THE REASON FOR THE LAST CHAPTER OF JOHN MAY WELL HAVE BEEN TO CORRECT AN ERRONIOUS IDEA SHOWN HERE

1. Before John Died- about the turn of the 1st Century- Christians all over world-church established
2. It may be this rumor about John had led people to false expectations- He had to lay it to rest
3. But the message to us (knowing of John's death, destruction of Jerusalem, etc.) is much more personal as we examine the Lord's remark -"That is that to thee?" of our own business-

I.- PETER'S QUESTION! JOHN 21:21

John could have known this by direct inspiration- but probably he was close enough to eavesdrop-

A.- THE LORD'S GREAT INTERVIEW HAD ENDED, AND OFTEN A TIME OF FAILURE FOLLOWS EVERY BLESSING

1. Jesus had by his three questions- Lovest Thou Me? -taught Peter a wonderful lesson- and us too
2. The interview ended on a high spiritual plain- with a wonderful invitation- "Follow me" v.19b
3. But Peter was anxious to begin his "lordship" of the church- and started running things early

B.- THE QUESTION MIGHT HAVE BEEN MOTIVATED BY A SINCERE KIND OF LOVE, WANTING GOD'S BEST FOR HIS FRIEND

1. It is a dangerous thing to try to tell God how to use another human being- second-guess God?
2. But if God calls us to a field that might not even be our choosing- Luke 17:7-10 - His Will!
3. Our job is to be the best we can- a vessel of honor for the Lord's use- II Tim 2:19-24

C.- BUT THAT CULPABLE CURIOSITY OF THE MAN CALLED PETER PROVED AN OUTREACH FOR HIS OLD NATURE

1. Some companies used to have written on pay envelopes- "Don't discuss this with others"
3. Rom 9:21- The Potter has power over the clay- and it is His choice as to what is done with us
3. Some want to run other's business- Like President's -Income tax - & mine! Some deliberately don't understand.

Mary & Martha quarreled- Paul and Barnabas split over Mark

II. THE LORD'S REPLY  John 21:22

The Lord always has an answer for us- but it might not be the answer that we in our old nature want-

A. THERE IS A CERTAIN DEGREE OF REBUKE IN THE QUESTION "What is that to thee? "-

1. It is unfortunate that busybodies are always trying to run others' business- basis for gossip
2. It is not for us to judge the Lord's servants- I Cor 4:3  It is hard enough to judge ourselves
3. We ought to want the very best for our loved ones, and think of them highly, preferring others

B.- IT IS NATURAL FOR US TO WANT TO KNOW THE FUTURE FOR THOSE WITH WHOM WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP & LOVE

1. We would want to know will they be prosperous (we are jealous) or poor (blame them with sin)
2. But it places us in the position of trying to run God's business- we can't run our own!
3. The safe plan to follow is to be careful about following the Lord ourselves - very close

C.- THERE ARE SOME TYPES OF ATTITUDES, AREAS OF CURIOSITY THAT WE SHOULD AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

1. In every church there are foot-draggers- "That's not my job", "I'm too busy", "Let George Do it"
2. So much better to have people say-"I'll be glad to try", "I'll do my best", & mean it
3. If we knew the future too well it would shake us too much for us to be faithful-

III.- A WHIM OR COMMAND? John 21:22 c

  Sometimes we are so anxious to hear what the Lord is saying to the other person that we miss our own

A.- THE LORD HAD SAID "WHAT IF I WILL THAT HE TARRY?" - IT IS THE LORD'S CHOICE, NOT PETER'S

1. Remember, the Lord is the creator- He is the one who suspended nature's laws- for miracles-
2. Dan 4:35- He acts according to His own will- controls heaven- and earth - why not you?
3. This is why we need take no thought for tomorrow- but live for the Lord today!

B.- BUT PETER MISUNDERSTOOD, AND OBVIOUSLY TOLD OTHERS THAT THE LORD SAID JOHN WOULD NOT DIE

1. Some can stand to review another's work- but most cannot- become jealous, or accuse of sin
2. Let's try to be noble enough to let the Lord run His business- and let's not be offended
3. If the Lord chooses us for a small job- let's do it the very best- & let the other guy do same

C.- OUR JOB IS TO FOLLOW THE LORD'S COMMAND, THE VERY PERSONAL "FOLLOW THOU ME!" 21:19c & 22c

1. Stop quarreling about what the other guy is supposed to do- & do your own work- (teen brat)
2. You cannot control the other person- but you can manage your own business- get it together for Him
3. John did die- but before he did he wrote Gospel, I, II, III John, and Revelation- suffering-

What can the Lord do with you if you will truly give yourself over to His leadership?

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN AND YOU WILL LIVE TIL HE COMES - WHAT WILL IT MEAN TO YOU?  WHAT WILL YOU DO?

1. Get your heart right with God- serve Him until He comes.- Can you be faithful till He comes?
2. Will you encourage the other person to serve the Lord--without being his critic & boss?
3. Let's go soulwinning-- get people to the Lord- & let the Lord take over-