Category: John

How Big Was That Fish?

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever been regaled with a fanciful story of a fisherman’s retelling of the “big one” that got away? It seems like every-time the story is repeated the details get exaggerated just a little more. The fish is bigger, the fight to reel it in gets longer and the heightened leap out of the water and the seemingly impossible escape from the line is more dramatic. It might not be a fish story for all of us, but many of us can relate to the “size” of a story and how it can grow in its details. 

One of my all-time favorite verses in the Bible is found in John chapter 21:25. Throughout the book John writes about several miracles that point to Jesus’ power as the Son of God. At the conclusion of his book he writes, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

Is John telling us a “fish story” here? In a way he is. He uses a literary device called hyperbole in this verse to help us understand two things. First, he recounts only seven of Jesus’ miracles to draw our attention to his sovereignty as the Son of God. As we read the other gospels, we hear of many more miracles that Jesus performed. So yes, there is more to the story of Jesus life that have been written down in this gospel. Secondly, it speaks to the infinite power and most certain point that God, through Jesus is never idle in His purpose for our lives. He leads us, guides us, corrects us, challenges us, grows us, teaches us, and forgives us. (the list could go on). What we have presented before us in this gospel and the others tells us of God’s story and his incredible love for us. 

John’s words in this verse also speak volumes to the praise, honor, and glory that we as Christ followers are to give to our Father in heaven. I am often reminded of the Psalms and the words of praise that are lifted to God; Psalm 150 is a great example:

“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!”

When his (Jesus) story becomes a part of our story today we have opportunity to praise him for the work that he continues to do in our lives and the lives of others. The way we live our lives as followers of Jesus can also bring praise, honor, and glory to him. Praise is not limited to the sound of trumpets, tambourines, strings, or the sounding of cymbals. When we reflect God’s love, his mercy and grace to others this brings praise to his name. 

Let’s praise the Lord together for what he has done in our lives and pray for exciting new chapters in life filled with stories to share with those around us. 

Download a printable copy here:Download

Do you Believe This?

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

IMG_0523Our culture today is fascinated by the unbelievable and the virtually impossible. For example, Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries. Robert L. Ripley (Ripley’s Believe it or Not), a cartoonist, explorer, reporter, adventurer, and collector, traveled to 201 countries in 35 years seeking the odd, the unusual, and the unexplained.  

Scripture makes some pretty incredible claims, some of which reach beyond the scope of our finite human minds. Jesus made a claim that no other being on earth could ever make, He said, “I am the resurrection and the life”. (John 11:25) This incredible statement is foundational to the faith that hundreds of millions of people like you and I have put our hope and trust in; centuries of time have passed before us having been shaped and influenced by this statement. Jesus makes the declaration that he is the source and the power that will bring all those who believe in Him into everlasting life in the presence of his father.

Consider for a moment the person that Jesus speaks these incredible words to; Martha of Bethany, sister to Lazarus, who was raised from the dead. Martha is not new to the life and work of Jesus, she has seen and experienced the life transforming power of Messiah. This is an incredible reminder to those who live to bring honour and glory to the name of Jesus to remain confident in His power to overcome sin and death. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” What is your answer? Can you and will you stand faithful in front of the supreme judge when he returns again and say to him, Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come to save the world.

I Am the Shepherd

~ Steve Vandop ~ 2 Comments

IMG_3205To fully know what something is we must also understand what that something is not. The antithesis (a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else) helps us hone or sharpen our understanding of the subject. John records many of Jesus’s “I am” statements in his Gospel. In order to grasp Jesus’s claim to be our “shepherd” we can understand what he means by looking at what a shepherd is not.  Ezekiel uses the metaphor of a shepherd in a way that helps us understand what role a shepherd is not. Here are some of the highlights.

