The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
What is the purpose of John’s Gospel? John 20:30-31 tells us that Jesus did all sorts of signs. The purpose of the Gospel account is not to record everything. It is not a complete biography. It’s a work with a different purpose. The purpose is quite simple. “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you may have life in his name” (John 20:31, personal translation). It is as we are confronted with the activities of Jesus that we are confirmed in belief. That belief leads to eternal life. It’s as simple as that.
What has Jesus done? Really? It is certainly impressive. Especially that bit at the end, where he dies and rises from the dead. If, in fact, he did those things, and if he really made claims that he could deliver eternal life to those who believed him, why would we want to doubt it? He has proven reliable in every other respect.
Christians have always confessed that salvation from sin is related to belief in Jesus. He is the one who rescues people from impending doom. As we are confronted with that threat, then, may we also believe that he is indeed the Christ. Then may we receive the confidence that we do have life in his name.
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