The Gospel of John: John 21.1-25

Read and meditate on John 21.24, 25.
John ends his narrative with an emphatic statement about its truth, and with an honest admission that he has been selective in what he chose to record, for more could be told than can be told.

                            ²⁴And I, who testify
these things, am that disciple. You and I
know that the testimony I record
here is the truth. ²⁵And Jesus, furthermore,
did many other things which are not here
recorded, which if they were written, clear
and full, well, I suppose the world itself
would not be for them a sufficient shelf.

Amen.

- John 21.24, 25

Reflect
1.  Let’s recall John’s purpose for writing this book. Look back at John 20.30, 31. What is it about John’s gospel – about the stories and teachings he selected – that makes it especially suitable for that goal? Complete this prayer: Thank You for this gospel, Lord. Show me how I can use it to help others…

2.  John insists on the truth of what he has recorded. He offers two points to substantiate and validate that claim, one regarding himself, and one regarding “we” (v. 24). He identifies himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Had then been not true, would it have been hard to disprove that claim? If it was true, would others likely have been able to vouch for it? Why did this make John particularly well qualified to write this book? Jesus, draw me closer to You day by day, so that my witness for You…

3.  To whom was John likely referring by his use of “we” (cf. 1 Jn. 4.5, 6)? Why should we believe them? O Lord, all the disciples knew You, and all of them lived for You and died for You, because…

4.  Should we include ourselves in John’s “we”? Explain. How can “we” have a more credible testimony concerning Jesus? Give me grace, Lord, to follow You and to live like the disciples did, so that…
 
5.  Is John exaggerating in verse 25? Meditate on Hebrews 1.3 in your answer. Can we ever run out of reasons to praise Jesus, or to thank and bear witness to Him? Explain. Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“Let us, therefore, pay careful attention to the words, and let us not stop reading and searching them through, for it is from their continual application that we ultimately benefit. We can then cleanse our life so as to cut up the thorns of sin and the cares of the world, which are fruitless and painful. And just as the thorn, however it is held, pricks the holder, so the things of this life, on whatever side they are grasped, give pain to the one who clings and cherishes them. Spiritual things are not like this. They resemble a pearl in that whichever way you turn it, it delights the eyes.… Let us then lighten ourselves and expand our horizons as we grow in maturity by getting rid of the evil things of this life and practicing the good. Let us obtain everlasting goods, then, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with whom to the Father and the Holy Spirit be glory, dominion and honor, now and forever, world without end. Amen.” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

How might you use the gospel of John for the purpose for which he wrote it (Jn. 20.30, 31; 21.24, 25)?

Closing Prayer
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.
Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
To execute on them the written judgment—
This honor have all His saints.
Praise the LORD!

Psalm 149.4-9

Psalm 149 (Toulon: I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art )
Sing to the Lord a glorious song and new!
Praise Him you people, to Whom praise is due!
Let us rejoice, let us be glad in Him
Who has created us and cleansed our sin.

Praise Him with dance, with tambourine and lyre!
To be so praised is God’s one great desire.
Lord, beautify Your holy ones with grace;
Show us the mercy of Your saving face.

Sing to the Lord, exult with great delight!
Sing on your beds with joy to God by night!
Sing praise and take His Word into your hand;
Publish His grace and wrath in every land!
T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.