From THUNDER to LOVE (Part II)

John the beloved disciple, the apostle of Love knew Jesus as a boy, as a man, as a miracle worker, amazing teacher, and as Savior and Lord. “It is the Lord,” John said when seeing Jesus, post resurrection, on the shore after Jesus directed them in taking a large catch of fish.

John wrote his Gospel narrative with a strong opening argument, which declares Jesus as God and linked to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY as the One who made God known to mankind. (John 1:1-18) John closes the book saying the world itself could not contain the books that would be written about Jesus if every one of the things He did were written down. (John 21:25)

As John edited his Gospel writing, choosing the things he would include in order to persuade people to believe in Jesus, so that by believing they would have life in His name. (John 20:30-31) He used his material to show the divine nature of Jesus. He includes not only seven major miracles, but also the seven “I am” statements of Jesus. Also, Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, and the proclamation of the most famous scripture verse ever penned (John 3:16), followed by one of my personal favorites, (John 3:17). Women are also prominent in John’s narrative including the Samaritan woman at the well.

Finally, John records a long, if not the longest Jesus narrative, which comes after they have celebrated the Passover and Jesus has washed the disciples feet, to the time when Jesus is arrested. This includes, “I am the way, the truth and the life…I am the true vine,” the promise of the Helper (Holy Spirit), the promise of Jesus’ return and the disciples sorrow turned into joy, the “I have overcome the world” statement, the high priestly prayer of Jesus for His disciples and for those believers who would follow including we Gentiles. (John 13-17).

Later in life, John would communicate to the world that Jesus was the God of Love, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End in his other writings--1,2,3 John and the book of Revelation.

John’s Gospel is a Jesus feast as we get up close and intimate with the Savior from a writer who knew Jesus well, who experienced His miracles, His transfiguration, His death and resurrection and who was transformed by the unconditional love of His Savior and Lord.

I am excited to be reading John with you, drawing closer to Jesus through His word. Let me know your thoughts as we approach Passion Week and Easter Sunday.