  • They focus on their own gain, not the well-being of the flock. (34:1-3)
  • They ruled harshly and brutally. (34:4)
  • When the sheep were lost, no one searched or looked for them. (34:6)

There are many more examples in scripture that use this same metaphorical language of “shepherd” to describe who Jesus is. Isiah puts it beautifully with these words, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;” (40:11). Johns record of Jesus’s clear statement in chapter 10:11 says “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The implications of what Jesus says with these words is beyond incredible. The role of the true shepherd in Ezekiel chapter 34 is described as fulfilled by God, Jesus makes the claim in John’s gospel that He (as God in flesh) is the one fulfilling this role.

Jesus came to care for his sheep and to lead them back into a relationship with His Father. His focus was not on himself but for the well-being of the people. He chose to seek out the lost, the broken and the hurting, to lead and guide them with love and compassion. Jesus willingly laid down his life for us as our shepherd, for the forgiveness of our sins. He came back to life and continues to lead and guide us through the work of the Holy Spirit, what an incredible gift. Who are you following? Are you trusting in Jesus as your shepherd? Have you experienced the life transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Jesus, the Good Shepherd is calling out your name, he is your shepherd, take a moment to listen and follow his call.

Eyewitness Testimony

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

 

D645213F-C5DE-413A-9055-27FD2A64C756.jpeg

In a court of law an eyewitness account is often the most trustworthy and reliable source of testimony. Also known as a percipient witness, this person testifies to what they perceive through his or her senses, through seeing, hearing, smelling or touching. Testimony by hearsay does not hold as much weight as an eyewitness account, you would know this well if you have ever played the “telephone” game.

Let me go on the record and make this statement, “I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God given to man, recorded by many, so that we can grow in our understanding of who He is.” The Gospel of John reveals to us the authority and person of Jesus Christ as both The Son of God and our redeemer. John’s gives us his testimony of who Jesus is through these words in chapter 1:33, “I have seen and testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (also translated as “The Son of God”) He says it again in verse 1:29, “When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (our redeemer). With the knowledge and understanding that these words are trustworthy and true, we have before us a written eyewitness statement (testimony or confession) that reveals the incredible truth of who Jesus is.

God reveals himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. When you read scripture this fact becomes abundantly clear. John witnessed with his own eyes the incredible act of the Holy Spirit anointing Jesus for the continued work in his ministry and mission. If that wasn’t incredible enough, it is written that “a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” God reveals himself to us, he speaks to us today primarily through His word, have you taken taken the time to hear from Him today?

Understanding the “Word”

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

mixtapeI wonder how many people still have one or two of these old mixed tapes laying around? I can still remember taking hours of time to make some great compilations of my favorite songs on this now forgotten media. There was something to be said about having access to all your favorite songs in on place. Generally speaking, mixed tapes recorded a specific style or genre of music, one might have had a mix tape for different times and places.

The book of John contains a compilation or collection of verses that follow a specific theme. In the second to last chapter of John we read this statement: “But these (the events and evidence of Jesus’ power and authority) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (20:31) John begins his book by writing about who Jesus is in relationship to his Father, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (1:1) The expression “Word” John uses here refers to Jesus Christ. This sets the stage for what John writes in verse 1:19, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. (1:14) Coupled together, these verses give us a clear picture of the meaning of Jesus’ incarnation. Christ’s divine-human nature reveals the love God has for us. Taking on our human nature meant a certain death, a death that was necessary to save the lives of many.

Recorded over and over throughout scripture is the call to believe in Jesus, to have faith and trust in God. Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection are the cornerstones to our faith. Jesus no longer walks among us in the flesh, it is by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we can live and learn to see Him as active and alive. We may not have walked with Jesus like his disciples did, and at times we may feel far removed from the experience of the signs and wonders they witnessed, but I know that God is alive and active here and now. Like the mixed tape, the book of John and other books in the Bible record only a portion of What Jesus did (see verse 20:30). The God-inspired written word (the Bible) is our guide to knowing and loving Him. We need to take the time to listen and allow the words of God to settle into our hearts and minds today.