Uncontainable

Fiona Reynolds April 19, 2024 6 3

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John 21:25 (NRSVA)

25 But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

The words, actions and impact of Jesus are so uncontainable that Sanctuary First’s text selections misses out my favourite bit of Chapter 21! Indulge me, as I share it with you!

In verses 20-22, Peter looks around at the other disciples, then points to “the disciple whom Jesus loved” and asks Jesus, “what about him?” I love this because it is so human. We compare ourselves to others, favourably or otherwise, all the time. We do it as individuals: wondering how we can be smarter, or healthier, or more productive. We do it as countries: we desire what is not ours and work out how to take it, by fair means or foul. And we do it in church communities: we count members, income, visitors, ordinations, baptisms, weddings, funerals; you name it, we count it and compare it.

Jesus tells Peter not to worry about the other disciple. It is no business of Peter’s what Jesus has in store for this other disciple. The invitation to Peter is to follow Jesus. That is it. Follow Jesus.

There are many other things that Jesus is doing today, and every day. We could not even begin to record them all. And whilst it is good to celebrate some of these things, it is not good for us to get caught up in constant comparisons. As it says at the end of Chapter 20, we need only enough so that we may come to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then, we are to go about our lives, following Him.

Prayer:

Incomparable Christ,

when it comes to comparison,

may I only have eyes for you;

when it comes to listening,

may I tune out all but your voice;

when it comes to imitation,

may I turn in your direction;

when it comes to life,

may I know it in full abundance,

with you,

always,

AMEN.