by Amanda Fullington
In John 21, when Peter gets distracted with comparison and wonders about another disciple’s path and purpose, Jesus gently redirects Peter’s gaze — from comparison to calling. Jesus answers with a simple question, then an invitation: “What is that to you? You follow Me” (v. 22).
In saying this, Jesus reminds us that our obedience is deeply personal. True success lies in our individual obedience to what He has instructed us to do, no matter what it looks like to the world or to others or how it compares to another believer’s journey.
In fact, that should not be a concern of ours at all. Jesus’ question — “What is that to you?” — cuts straight through our tendency to compare. It reminds us that a relationship with Him is unique to each person. We are not called to analyze someone else’s path, measure our obedience against theirs, or even wonder how our walk might be perceived by others. Those questions only distract us from the simple, steady call on our own lives.
When we release the burden of comparison, we discover a surprising freedom: to love without calculating, to obey without looking sideways, and to trust that the same Lord who calls us will not only guide us but also walk out our journey with us. Our task is not to keep pace with others but to keep our eyes on Jesus, walking forward in daily faithfulness, letting Him lead us one step at a time.
It’s easy to look at others, as Peter did, and fall into the trap of comparing our path with someone else’s. Or even get caught up in how others may judge or misunderstand us. But Jesus calls us to
simply focus on Him and follow.
Lately, the words Mary speaks in John 2:5 have been a steady and grounding reminder to me: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” That’s all. Mary does not explain how it will work or why it makes sense. She doesn’t project the outcome or soften the command. She simply points the servants to Jesus and steps back. Her words strip obedience down to its most vulnerable form: listening and
responding. No comparison, no second-guessing, no concern over appearances. Just focus on Jesus, then prompt obedience.
There is something freeing in that kind of faith. We often want clarity before obedience, reassurance before action, or confirmation that others are doing the same thing. Mary offers none of that. She reminds us that our responsibility is not to predict the result but to simply respond to the voice of Christ.
When we live this way, obedience becomes less about control and more about wonder and surrender. We stop striving to manage outcomes. Instead, as we see God at work, blessing our submission, we discover that there is no greater adventure in this life than simply following Christ — quietly, faithfully, one foot in front of the other. The results will be far more than we could ever ask or think.
“Whatever He says to you, do it.” Not more than that. Not less. Just that.
