“Lord, what about him?” This was the question that Peter posed to Jesus after he had confessed his love for him. Jesus responded in kind:  “What concern is it of yours? You follow me!” What a stern set of words by the Lord to Peter! Today’s reading immediately follows the passage we read yesterday, and to understand what might perhaps come to us as a rather “unsolicited” harsh response by the Lord, we have to read today’s passage in light of yesterday’s reading. Jesus had asked Peter: “ Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter replied in the affirmative after which Jesus added,  “Follow me.” But then Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved. The sight of the disciple must have caused some unease in Peter. He had to make sure that he heard Jesus right. Jesus had just asked him if his (Peter’s) love for him (Jesus) was greater in comparison to the love the others disciples had for him (Jesus). It was a question that might have come as a surprise to Peter because it was common knowledge that this particular disciple was Jesus’ most beloved. It was this that perhaps might have prompted Peter to ask Jesus about the beloved disciple. Did Jesus have any plans for him? Did it mean that Peter was now the most beloved? Whether Jesus understood Peter’s question or not, he chose to clarify something else, the “Follow me” part: “If I want him to be around until I come, what does it matter to you? Do your part. Follow me.” 
Jesus wanted to make sure that Peter fully understood that his (Peter’s) following of Jesus had nothing to do with the other apostles’ call. Peter’s saying yes to Jesus had nothing to do with his brother Andrew or his friends the sons of Zebedee. It was a personal call, something that involved only him and Jesus. Moreover, it is not where the following of Jesus leads to that proves one’s love for Jesus. One’s love for Jesus is proved by saying yes to the call. Peter, James, John, Andrew and all those who followed Jesus were equally loved by Jesus. All were Jesus’ beloved.