December 31, 2023
There Are Not Enough Books…
“This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:24-25 (NASB)
As I write this last devotion, I often think of other stories later. It seems there is so much to share. I also want to be faithful to God’s Word in the exegetical portion. As we age, we remember more stories from our past but we only have so much time. We have to share with our children so our legacies may endure. John couldn’t record all of what happened in his lifetime, nor would the Holy Spirit allow him to record any more than was necessary in the Word of God. “The world itself would not contain the books that would be written.”
“This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things,” Two important things to note here: John was still alive at this time, testifying of his authorship. Second, his testimony reports the facts as they actually occurred. Furthermore, “…we know…” “The plural (we) here seems intentional as the identification and endorsement of a group of disciples who know the author and wish to vouch for his identity and for the truthfulness of his witness.”[1] “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” “First, it gives added assurance of the resurrected Lord and His activity in Galilee. We see Him loving His people and caring for them. Second, it gives added assurance of Peter’s repentance and restoration. This counters the tragic glimpse of Peter in his denial of Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest (John 18:15–18, 25–27). If that were the final glimpse, one would be left with a feeling of disappointment and uncertainty. Peter had run to the tomb and had been with the disciples at Jesus’ appearing; but by including this closing tender scene along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, John assures us again of the reinstatement of this ardent apostle. Here we see Peter accepted by Jesus and fully determined to follow Him. Finally, the false rumor about John is cleared up. What was said and what was meant is helpful for all posterity. It warns us today not to be too curious about the destiny of our brethren, but to concentrate on following Jesus. Christians down through the ages have been challenged by these instructions to the apostles. Those who commit themselves to Jesus Christ must be ready to feed the flock and follow the Master. This is the true life and the only way.”[2] Jesus said this in John 14:6.
We can imagine how many healings, miracles, and stories occurred outside of the Gospel accounts. We also can trust the Holy Spirit as He led men of old to write what was only necessary for us too. What we have today in Scripture, is an overwhelming amount of evidence to prove Jesus is the Savior. Unfortunately, Israel’s unbelief remained in light of all the evidence. Jesus alluded to it in Matt. 23:34-36; Luke 11:49-52; Luke 19:41-44. I hope you too today will realize these truths. From twelve men who had no clue of Jesus’ identity in the beginning, it took them three-plus years to realize that Truth was a person. When they did, they became world changers. These world-changers were empowered by a great God to do great things for Him!
[1] Robertson, A. T. (1933). (Jn 21:24). Broadman Press.
[2] Foster, L. (1987). (pp. 230–231). Standard.