Beyond Our Imagination
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)
Jesus was purposely busy, ever focused on His Father’s business, ever doing His Father’s will. John’s ending verse of his gospel is reminiscent of something Jesus said earlier:
“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” (John 5:17)
John ended his preceding chapter using similar words to those of our verse for today:
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written 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 20:30–31)
The records of the works of Jesus are not exhaustive (to say the least); we have but a mere sampling of his accomplishments. Here, John reminds us of all the marvelous things that the Lord Jesus accomplished. All that Christ said and did when His feet walked upon this dusty earth was noteworthy. He never spoke an idle word. He never performed an idle work. He never said or did anything trifling. Sweet Jesus, from everlasting to everlasting, holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens, an amazing Savior, an amazing Lord. He truly is beyond our imagination.
“This is He who is appointed and given to us by God the Father, as the fullness of all grace and truth, as the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, as the ladder and door of heaven, as the serpent lifted up to render the poison of sin harmless, as the water which refreshes the thirsty, as the bread of life, as the light of the world, as the redeemer of God’s children, as the shepherd and door of the sheep, as the resurrection and the life, as the corn of wheat which springs up into much fruit, as the conqueror of the prince of this world, as the way, the truth, and the life, as the true vine, and finally, as the redemption, salvation, satisfaction, and righteousness of all the faithful in all the world, throughout all ages. Let us therefore pray God the Father, that, being taught by His Gospel, we may know Him that is true, and believe in Him in whom alone is salvation; and that, believing, we may feel God living in us in this world, and in the world to come may enjoy His eternal and most blessed fellowship.” (Bullinger’s Commentary on the Gospels)
Christ’s miracles were vast, varied, and intentional. Some of His miracles were repetitious, with differing audiences, producing an array of witnesses and giving even more proof and credibility to Jesus. I am reminded of the words penned by the prophet Isaiah:
–Deuteronomy 29:29
“Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:8–10)
What was divinely inspired to be included in the Gospels was exactly what the Potter wanted the clay to muse–each incident included for the benefit of all mankind. We would be no more helped or improved or increased in belief if more of our Lord’s actions had been recorded. There is enough presented for the conviction of sinners and the guidance of all who are honestly seeking genuine salvation and direction.
Take It to Heart
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)