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Sunday, May 8, 2011

5/9/11 John 21:23-25 The Never-Ending Story

He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

(St, John the Evangelist-
Il Domenichino 1625-8 Bob Jones art gallery)


Thoughts: The story of Jesus does not end with this writing of John.  John also admits this gospel is incomplete in the sense that it is not exhaustive- it doesn't contain every single thing Jesus did or said.  John admits to editing in what he saw were the main things and leaving out secondary things.  The story of how God's love works in the world is never fully comprehended or completed either.  God works often in hidden ways.  Even in heaven there appears to be a process of continual enjoyment, and continual learning.  There is more to God than meets the eye.  He still works today. 

Prayer: Work in me, O Lord.  Help me to never tire of you.  Help me to grow in my hunger for knowledge of you and the creation you have made.  Help me to have an appreciation for your work in the world. 

John Calvin Abridged: John relates that an error arose by misunderstanding Christ's words.  Those who had heard them interpreted them wrongly- believing John would not die.  If they could interpret Christ's words in error- how much more we can who are far away from Christ in time, and have not been better schooled? The teaching of Christ is simple and plain, but we obscure his teaching by our wicked inventions.  Christ was not giving a definite time for John, but was affirming his power over his life and death.  We will never cease to err unless we unreservedly receive what Christ has for us, and avoid human inventions.  The hyperbole John uses comes from the infinite work of Christ which work is not always visible.  John anticipates that some would object that he left some things out.  John admits that he has included what is necessary for our salvation and for the glory of God.

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