Today's Reading: John 21:19-24

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12

This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. (John 21:24)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  “Just give me the truth!”  It is a common thought that resonates to many people today.  We all want to know the truth.  We all want to hear the truth.  We do not want to be lied to or have the truth embellished, just give us the truth.  As John writes his Gospel, he has one thing in mind, “To bear witness to the truth.”  He wants to be a reliable witness about the events that have taken place before his very eyes.  He wants the world to know that Jesus is the Son of God and that by believing in the works of Christ as sufficient for our salvation, salvation is delivered.  John is a reliable witness.

Our world around us seeks to deconstruct the truth.  We live in an era where words like misinformation and disinformation are common in our daily vocabulary.  We can’t make it through one round of surfing channels or scrolling through our social media feeds without being reminded that certain information contains inaccuracies or only partial truths.  Notifications on various feeds will indicate that information is missing or that appropriate verification has not taken place.  Doubt and uncertainty surround us.  

John the Apostle wanted nothing more than to deliver the truth and remove all doubt about Jesus Christ.  It is just two days after Christmas, and we recognize St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.  His primary purpose was to deliver the message that God the creator of all things is revealed to us in the flesh in Jesus Christ.  He begins his Gospel with creation and closes it with a testimony to the accuracy of what is written.  John’s Gospel takes the reader around the cross and delivers the message that our God has come down to us in the flesh.  He died and rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven.  The truth of the historical narrative of Jesus gives to us the assurance of the promise that He is returning in all His Glory to raise the dead.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Merciful Lord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, may come to the light of everlasting life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen (TODP-pg 1061)

-Pastor Timothy Paul Davis is Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church  in Athens Georgia.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.