If you care to join me, I'll be doing some devotional reading from John this month. Why John? Why not? OK, seriously, it's always a good practice to be reading a Gospel. The Gospels are where we find those direct teachings of Jesus, and although they all serve to focus on Him, each has its own distinct specific aspect of Christ in the crosshairs. John answers the question of "Who is Jesus?" with "He is God".
John's Gospel is very complementary to the other three, and yet it is distinct in that it has a very unique appeal. Not written specifically to a Jewish (Matthew), Roman (Mark), or Greek (Luke) audience, it addresses a universal audience. This was probably written after the other Gospels were already in circulation, and John sought to partray Jesus Christ as fully human and fully God.
Eternal life is a major theme in the book, and some of the major events of Jesus' life are recorded here, some of which should be part of the believer's normal everyday life and conversation as we interact with those around us who still need Christ.
Remember that John is the disciple to whom Jesus entrusts His mother at the crucifixion. John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved", and as you read through this narrative, keep in mind the close, dear, personal friendship this author had with the Savior while Jesus was on earth. Years after Jesus' ascension, John maintained a vital, healthy ministry in the region of Asia to which the letters are written in Revelation. That Jesus chose this disciple as the receipient to those end-times visions should cause us to take special note to what this book has to offer.
Take a quick read through the first few chapters, take some notes as the Word speaks to you. We'll dive in together tomorrow. Jesus: fully God, fully man. A great study this Christmas season!
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