Testimony & Verdict (CaD Jhn 21) – Wayfarer
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 21:25 (NIV)
Last year I had the opportunity to give a legal deposition. It was my first time doing so, and it was an interesting experience giving testimony before a judge, court recorder, and opposing attorneys. Before the deposition, I found myself thinking a lot about the way I wanted to respond to questions. My prevailing desire was to keep my answers very clear and concise, sticking to what I knew was true based on my experience.
Today’s chapter concludes John’s account of Jesus’ story, and it ends with a fascinating bit of hyperbole observing that if every story about Jesus were written down all the world’s libraries couldn’t hold the sheer volume. That final thought reminds me as a reader that in writing his account, John had a difficult task. How do I testify to everything I saw, heard, and experienced as a disciple of Jesus in a way that is clear, concise, and communicates what is true? In crafting his testimony, John let specific numbers guide him.
Numbers play a role throughout the Great Story. Even the most casual reader will notice the recurrence of certain numbers. Different numbers have particular symbolic meanings. The number seven, for example, signifies completeness as in the seven days of creation after which God considered creation complete and called it “very good.” Three is considered a divine number as in the number of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.
John appears to have been conscious of these numbers in structuring his testimony. He chose seven “signs” or miracles to share as well as seven “I am” statements that Jesus made. Three also makes recurring appearances as in sharing three times the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples. It’s as if John structured his testimony using those numbers as a guide to provide a “complete” and “divine” account to his readers.
John ends his account by describing the events of the third time the risen Jesus was present with the disciples. John lists seven of the disciples who went fishing on the Sea of Galilee. After getting skunked all night, morning arrives and Jesus calls to them from shore, telling them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they did there were so many fish in the net they couldn’t pull the haul into the boat. They had to tow it to the shore where they found Jesus was making a breakfast of grilled fish and bread (a little homage to the feeding of the 5,000 with fish and bread that John described back in chapter six).
John then shares that Jesus asked Peter to affirm his love three times, followed by three commands to Peter to “feed” and “take care” of Jesus’ “sheep.” Peter denied Jesus three times. With three affirmations and commands, Peter is restored to his position of leadership among the disciples. Jesus then foreshadows for Peter that he will one day follow Jesus in stretching out his hands in crucifixion. When Peter asks Jesus about John’s fate, Jesus says, “What’s it to you if I want him to live until I return?”
John is admittedly addressing what may have been a couple of FAQs of his contemporary first-century believers. He states quite directly that rumors were saying that he wouldn’t die, and he puts that rumor to rest. I also wonder if there weren’t those who wondered, “Why is Peter the leader of the Jesus Movement if he denied Jesus?” John’s final chapter would quell any doubt about Peter being Jesus’ appointed, “rock solid” leader.
In the quiet this morning, I am reflecting on this chapter-a-day trek through John. I have been struck this time by the beautiful and thoughtful way that John structured his account and emphasized his testimony to the truth of what he witnessed. This is John’s deposition. He uses the noun for “witness” or “testimony” 14 times and the verb for “testify” 33 times. I find upon reflection that he has given clear and concise testimony to what he knew to be true about Jesus based on his experience.
Once again, as a reader, he leaves me to decide if I believe his testimony and what verdict I will personally render regarding the question “Who is Jesus?”
If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.
