Where you do not want to go 09/08/2021

Read John 21:18-23

We have almost reached the end of our studies in John's Gospel and we are privileged to have an insight into a very personal matter relating to the writer of this fourth Gospel. John is reflecting on the words which Jesus spoke to Peter (and also to him) about future events in their life. Jesus discloses to Peter that his death will be decided by others. He talks to Peter about a future where he will be in the custody of others who will 'lead him in a direction which he does not want to travel.' This is generally interpreted as referring to a violent death most likely by crucifixion. It is clear that the Son of God knew explicitly what future lay before Peter. He gives a hint to Peter that Peter's death will not be from old age or illness or natural causes. This is most likely written by the elderly disciple at a time after Peter's violent death and John is reflecting on his own future in the light of Jesus words to both of them. John is clarifying that Jesus had not stated that John would not die. The actual conversation had been misconstrued by the first-century Christians and the popular notion was that John was going to be alive when Jesus returned. But, John makes it clear that Jesus had not said that. He had however hinted that Peter's future would not be his choosing.

As I am writing this short blog this morning, I am reflecting that I do not know what is my future in this life. I am 69 years old and I can list several people who were also born in the early 1950s and they have recently passed on from this life. Some were believers in the Lord Jesus and the promises of the Bible with regard to a blissful future in 'the Father's house' provide me with certainty that they are presently 'at home with the Lord.' Sadly, there are other friends of mine who did not give any indication that they were trusting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross for their future.

I am thankful that this passage in John's Gospel clearly demonstrates that Jesus knew what future lay before Peter and I know that he knows what lies ahead of me. It may well be that it is 'not where I want to go.' Jesus hinted that Peter's independence would be severely compromised. He would lose his freedom to dress himself and decide his actions. He would be controlled by others who would have no concern for his wellbeing. The thought of losing my dignity while suffering from dementia is not appealing. Neither are the symptoms associated with cancer and other common ailments. As a believer, I have the confidence that the Son of God not only knows but he cares. So I can trust the One who knows the future.

As I read again the words of Jesus to Peter, I was struck with how they might apply to other situations apart from martyrdom.

"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.” [John 21: 18b NIV]

I began to reflect on many degrading conditions that some dear friends and acquaintances have suffered. It seems so unfair that clever people have lost the use of their reasoning. I had a conversation with a colleague who had visited my first headteacher regularly in a nursing home prior to his death. The poor old man was suffering from dementia and he pleaded with his old friend to take him out of this place. He was so upset that on an earlier occasion he had used a fire extinguisher to break the glass in the front door of the nursing home to hasten his escape.

That could be me! I noticed that Jesus does not spell out the details for Peter. I am sure that Peter could not have coped with knowing exactly what lay before him. Here is a very apt quotation from a well-respected Bible teacher on the significance of this incident recorded in the last chapter of John's Gospel.

There is no such thing as luck, chance, or accident in the journey of our life. Everything from beginning to end is foreseen – arranged by One who is too wise to err and too loving to do us harm. [J.C. Ryle: Expository Thoughts on The Gospel of John ; page 367 Kindle Edition]

This old hymn was a personal favourite of mine.

God holds the key of all unknown,

And I am glad;

If other hands should hold the key,

Or if He trusted it to me,

I might be sad, I might be sad.

What if tomorrow’s cares were here

Without its rest!

I’d rather He unlocked the day;

And, as the hours swing open, say,

My will is best, My will is best.

The very dimness of my sight

Makes me secure;

For, groping in my misty way,

I feel His hand; I hear Him say,

My help is sure, My help is sure.

I cannot read His future plans;

But this I know;

I have the smiling of His face,

And all the refuge of His grace,

While here below, while here below.

Enough! this covers all my wants,

And so I rest!

For what I cannot, He can see,

And in His care I saved shall be,

Forever blest, forever blest.

I am so relieved that God holds the key of all unknown.