Rumors and Speculation

“‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’ So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?’” John 21:22-23 ESV

A rumor spread among Jesus’ followers. This began when they heard He had told Peter something about John remaining “until I come.” We can sense how this comment dominated many conversations, as they speculated about what Jesus meant.

Some concluded that Jesus had said John would not die before He came again. But John knew this was not true. Jesus simply had reminded Peter to “follow me” regardless of what happened to John.

Through this example, the Bible reminds us why we need to stay focused on our personal calling. To stay faithful with the resources and assignments we have been given.

How easily our lives can be dominated by rumors and speculation. We can hear about something that was said to someone else and allow these words to become the focal point of our lives. Our minds can turn and churn, wondering why these words were said, and what they really mean. We can become so focused on these things that we can reach the wrong conclusions, and then allow these conclusions to become “facts” in our minds. To dominate our thinking.

John’s message to the followers of Jesus was to be on guard against these tendencies. Our task is to follow Jesus. To do the things He has called us to do. As Paul later would write, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23).

In your life, seek to stay focused on your personal assignments, doing what Jesus called you to do. Always following Him!

Prayer: Father, thank You for the assignments You have given me. Help me to focus on doing Your will. Help me avoid the traps of rumors and speculation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.