Published April 17, 2025, by the Phelps County Focus. Based on John 13:1-17.
This article is being published on Maundy Thursday, Jesus’s last day with all of his disciples and a critical turning point in the narrative arc of the Gospel of John.
The opening of the Gospel is the beautiful poem about the Word of God, the divine ordering principle of the universe who became flesh and dwelt among us. After Jesus is introduced to us through his baptism, the first half of the Gospel, often called the Book of Signs, describes miraculous events that crescendo.
The first sign of the inbreaking of God’s kingdom is at a wedding in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine—a LOT of water, more than a hundred gallons!
His second sign was the healing of a royal official’s son.
He later fed a multitude, walked on water and healed two other men, including one born blind.
Finally, the story reaches a climax in chapter 11 when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
By now, at least some people had figured out who Jesus was. He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Martha responds, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
John is building his case. Each sign reveals a little bit more about Jesus’s divine nature. Jesus is godly. Jesus is God. JESUS IS GOD!
Jesus could not only heal the sick but also raise the dead! He was the source of all goodness and provision for the people. He had complete power over life and death, being the Word of God who was with God at the beginning, and who was God from the beginning. JESUS IS GOD!
But then on Maundy Thursday, we learn just what kind of God we worship….