Jottings from John

Since John the Apostle was referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved", and the one who even leaned back against Jesus while they were reclining at the table during an evening meal, it seems reasonable that John knew Jesus very well, and probably better than most others.   What John had to say about Jesus is therefore worth noting. 

Let's look at some of John's jottings that might confirm our view that the scope of Jesus' ministry was all encompassing, universal in every way.

John's opening description of Jesus states that the purpose of his coming to earth was so that all might believe, and to achieve this, Jesus, the true light, would give light to everyone who comes into the world.  "There was a man sent from God whose name was John.   He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.   He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.   The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world."  [John 1 : 6 - 9  TNIV]

John (the Apostle) quotes John (the Baptiser) as recognising Jesus and the extent of his ministry the moment Jesus approaches him to be baptised in the Jordan river.   "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"  [John 1 : 29  TNIV] 

He repeats this description of Jesus himself in at least two places in the first letter he wrote to the churches he over-sighted.  "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world,"  [1 John 2 : 2  TNIV]  and "we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world."  [1 John 4 : 14  TNIV]

In a previous paragraph of the same letter, John declares that the reason Jesus came to earth was "to destroy the devil's work."   [1 John 3 : 8  TNIV]

The Samaritans, who were introduced to Jesus by the woman at the well, also recognised that Jesus "is the Saviour of the world."  [John 4 : 42  TNIV]

It seems there was no doubt in John's mind about the nature or extent of the mission of his friend, Jesus.  He was to reverse everything the devil had done by dying for the sin of the world and saving everyone who was to be or would become a part of it.

It is also worth mentioning that In his Gospel, John records Jesus' celebrated arrival in Jerusalem just before the last Passover Festival he celebrated on earth.  While predicting his death and explaining the way he would die, Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."  [John 12 : 32  TNIV]

That sounds pretty inclusive and universal too, doesn't it?

Barry