Bible scholars typically emphasize that the Book of John is different in its composition and insight into the earthly life of Jesus. It is not synoptic (see previous article on the Book of Luke) but highlights the deity and accentuates the last days of Jesus on earth. John states, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:30-31 NKJV).
This narrative ends a conversation with Thomas realizing he had seen the promise fulfilled and God’s ultimate salvation was revealed! The unique task in John’s record is to confirm that God had indeed come in the flesh to complete the promise stated in Genesis 3:15. Jesus indicated this time would be fulfilled with the coming sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:40). This masterful work of God would usher in the final period of redemption, given to us, similarly to the one offered the Ninevites so long ago (Luke 11:32). This act alone should have been abundant proof that Jesus was divine! Yet here we are some 2000 years later, and questions about The Christ still resemble those offered to His disciples (Matthew 16:13-18). It is imperative to grasp the nature of John’s record, which differs in many aspects from the other three. One cannot naturally grasp Jesus as the Son of God by only reading Luke’s account.
Further, one may struggle to identify significantly Jesus as the promised Messiah from Mark’s record. Still, as you place them together, sufficient evidence proclaims that Jesus is our King and Savior! (John 20:28). What significance does the divine nature of Jesus help us today? Firstly, only deity can save or forgive one of their sins (John 20:22-23). Secondly, Jesus holds power over life and death (John 11:43). Lastly, the Son of Man has the authority to execute judgment among nations (John 5:27). Consequently, every person must choose, as the Ninevites were given the opportunity, to choose between the coming Sword or Savior. The Scriptures remind us that Jesus was determined to be greater than Jonah, incomparable to Abraham, and more iconic than Moses was ever meant to be (Hebrews 7:25-28).
Therefore, it should be elementary to comprehend why the Holy Spirit directs John to begin his epistle with the words, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (1:1-3). Jesus has always been divine…and our divine proof! We need to look no further, because there is none greater.
Think on these things,
Archie R. Green
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