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No.21.
Chapter 21:
pp. 230 - 234
We have come to the end of a most wonderful record of the earthly life of the Son of
God. John in modesty withholds his name in this narrative, calling himself "the disciple
whom Jesus loved" (21: 20 and elsewhere). To this man was entrusted the book of the
Revelation, a record to which the people of God will turn and anxiously consult for
guidance and comfort in the terrible days ahead. To John also was entrusted this record
of the earthly ministry of Christ having special reference to His being "God manifest in
the flesh".
The selection of incidents was made by the Holy Spirit, being given to John to record.
In a similar way John in Rev. 1: 10 speaks as being "in the spirit" and Paul in Heb. 1: 2
speaks of God speaking "in Son". The Word of God is the same miraculous testimony of
God to man, as all the flowers, insects and especially his own body are a witness to man
of the miraculous design of each for its purpose in life. So in this Gospel we find
testimony to the power of God. In John 20: we considered the miracle of resurrection
and we linked it with that of the raising of Lazarus. If we study the word `miracle', the
dictionary gives `a supernatural event'. In turn, `supernatural' is "above or beyond
nature", and `nature' is "the power that creates and regulates the world"! How reluctant
is man to commit any praise or acknowledgment to God. Surely God has used forces He
has created to produce results that further His purpose of the ages. Man however clever
he is, has not yet discovered these forces and how they work and so he wriggles with
these definitions, shying from equating nature with God.
John in his narrative was inspired to select eight miracles or signs to demonstrate the
power of God through His Son. We quote them from page 77 of Life Through His Name
by Mr. 100: H. Welch.
A | 2: 1-11. THE MARRIAGE IN CANA. The third day.
No wine. Glory manifested.
B | 4: 43-52. THE NOBLEMAN'S SON.
After two days. At the point of death.
C | 5: 1-15. THE IMPOTENT MAN. Pool Bethesda. 38 years.
Sabbath. Sin.
D | 6: 1-14. THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND.
The only sign (with D) recorded in other gospels.
D | 6: 15-21. THE WALKING ON THE SEA.
The only sign (with D) recorded in other gospels.
C | 9: 1-44. THE MAN BORN BLIND. Pool Siloam. From birth.
Sabbath. Sin.
B | 11: 1-46. THE SISTERS' BROTHER.
Two days. Lazarus is dead.
A | 21: 1-14. THE DRAUGHT OF FISHES. The third time.
No meat. The Lord manifested.