Hey folks,
Today we begin our devotional journey through the Gospel of John. And as we get started, I want to dive into the uniqueness of John's Gospel and why it matters for us.
Let's dial in.
John 20:30-31 "Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
Think about this: John waited three decades after the other gospels were written to pen his account. Why? Because he had a specific purpose in mind. While Matthew presents Jesus as King, Mark shows Him as servant, and Luke emphasizes His humanity, John wants us to see something different - he wants us to see Jesus in His full glory as God in the flesh.
This isn't just another retelling of Jesus's life. John's gospel is 90% unique material you won't find in any of the other gospel accounts.. In John, we get to witness intimate conversations like Jesus with Nicodemus under the cover of night, or His tender interaction with the woman at the well. We see the resurrection of Lazarus, the washing of the disciples' feet, and that incredible high priestly prayer in chapter 17.
But here's what fires me up - John isn't writing this just to give us more information. He's writing so that we might believe and have life (John 20:31). This isn't academic; it's personal. John was so gripped by Jesus's love that he referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." That wasn't arrogance - it was awe. The older John got, the more captivated he became by the reality that the God who suspends stars and commands gravity chose to love him.
And let me tell you something - that same Jesus wants you to know Him just as deeply. Not just know about Him, but truly know Him. Because eternal life isn't just about living forever; it's about knowing Jesus Christ personally and powerfully right now (John 17:3).
What aspect of Jesus's identity are you most looking forward to discovering through John's Gospel?
How might your life look different if you were as gripped by Jesus's love as John was?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis
