A FITTING CONCLUSION

JOHN 21:23–25

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen

(John 21:25).

The gospel that we have been studying this year is the testimony of one man—that man being the apostle John. Whether written by his own hand or someone else’s, the accounts recorded in this book are based on his testimony. This is stated at the conclusion so that there might be no controversy over the truth of this record. John the apostle knew Jesus, walked with Him, saw Him perform miracles, sat under His teaching, saw Him suffer and die, bore witness to the empty tomb, and beheld the resurrected Christ. If any man’s testimony can be trusted, it is this one’s.

The man who penned this gospel, or at least the final chapter, wrote, “and we know that his testimony is true.” This account of Jesus’ life and ministry is not simply one man’s biased perspective. It is not a cleverly invented tale. It is true. As we tell others the Gospel and as we quote from the book of John (as well as the other gospels), we can be confident that we have the truth. Some will mock you, even as Pilate mocked Jesus—“What is truth?” “Who are you to think that you have the corner on truth?” But don’t be intimidated. Stand firm on the truth of God’s Word even as these men stood during the days of the early church.

The final statement the book makes is a significant one and a fitting close. It says that all the books that could be written cannot contain all that Jesus did. Now it is certainly possible that all that Jesus did could be recorded. But the meaning is deeper. All that Jesus is and all He accomplished cannot be contained because nothing finite can contain that which is infinite. All that Jesus did from first to last was motivated by love for the Father and love for His people. Can words express this love? Can books, piled one on top of the other, ever capture the fullness of this divine, sacrificial, eternal love? Of course not. Our Lord is so great. He is so glorious, so filled with benevolence, kindness, and love, that our minds cannot fully grasp the truth. Just as the grave could not hold Him, neither can anything earthly contain Him. He is greater than us in ways that we cannot imagine. His love is deeper than any we have ever known. John’s gospel leaves us with that thought—the infinite greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

CORAM DEO

Habakkuk

Revelation 14

Take some time today to meditate on the greatness of Jesus Christ. Think about several of His attributes—His power, goodness, love, and wisdom. How would your life change if every day you were more aware of the exaltedness of Christ and His rule over your life? Read through the verses below and rejoice.

For further study: Ps. 93 • Isa. 55:8–9 • Phil. 2:9–10

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december