As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we encounter profound truths and transformative encounters with Jesus. In this blog post, we will explore four pivotal verses from John’s Gospel—John 17:3, John 18:36, John 20:17, and John 20:31—and discover the faith and hope they inspire within us. These verses not only reveal the depth of Jesus’ identity and mission but also call us to embrace a life-changing relationship with Him.
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. - John 17:3
A Glimpse of Eternal Life:
In John 17:3, Jesus shares a powerful insight into what eternal life is. He declares that eternal life is not merely an unending existence but rather, it is knowing the one true God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This verse reminds us that eternal life isn’t some distant future only to be experienced after death, but it is a present reality through our relationship with Jesus.
How does the concept of eternal life being rooted in knowing God impact your understanding of salvation and life’s purpose?
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” - John 18:36
A Kingdom Beyond This World:
In John 18:36, Jesus proclaims that His kingdom is not of this world. His kingship transcends earthly powers, and His mission is beyond any sort of worldly ambitions. This verse invites us to reassess our values and seek a kingdom that aligns with the eternal purposes of Christ.
In what ways can we actively prioritize the values of Christ’s kingdom in our daily lives and interactions with the world?
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” - John 20:17
From Mourning to Mission:
In John 20:17, we witness a powerful encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Jesus instructs her not to cling to Him but to go and tell His disciples. This moment marks the transformation from mourning to mission— it was a call for Mary to share the good news of the resurrected Savior. As we shared last night, the relationship had changed. There was still work to do.
How can Mary Magdalene’s response to Jesus’ instruction inspire us to be active messengers of the gospel, bringing hope and life to those around us?
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. - John 20:31
Believing for Life:
John states the purpose of writing his Gospel: “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.” (John 20:31, ESV) This verse is the heart of the Gospel of John—to lead us to faith in Jesus as the source of life and the Son of God. Believing this brings about our salvation.
How has encountering the various signs, miracles, and teachings of Jesus in this Gospel influenced your perception of His identity and divine mission? How does John’s Gospel inspire you to place your faith in Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers?
Conclusion:
In the Gospel of John, we find an invitation to know Jesus in a deeply personal way—to know Him intimately and experience His redemption power. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we access the eternal life that begins here and now—a life rooted in knowing the Father and the Son.
As we meditate on these verses, let us reflect on the richness of Christ’s identity and mission. He offers us a kingdom that transcends this world and calls us to embrace a life of purpose and mission. Just as Mary Magdalene was commissioned to share the good news, we too are called to be bearers of hope and agents of God’s love in the world.
Questions for further reflection:
- How can we cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus and experience the reality of eternal life in our daily walk with Him?
- In what ways can we align our lives with the values and mission of Christ’s kingdom, even amidst the challenges and pressures of the world?
- How can we respond actively to Jesus’ call to be messengers of hope and life, sharing the transformative power of the gospel with those around us?
- How does the purpose of John’s Gospel, as stated in John 20:31, inspire you to believe in Jesus as the Christ and experience life in His name?
May the Gospel of John continue to inspire us, strengthen our faith, and fill us with hope as we walk with the risen Savior and follow His leading in every aspect of life.
Gerald Faulkner 