Jeff Adams

This morning we finally finished our study of John’s Gospel. For me personally this has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences I have had for years, maybe ever. I eagerly looked forward to preparing for each study and learned more than I could have possibly shared with all of you.

I feel that I know Jesus so much better. Previously, I was acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, Lord and as a theological/biblical concept. There’s nothing wrong and everything right about that, of course. Now, though, I have a better understanding of the Jesus, the man. I don’t mean that disrespectfully, but with a heart full of wonder and admiration.

In preparation for this series I learned much about the culture of Jerusalem, Judaea and Galilee in the first century. I discovered tidbits of cultural and historical background information that opened my eyes to see things in the biblical text I had never noticed or understood before. I always thought of John as a great book for a new follower of Jesus to study. I found in John a book that radically challenged my life as one who has followed Jesus for 40 years.

John’s purpose statement is so clear and evangelistic in nature.

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:30-31

These past few months have been particularly gratifying because of the number of people who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and answered his call to “follow me.” I am thankful for the many stories some of you have shared with me about God using this study to touch your life in special ways. Feel free to share if you have any more!

And, I absolutely loved the way John concludes his Gospel. I had never seen the beauty, brilliance and simplicity of John 21 before. I had gotten lost in the details. At the very end of the Gospel, after all these men had been through together with Jesus, the story concludes with them standing with Jesus on the shore of Lake Galilee, the very same spot where years earlier he had called them to follow him and told them he would make them fishers of men.

What could Jesus possible do or say to sum up this incredible journey? First he fed them fish after he had led them to cast the net on the other side of the boat and they experienced a great catch. These fishermen could not have missed the message — It’s all about the fish. “This is where we started, gentlemen, now go and fish for men.”

Then, more than restoring Peter following his three denials of Jesus, the Lord asked him three times to affirm his love, which Peter did. Three times Jesus repeated the commission to feed his sheep. This is the true test of love — to feed the sheep, not to walk on water or whack off the ear of the high priest’s servant.

John 21 is about fishing and feeding, catching and caring, evangelism and discipleship. This is biblical ministry pure and simple. This is sum of the matter. This is what it means to love Jesus and follow him.

Thanks, John, for a great time together these past many months. I will miss you and our times together. I’m glad this is not a final goodbye and that I can come back and visit you anytime I want. I just can’t imagine it ever being the same again, though, as it has been to take this journey with you. But, I guess this is how you and the others must have felt as you said your goodbyes to Jesus as he prepared to ascend into heaven.

Well, it’s been good. But, excuse me now. I have fish to catch and sheep to feed.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 8:54 pm and is filed under Ministry Musings, Scriptural Application for Everyday Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.