Today’s selected reading continues in and concludes the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage begins with the nineteenth verse of the twentieth chapter and continues through to the twenty-fifth verse of the twenty-first chapter. “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and who’s soever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:19-23). “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach higher thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:24-29). “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). “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberius; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee’s, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered int a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the mornign was not come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked), and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (For they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to a land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh,a nd taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead” (John 21:1-14). “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lorod; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his beast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou. Me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” (John 21:15-23). “This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could contain the book that should be written. Amen” (John 31:24-25). When you come to this particular portion of the gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written by the apostle John you will find the continuation and conclusion of this gospel. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words presented in this section it’s the underlying purpose and foundation for the gospel itself. In order to truly understand the purpose the apostle John wrote the words found in this gospel you must needs turn your attention to the final verses of both the twentieth and twenty-first chapters of this gospel. It is in the final two verses of the twentieth chapter of this gospel you first encounter the apostle John describing the ultimate purpose this gospel would indeed serve for those who would read it. In verses thirty and thirty-one you will find the following words presented within them: “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). In the final verses of the twenty-first chapter of this gospel you will find the following words which conclude this particular gospel which further describe the underlying purpose and function this gospel would serve: “This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” (John 21:24-25). Oh it is absolutely necessary and imperative we recognize and pay attention to the words presented in these passages of Scripture for within them we encounter the ultimate purpose for the gospel which was that those who would read the account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ they would indeed believe that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God. If you take the time to read the final verses of the twentieth chapter of this gospel you can and will encounter the absolutely wonderful and astonishing truth surrounding the purpose behind this fourth gospel which was written by the apostle John. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is that the gospel of John alone wasn’t written that men might believe that Jesus was the Son of the living God and the Messiah and Christ. The gospel written by the apostle Matthew, the gospel written by John Mark as well as the gospel written by the beloved physician Luke were each written that men might read the truth concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and through that which was presented within the text they would encounter the absolutely wonderful truth concerning the person of the Lord Jesus and make the decision whether or or not they believe in Him. IN all reality I would dare say that at the very heart of each of these gospels can best be expressed in the words which the apostle Matthew wrote in the sixteenth and seventeenth chapters which were written in his gospel narrative. Additionally I am convinced that at the very heart of these gospels there is the understanding of that which we also find in the first, third, fourth, sixth and ninth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. What’s more is I would even dare say that such a reality could also be expressed in the first and opening verse of the gospel narrative written by John Mark as well as the words which are found in the fifth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. It is within these passages where men would be brought to the place where they would acknowledge their belief that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. With this being said it’s important to note that when you come to the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find the religious leaders threatened to put out of the synagogue any who would make the declaration that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. It is with this in mind I find it absolutely necessary and imperative to present—first and foremost—with the words which are found in the sixteenth and seventeenth chapters of the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew. Within these two chapters we find the account of Jesus and His disciples entering into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi and Jesus asking His disciples who men said that He the Son of man was. After listening to and hearing the opinions which many during those days expressed concerning the identity of the Lord Jesus He would then proceed to ask them who they themselves personally believed He the Son of man was. It would be in response to this Simon called Peter would declare and profess that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Jesus would then proceed to commend and praise this revelation which was expressed by Simon Peter and would declare that flesh and blood did not reveal this unto Him but His Father which was in heaven. In addition to this we come to the seventeenth chapter of the same gospel and encounter the incredible truth surrounding the transfiguration of Jesus atop the mountain when He appeared together with Moses and Elijah. It would be there atop the mountain when Jesus would be transfigured before them and would speak unto Moses who represented the Law and Elijah who represented the prophets concerning His decease and those things which must be accomplished