John 21:21

"Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ chest at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”"

Key Reflection

This scene highlights Peter's struggle with betrayal and faith. Seeing the disciple whom Jesus loved, possibly thinking of Judas, intensifies Peter’s remorse and confusion over his own denial, foreshadowing both the disciple's loyalty and Peter's future failures and redemption.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. What shall this man do? This question probably means, "What death shall he die?" But it is impossible to ascertain certainly why Peter asked this question. John was a favourite disciple, and perhaps Peter suspected that he would have a happier lot, and not be put to death in this manner. Peter was grieved at the question of Jesus; he was probably deeply affected with the account of his own approaching sufferings; and, with perhaps a mixture of grief and envy, he asked what would be his lot. But it is possible, also, that it was from kindness to John--a deep solicitude about him, and a wish that he might not die in the same manner as one who had denied his Lord.

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