Jesus Loves You (Sunday, John 21, Ephesians 4)

hope this blog makes sense, as am at internet kiosk with the rugby world cup blaring (Ireland v Wales)! go wallabies.

Karl Barth was one of the foremost evangelical theoloigians of the twentieth century. When asked in 1962 (on his one visit to America) how he would summarise the essence of the millions of words he had published, he replied, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/131christians/theologians/barth.html

Today we finish John's gospel - it has been a great journey. Watching Jesus in his life, death and resurrection. I think there is much we can learn from this gospel, but perhaps the most profound truths are always the obvious ones - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3.16). What a great verse, and we have seen many like it, confirming that the Father sent the Son into this world with the chief purpose to redeem humankind.

It is interesting reading John 21, for Jesus never says, "I love you", to his disciples, though he has done earlier in John (e.g. 13.34, 14.21, 15.9, 17.23 etc.). In fact Jesus almost seems a bit rude and confronting in this chapter. Jesus love is not soft and mushy, and it requires a response. Jesus is king of the universe, and this has been proved in his death and resurrection, and this God (Father, Son & Spirit) is confronting and demands undivided devotion. Jesus calls on us to love him, follow him and love one another as he loves us, even to the point of death if need be (21.18-19) - what sacrifices is he calling you to make? You willing to give up your very life, or will you be like Peter here, "ah, can you pls send someone else!". We are good at making excuses, but Jesus won't let you get away with that - he will bring you back into His will.

In John 21 there are many echoes of earlier events that took place before Jesus death. The most obvious one is 18.15-18, 25-27 where Peter denies Jesus three times. I love how Jesus is lovingly teaching Peter here, even if it seems a bit harsh and insensitive. And Peter is so bold and yet so human - so much gusto in jumping out of the boat to swim to Jesus (21.7), promising he will love Jesus sheep and feed them, and then almost straight away, suggesting that maybe John can die instead of him! (vs21) Jesus rebukes Peter again, but like always, he never gives up on Peter, and he forgives him for his past and present and future sins and missteps.

How awesome that God loves me, and forgives me my past, present and future sins - because he loves me, and took all of my sins upon Himself in Jesus at that cross.

God loves you (as Father, Son & Spirit), whatever you have done! Heck, even Paul could be forgiven, and he was the worst of sinners. Nothing is beyond the reach of God's love demonstrated at that cross. Remind yourself of that today, and keep reminding one another - God loves you, and he proved it at that cross (Rom 5.8). The most profound truths are the simpliest ones - God loves you, and died for you in Jesus! You are now his child and heir - wow!

Ephesians 4 is great as well - especially 4.11-16 stands out. The Church functioning as God wants is one where every member is vital and plays its part, equipped and led by pastors and teachers.

also john 21.25 is a pretty awesome verse.

Steve Spratt (7pm @ EAC)
Tomorrows Readings: Micah 1, Ephesians 5.