in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. Moreover it would be there atop the mountain where a cloud would overshadow them and a voice would speak from the midst of the cloud declaring that Jesus was His beloved Son and then instructed and commanded them to hear and listen to Him. Oh having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in these two chapters beginning with the sixteenth chapter of this New Testament gospel: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged He his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20). “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:1-13). It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the confession and profession that Jesus is both the Christ and the Son of the living God. In fact it was the apostle Paul who—when writing unto the saints which were at Rome—would write concerning the nation and people of Israel and their underlying rejection of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is replete with example after example and account after account of the Jews rejecting the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John and not encounter various accounts of the Jews rejecting Jesus—both because of the words which He spoke as well as the works which He wrought in the midst of the earth. Many of the Jews not only rejected Jesus because of the words which He spoke but also because of the claims which He would make that suggested that God was His Father thus making Himself equal with the living God. In fact this was part of why they persecuted and sought to kill Him in the fifth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John. Oh this is something we must needs recognize when reading the gospel narrative written by the apostle John for although it was written that men might believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God it provided detailed accounts of how the Jews—or I should say many of the Jews—rejected Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the living God. Even when Pilate wrote a superscription above the head of Jesus upon the cross and wrote JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS the religious leaders petitioned him to change it to suggest that Jesus made the declaration that He was the King of the Jews. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this if we are to truly understand the purpose behind the gospel narrative written by the apostle John and it is with this being said I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome: “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; to whom pertained the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, IN Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise. At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willets, nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why has thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath,a nd to make his power known, endured with much long suffering the vessels of wrath fitted do destruction; and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esias, also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousnesss: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias sad before, Except the Lord of Saboath had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrah. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith? But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone: As it is written, Behold, I lay in Simon a stumblingstone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (Romans 9:1-33). “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (That is, to bring Christ down from above) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (That is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Easias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people” (Romans 10:1-21). THAT IF THOU SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, AND SHALT BELIEVE IN THINE HEART THAT GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, THOU SHALT BE SAVED! Oh there is a great need for us to recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely incredible truth surrounding that which we as the saints of God and disciples of Jesus have indeed been called to do—namely confess the Lord Jesus and believe in and with our heart that God raised Him from death to life on the third day. What’s more is that the apostle Paul goes on to declare that it is with the heart man believes unto righteousness and it is with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for in the sixteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew we find Jesus asking the disciples who men said that He the Son of man was. Jesus would then transition the question from whom men said that He the Son of man was to who they personally said—and not only said but also believed—He the Son of man truly was. We know that Simon called Peter would respond by emphatically declaring and confessing that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. This is in direct alignment with that which the apostle Paul wrote for although He made no mention of Jesus being the Son of the living God he nonetheless made mention of Jesus being Lord. If there is one thing we must needs understand within our hearts and lives it’s that some of the greatest declarations we can make concerning Jesus of Nazareth is that He is the Christ, that He is Lord, and that He is the Son of the living God. In fact this is what is at the very heart of the first epistle which was written by the apostle John unto the Ephesian saints. It was in the first epistle written by the apostle John where we find and encounter the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the belief that Jesus was and is the eternal Son of the living God and the Christ—and not only this but also that He did in fact come in the flesh. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which the apostle John wrote in the final verses of the twentieth chapter and I can’t help but be brought face to face with the absolutely incredible truth surrounding the declaration the apostle made concerning the purpose of the gospel. At the very heart and center of this gospel was the invitation to believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Within the he epistle there was this stark contrast and juxtaposition which existed between those who would make the confession and profession that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God and the Jews and their religious leaders who rejected the claims the Messiah made concerning Himself. There were many a Jew during those days who rejected Jesus’ words and claims that God was His Father thus making Himself equal with God and thus fulfilled the prophetic word concerning the cornerstone being laid in Zion and it being a rock of offense and stumbling for many. Oh within the gospel narrative written by the apostle John we encounter the absolutely incredible truth concerning the invitation given unto men to believe that Jesus was indeed who He said He was without any hesitation, without any reservation, without any doubt and even without fear. Oh if there is one other thing we must needs recognize is that during those days it wasn’t merely about hesitation and reservation of confessing Jesus as the Christ and even as the Son of the living God but it was also about fear for the leading Jews together with the religious leaders had made it known that if any confessed that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God they would be put out of the synagogue. The more I think about and consider the words which are found within the final verses of the twentieth chapter of this gospel written by the apostle John I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with and by the fact that at the very heart of this gospel was the invitation to believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. In fact it is when you read the words which are found within this gospel you will find certain instances and occasions where men and women would make the confession that Jesus was the Christ and that Jesus was the Son of the living God. From John the Baptist all the way unto Martha the sister of Lazarus there were those who would make the confession and proclamation that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. What’s more is that there would be others who would make the confession and profession that Jesus was indeed the Messiah—including the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well. Within the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Jesus declaring unto the Samaritan woman that He was the Messiah and Christ while we also find Jesus declaring unto the man born blind whom he had given sight to that He was the Son of the living God. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and incredible truth that within this gospel there would be certain instances when Jesus Himself would reveal Himself as the Messiah and the Son of the living God while there were other times when others would make the confession and profession that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. This is something we must needs understand for in the opening chapter of this gospel we are brought face to face with a powerful description and declaration concerning the person of Jesus and how He was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words found in the first chapter which not only describe the confession of John the Baptist but it also describes the confession of Andrew Simon Peter’s brother as well as Nathanael in whom there was no guile. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the first chapter of this gospel beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5). “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:6-18). “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us, What sayest thou of thyself? He said I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:19-28). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be manifest to Israel, therefore am I comne baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (john 1:29-34). “Again the next day after John stood and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is being interpreted the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone” (John 1:35-42). “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:43-51). It is absolutely necessary and imperative we recognize and understand the words and language which is found in this passage of Scripture for within the opening chapter we find the apostle John beginning in and with a place none of the other gospel authors did. The apostle John deliberately and intentionally—according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—chose to begin this gospel narrative with the emphatic declaration that Jesus was indeed the Word and that the Word was in the beginning, that the Word was in the beginning with God and that the Word was God. The apostle John deliberately and intentionally sought to present Jesus as the living Word which was with God and was God—a powerful declaration that would be expressed later on within this gospel when Jesus would declare “Before Abraham was I AM.” Not only this but Jesus would also declare that He came down from heaven—and not only that He came down from heaven but that He was the bread which came down from heaven. Oh there is something truly captivating and powerful about the gospel narrative written by the apostle John for the apostle John sought to capture many of the declarations and confessions Jesus would make of Himself. Within and throughout this gospel you can and will find the absolutely incredible truth surrounding the reality of the apostle John and how He desired to capture the claims Jesus made concerning Himself—claims such as His being the bread which came down from heaven, claims such as His being the living water, and the like. Oh it is absolutely impossible to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with this incredible truth for the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is entirely and altogether Jewish at the very heart and center of it. With this being said it’s imperative for us to recognize and pay attention to the fact that the apostle John emphatically declared and professed many mighty and wonderful things concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you continue reading the gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find many of the claims which the Lord Jesus Christ made concerning Himself—claims which were largely and widely rejected and dismissed by many of the Jews. Even when Jesus spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood the jews murmured at it—and not only did the Jews murmur at this but many of His disciples turned back and walked no more with Him. OH this is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the claims which Jesus would make concerning Himself as well as the claims which others would make concerning Him. In the first and opening chapter of this gospel we find John the Baptist bearing witness and making the declaration that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God. After emphatically declaring unto those sent unto him by the Pharisees