Some people say the best place to start reading the Bible is the Gospel of John. I heard that again recently on a podcast with one of the Duck Dynasty boys who said something like, if you’re just starting your faith journey and want to know more about matters of faith, you should get to know Jesus by reading the book of John. Now that we’re sixteen chapters in, what do you think of Jesus?
Jesus has done mighty things, unbelievable things. Jesus has both devoted followers and haters. Jesus’ messages are challenging. Jesus is devoted to his Heavenly Father above all, and wants that for us, too. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, or what we often call the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus loves us. You should write down all the things you’ve learned about Jesus from these first 16 chapters and then be ready to add to your list as the story plays out from here. The story is still being written beyond the pages of Scripture, and you are part of that story.
Jesus truly cares about his followers. He wants to set us up for success by giving us the straight story. Following him is going to be hard, and we are going to have to live on faith when he is not here in front of us. That is going to be too much to bear for some people who need to see the signs and wonders. There were folks like that surrounding Jesus, too.
Honesty and grace describe Jesus. He speaks the words God gives him, and likewise, the Holy Spirit will whisper to us all that Jesus tells him to say. What a blessed trio watching out for us. We can achieve success in life when we listen and let the Holy Spirit guide. What that success looks like may end up surprising us. (Who would have imagined being retired in Mexico serving God at an orphanage of trafficked little girls…I’m just a pastor’s wife from Iowa, aren’t I?) I’m glad I know Jesus promised that power to us, aren’t you?
Is it possible that, after all Jesus has been doing, you’re totally surprised by the disciples’ confusion? How could they not see? Much like we are today, the disciples struggled with unbelief. It’s easy for us to wonder why Jesus said and did the things he did, but we have the whole Bible to give us a glimpse of Jesus’ majesty, even if he isn’t physically in front of us.
Jesus is truly preparing his followers, but even states he’s run out of time to share all that he wants. I love that up to the very last moment, Jesus was pouring into them with his knowledge and truth. If there is more we should know, the Holy Spirit will be able to fill in those gaps. I hadn’t thought about it like that before. As the Spirit feels we’re ready, he shares more truth. I’ve noticed it blossoming over the years, and it is truly amazing to see it happen just like Jesus said.
“In a little while,” Jesus said. We’re still wondering when we’ll see him again. It’s been more than a little while. For the disciples, it was only three days before they saw him again. Do you ever wonder how much longer we’re going to have to wait to see Jesus when he returns?
For the disciples, it was a little while, but those days must have been brutal. Jesus prepares us when he says, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice.” We see people in the world today rejoicing over things that shouldn’t be celebrated. I’m sure plenty of things come to mind in that regard.
For now, treasure how much truth Jesus is sharing with us. Focus on how Jesus was dedicated to making sure we’d understand, even if his disciples were struggling. It’s okay to struggle with our faith. I’m so thankful to the gospel writer, the disciple Jesus loved, who captured all of these messages so beautifully.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for being so intentional in all you said and did while on this planet. Help me to understand your wisdom and truly take in all that you have for me. I look forward to how the Holy Spirit will continue to open my eyes to more of your wisdom. I am overflowing with gratitude for your love and provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
