maybe John needed to worry about death. But maybe he didn’t. Jesus isn’t clear. And it’s not really Jesus’ point either. Jesus’ point is to stay in your own lane.

And the tag question ‘What is that to you?’ is frankly a little bit sassy. I think it means we should definitely take Jesus seriously at this point. He’s not mucking around. It really is no one’s business but John’s.

Regardless of Peter’s questions, John knows his job. He declares it as he closes out his gospel.

He is a disciple. He is testifying. He has a true testimony to share. That’s who he is and what he does.

And he’s got an awful lot to say. He’s only chosen the highlights reel for the gospel text. But he lets us know that there is much, much more to the story. There’s an awful lot to be said.

And of course there is, for Jesus is the Messiah; the promised King of God, come down to earth. Of course there is so much to be shared for this is no ordinary event.

Which is why Easter is no ordinary event and Lent is important. Lent prepares us for the testimony that is the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ our Lord. The central focus of our faith.

I hope that as Lent comes to an end, you know with ever growing clarity the goodness and faithfulness of God through salvation in Jesus Christ. And know how much He loves you.

You are the apple of God’s eye, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Yours staying in her own lane,

Alison