and scribes that he was not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet he would declare that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God—and not only that Jesus was the Son of the living God but also that He was the Lamb of God. What’s more is that when you read the words found in this gospel you will find Andrew Simon Peter’s brother coming and finding Simon and making the declaration that he had found that one whom the Scripture foretold and spoke of who was indeed the Christ. What’s more is that when Nathanael would encounter the person of the Lord Jesus He would not only confess and proclaim that He was the Son of the living God but he would also declare that He was the King of Israel. Thus within the first and opening chapter of this gospel we find John the Baptist declaring Jesus to be the Son of the living God and the Lamb of God, we find Andrew confessing Jesus as the Messiah and Christ and we find Nathanael confessing and professing Jesus as the Son of God and as the King of Israel. It is with all of this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words presented in the final verses of the third chapter of this gospel. Before I call your attention to the words which are found in the first epistle written by the same apostle unto the Ephesian saints I would like to draw your attention to the words which he wrote in the third chapter. It is in the latter portion of the third chapter we find the wonderful and powerful declaration and proclamation which John the Baptist would make concerning the person of the Lord Jesus. The context for these words would center upon Jesus and His disciples coming into the land of Judaea and tarrying there and baptizing. It would be in this place where John would also baptize in Enon near to Salim because there was much water there. It would be at this time there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying and they would come to John. Upon coming to John they would not speak of purifying but would speak of Jesus of Nazareth who was baptizing in the area. Those who came unto John the Baptist would speak and proclaim the following words, “Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.” Oh these words are indeed intriguing when you think about them, however, what I would like to call and draw your attention to are the words and the response which John the Baptist gave unto those who asked him concerning the Lord Jesus Christ who did indeed baptize and whom he bore witness to beyond Jordan. Consider if you will the following words which John the Baptist confessed and proclaimed at that time when asked about Jesus baptizing and all men going unto him: “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this is my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth; he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:27-36). We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words found and presented within this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the confession of John the Baptist. John the Baptist would deny that he was the Messiah and that he was the Christ and even that he was Elijah or the prophet. John the Baptist recognized that he must indeed decrease that Jesus who was the Messiah and the Son of the living God must increase. John the Baptist recognized that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God and that He was the Lamb of God come to take away the sin of the world. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth of the confessions which were made concerning Jesus during those days. This particular gospel was written that men might believe that Jesus was and is the Christ and the Son of the living God, however, we must needs recognize what making such a confession would and could have meant for those during the days in which this gospel referenced. It would be during those days when the threat of being put out of the synagogue was very real as the leading jews and religious leaders made it known that if anyone confessed that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God they were to be put out of the synagogue. Oh what’s more is that when you think about this you will find that it’s one thing to believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God, however, it is another thing altogether to make the confession that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. It was one thing to believe that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God and there were even some during those days who believed—albeit secretly for fear of the Jews. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathaea and even some of those among the religious leaders believed on Jesus and that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God, however, they would make no such confession for fear of the Jews. With all of this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle John unto the saints which were at Ephesus. Within this first epistle we are brought face to face with the tremendous truth at the very heart and center of what we believe concerning Christ—and not only what we believe concerning Christ but that which we confess concerning Jesus. I continue to believe that it is only thing to believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God, however, it is another thing altogether to make the confession with our mouth that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God. Oh there would indeed be those who were present during those days who would make the confession and profession that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God and did so showing no regard for the Jews nor what they would say or even threaten. We must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle John for this epistle would be written by the same apostle who wrote this gospel found in the New Testament. Oh how absolutely wonderful and powerful this is when you take the time to truly consider it for within this epistle we encounter and are brought face to face with that which we believe—and not only what we believe but what we confess and profess concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is something truly astounding and remarkable about the words and language contained in this passage for within this epistle the apostle John highlights and underscores the incredible reality concerning what we believe and what we confess concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in this first epistle written by the apostle John beginning with what is found in the second chapter of this New Testament book: “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him” (1 John 2:22-29). “Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:22-24). