| Spending time in the Scriptures John | by A. Kimber | |||||
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And now for something completely different… John’s gospel presents Christ as God and his purpose is summed up for us in chapter 20 verses 30 and 31 “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” This Gospel fascinates me in so many ways; I’ve already noted his different approach to the other gospels, however here we have truth upon truth, presented with very little linking narrative. So we begin with the incredible and fundamental truth that Christ was God and existed in the beginning and created all things. From here John continues building on this, showing how Christ’s life was proving him to be God on earth, and showing His equality with the eternal Father. John takes care to also present Jesus as
It’s interesting that John never seeks to present the Gospel message as easy, he takes care to record how that people found Jesus’ teaching difficult and how that many who followed him turned away again and walked with Him no more. How often do we hear the Gospel message presented as a simple step? Certainly that is the case but only up to a point, we need to take care that we make the full cost of obedience and discipleship clear. No outline of this book would be complete without a mention of the seven ‘I Am’ statements of Christ which are uniquely recorded in this book; each of them points us to a wonderful truth about the Lord. If you want to hear more about these you will find recordings of several of them expounded in a recent series at Bow available from the ‘MP3 Ministry’ link above. I couldn’t write about this book without considering the words of hope presented to all believers in the first three verses of John 14. Those of you who know me will know that these are my favourite verses in scripture, pointing us to the hope we have in a risen, glorified, returning Lord. As I worked through this book I came to one of the chapters that we don’t often consider, I guess this is because we mostly use this book in the presentation of the Gospel. However, chapter 17 gives us a wonderful example and demonstration of the reality of prayer as Christ prays, firstly for Himself, secondly for his disciples there at that time and thirdly for all those who would believe in the coming years. Can I encourage you to read this chapter for yourself so that you can enjoy the blessings of it. As I close, knowing that I have only scratched the surface of this book can I again encourage you to read at least chapter 17 for yourself. But let’s allow ourselves to be truly blessed this month through the clear truth that is presented to us by John, he admits it’s only a small selection of Christ’s actions and words but what wonders it contains. We can know that if we have believed in Christ as our Saviour our faith is not vain and that we have hope for the future all founded in the words of this book and the Saviour it extols. Key verses John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 11:49-52 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
All quotes are from the King James version of the Bible unless otherwise specified. | ||||||
Christ in all the Scriptures
Dare to be a Daniel