Thought for the week of 27th December

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.    John 21 : 24 - 25

Bible reading : John 21 : 19b - end

Thought for this week

Reflecting on the apostle and evangelist John’s ministry today is a reminder of who Jesus is. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the truth of God come amongst us, John reveals the whole of Jesus’ ministry in his Gospel and his relationship with Jesus.

Our Gospel reading for today comes from the very end of John’s Gospel, reminding us of how the baby born in Bethlehem grew to be a man, who lived a fully human life as well as being divine, who showed His love in countless ways, and finally went to the Cross in the greatest act of self – giving ever for our salvation.

Every part of Jesus’ life reveals the whole story, because He is the child born to us who is our Saviour, our Lord and our King. Every part of His life, from His birth to His death and to His Resurrection, reveals His love for us, and how His love is a sacrificial, life – giving love for the whole world.

This is who Jesus is. The baby in the manger. The teacher and healer. The prophet and King. The one who died on the Cross and was raised from the dead. His love is for each of us. The love that has come down from heaven. The love that calls us to know Him and to believe.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Grant, O Lord we pray

That the Word made flesh

proclaimed by your apostle John

may, by the celebration

of these holy mysteries,

ever abide and live within us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen.