Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.1
The Greek word used for life is Zoe; in the biblical context it refers to the fullness of life that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Among its fruits is protection. If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servant of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”2 The written word is a weapon. Jesus used it against the devil’s temptation in the wilderness. Repeatedly, he said, “It is written . . .”3
The word paves the way for good success. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.4 The word gives us discernment to distinguish right and wrong; to know the will of God.
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.5
As servants of God, we are accorded stewardship which is not to be taken lightly. And [Jesus] said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.”6 There is a moral separation. “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”7 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.8 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.9
As stewards of God’s word, we are tasked to strengthen, encourage, and comfort;10 and to stir up one another to love and good works.11
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.12 . . . Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”13
Notes:
1. John 20:30-31
2. Isaiah 54:15-17
3. Matthew 4:1-11
4. Joshua 1:8
5. Psalm, 119:11
6. Mark 4:11
7. John 6:65
8. John 15:16
9. 1 Peter 2:9-10
10. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
11. Hebrews 10:24
12. 1 John 5:13
13. John 20:29b