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:1-6). “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first lord us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:14-21). “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit and the water and the blood: and these agree in one” (1 John 5:1-8). “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of us Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 6:9-12). “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he heard us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begottten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked on toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:13-21). There is an incredibly wonderful and powerful need to recognize and understand the words which are found within this first epistle written by the apostle John for at the very heart of it is the understanding that lie behind our confession of Jesus as the Christ and as the Son of the living God. Within this gospel there is a strong and powerful contrast which exists between antichrists who went out from among the true disciples of Jesus the Christ and the actual disciples of Christ. Moreover there is is this strong and powerful invitation to discern between the spirit of error and the Spirit of the living God which dwells and abides within us. At the very heart of antichrists is the denial that Jesus is indeed the Christ and the Messiah whom the Law and the prophets spoke of and foretold. Moreover these antichrists also make the emphatic declaration that Jesus is not the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God and even deny that he came in the flesh as the Scriptures clearly express and describe. It is absolutely imperative we recognize the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth of what we believe—and not only what we believe but also what we confess concerning the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. There is a wonderful and powerful need to read the words found within this epistle for the apostle John exposes and reveals the spirit of antichrist which is indeed a spirit of error that does in fact deny that Jesus came in the flesh, denies that Jesus is the Son of the living God, denies that Jesus is indeed the Christ and denies that He died upon the cross for the sins of the world. This epistle was indeed written to strengthen our conviction and believe in the identity and person of Jesus as well as to expose the error, the lies and falsehood that is found among the antichrists and the spirit of antichrist which is indeed present in the midst of the world and has been since the time this epistle was written. When you come to the final chapters of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find the suffering of Jesus in the flesh having come to an end. What’s more is that you will find Jesus having already been nailed to the cross and suffering upon the cross before committing His spirit into the hands of the Father and breathing His last. Within these two chapters of Scripture we find Jesus’ lifeless body being buried in the tomb after Joseph of Arimathaea removing it from the cross and together with Nicodemus who brought myrrh and aloes would wrap His body in clean linen and prepare them with the spices. That which makes this truly incredible when you take the time to think about it is when you begin reading the twentieth chapter of this gospel and read concerning the first day of the week which was in fact the third day and how certain women came to the tomb seeking to anoint the body of Jesus. Much to their amazement, surprise and wonder they would arrive at the tomb and not only find the stone rolled away from the entrance but also the tomb completely empty with the linen clothes Jesus was buried in on one side of the tomb and napkin which was about His face wrapped in another place. The twentieth chapter of this gospel highlights and underscores the miraculous and supernatural resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave as Jesus would indeed be raised from death to life on the third day exactly as He had foretold and spoken of. Jesus prepared His disciples—and not only His disciples but also the Jews themselves—for His resurrection and even as early as the second chapter of this gospel we find Jesus speaking of His resurrection. It would be in the second chapter of this gospel where Jesus would emphatically declare unto the Jews that if they destroyed this temple He would rebuild it in three days. The Jews were entirely confused by the words which Jesus had spoken for they thought He was speaking of the physical Temple which stood in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. The temple Jesus was speaking of was the temple of His physical body while the destruction of the temple would be the crucifixion and death while the rebuilding of the temple would be the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. The more I think about and consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am completely and utterly convinced that the ultimate and underlying purpose of this gospel was to strengthen the belief within the hearts and spirits of men concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the final two chapters of this gospel we find the apostle John speaking of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and how when Mary and the other women came to the tomb they were met with the tremendous shock and surprise of the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. When Simon Peter and the apostle John themselves came to the tomb they too would find the tomb empty exactly as the women had spoken and declared unto them. What’s more is that within this passage of Scripture we find Jesus revealing Himself unto Mary there at the tomb after she had supposed him to be the gardener and having removed His lifeless body. When Mary looked inside the tomb a second time she would be even more surprised and shocked when she saw two angels in white sitting—one at the head where his body had been laid and the other at the feet. These two angels would ask her why she was weeping to which she responded by declaring they had taken away her Lord and she did not know where they had laid Him. It would be in response to this that Jesus Himself would appear—despite the fact that Mary could not recognize Him when she saw Him. It would be until Jesus called her by name that her eyes and her spirit were opened and she recognized that it was the Lord who