The Big True Story

These are the last two verses of John’s Gospel. They follow Peter’s discussion with Jesus about John (John 21:20-23), after which John is identified as the author of the Gospel narrative. These verses are historically important as they certify that what John wrote was his personal eyewitness account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. His character was known to the churches; they could vouch for his integrity. We need that assurance too so that we can have full confidence to put our trust in Jesus.
 
Of course Jesus did many other wonderful things, and said far more, than could ever be recorded in one book. As John was selecting his material, so much had to be left out (some of which is given by the other Gospel writers). But John wrote intentionally “… that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31).
 
The most important thing in this life is to put your trust in Jesus, because He is the only way to eternal life. How are we to get to know somebody who is not physically present? We are now used to making friendships through letters, email, Facebook and Twitter; we start to understand who people are as we read what they say and what other people say about them. We get to know Jesus by reading what the Bible writers say about Him; and we have the eyewitness accounts of His life from the Apostle John. Reading what they have written is God’s way of enabling us to get to know Jesus and put our trust in Him. When your friend or colleague wants to know the truth about Jesus, ask them to read John’s Gospel with you and discuss the verses in www.crosscheck.org.uk.