had indeed risen from the dead and was no longer buried in the tomb. Immediately upon this revelation she came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken such things unto her. If you continue reading the words which are found in the twentieth chapter of this gospel you will find three distinct revelations of the Lord Jesus Christ after He had been raised from death to life. I continue to be absolutely and utterly amazed at the fact that Jesus could have died upon the cross, been raised from death to life right there at Calvary, come off the cross and ascended unto the right hand of the Father. Scripture does not reveal that this was how it took place and instead reveals how Jesus was crucified and put to death upon the cross and that His lifeless body would be removed from the cross, wrapped in linen clothes and buried in a tomb. Moreover Scripture reveals how there was a large stone which was rolled in front of the entrance of the tomb and soldiers stationed outside at the entrance to -prevent anyone from coming under the cover of night, rolling away the stone and stealing the body away. That which would take place, however, is a mighty earthquake striking the ground early in the morning on the third day and the stone being rolled away—perhaps by an earthquake or perhaps by an angel. Immediately after the stone was rolled away—although Scripture provides no concrete or descriptive words concerning it—Jesus would not only be raised from death to life but would emerge from the grave very much alive and having conquered death, hell and the grave. On the third day the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed be raised from death to life precisely and exactly as He had spoken of which only adds to the resurrection narrative and the beauty and power behind it. The Lord Jesus would indeed be raised from death to life on the third day and would show Himself alive unto many during those days. What’s more is that after Jesus had emerged from the grave He would show Himself alive unto Mary, He would show Himself alive unto the disciples, He would show Himself alive unto the two men on the road to Emmaus and He would even show Himself alive unto upwards of five hundred at one time according to the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the first epistle unto the Corinthian saints. That which the apostle John writes within this passage of Scripture are three distinct revelations of the resurrected Jesus after he had been raised from death to life and come forth from the grave. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the absolutely incredible truth surrounding these revelations of the Lord Jesus for the beloved physician Luke in the first chapter of the book of Acts as well as the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthians describes this tremendous reality of the revelation of the resurrection. THE REVELATION OF THE RESURRECTED! Oh this concept of the revelation of the resurrected is truly astonishing when you take the time to think about it for at this particular time there would have been two among them who had not only been raised from death to life but had come forth from tombs whereupon a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. What’s more is that the apostle Matthew writes how at the death of Jesus the graves of many of the righteous saints were opened—despite the fact that they would not come forth from those graves until His resurrection. At the time of His resurrection and as a direct result of that resurrection there would indeed be a fellowship and revelation of resurrected ones as Lazarus, Jesus and all those who came forth from their graves would indeed appear unto many. Scripture reveals how those who came forth from their graves at the resurrection of the Lord would indeed show themselves unto many. It would be in the twelfth chapter of this gospel we find Lazarus being very much alive and reclining at the table together with Jesus while it would be in the twentieth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus revealing Himself alive unto the disciples during those days. What a truly powerful and beautiful reality it is to think about and consider this fellowship of resurrected ones—and not only this fellowship of resurrected ones but also this revelation of resurrected ones which would indeed take place during those days. I am absolutely and incredibly captivated with the words and language we find in this passage of Scripture for within it we find Jesus not only having been raised from death to life on the third day but we also find Him revealing and showing Himself alive unto His disciples. It wasn’t enough for Jesus to merely be raised from death to life on the third day and to ascend unto the Father—this despite the fact that He would indeed be raised from the grave that He might ultimately ascend unto the Father which was in heaven. Jesus would and could not ascend unto the Father until and unless He suffered in the flesh, until He was crucified upon the cross at Calvary, until He was buried in the grave and until he was raised from death to life on the third day. This is something we must needs understand and acknowledge for there must needs be the revelation of the resurrection for it would be that revelation of resurrection that would ultimately lead to the witness of the resurrection. I am absolutely convinced there could be no witness of the resurrection without and apart from the revelation of the resurrected and it was absolutely necessary for Jesus to show Himself alive unto many during those forty days. It would be the beloved physician Luke who would write how Jesus would show Himself alive after a forty day period of time upon being raised from death to life and how He would indeed do so with many signs that men might indeed believe that He had in fact been raised from death to life. This is something we must needs recognize for even the apostle Paul in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints would speak of the revelation of Jesus after he had been raised from death to life that men might believe that He was indeed the Christ. It is through the resurrection of the Lord Jesus we find a powerful invitation to believe that He was and still is and will always be the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God who suffered in the flesh, who died upon the cross and was crucified, who was buried in a borrowed tomb, who was raised from death to life on the third day and who ascended unto the right hand of the Father preparing a place for us that he might come back for us and gather us unto Himself.