The Three “Stops” of Jesus in the Gospel of John

The Bible is littered with commands--whether it is Yahweh, Moses, the prophets, Jesus or Paul, or one of the other apostles, commands help the reading believer know what God’s will is. For the adhering, ardent Christian there is no more important function for life than knowing God’s will and doing it.

Let’s look at the three ‘stops’ of Jesus in John:

1. “Stop grumbling among yourselves.” –John 6:43 (NIV).

Jesus had just stated he was the ‘bread of life’ to all who would listen, yet the Jews were unfortunately not on the same page. He repeats himself but they still don’t understand. This command of Jesus’ is a reminder for us to abide in him (see John 15) so we can hear him through the Spirit of God who is within us (Luke 17:28).

The full story of Jesus, ‘the bread of life,’ is in John 6:25-59.

2. “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” –John 7:24 (NIV).

Again the Jews are in a spin trying to pin Jesus down but how far above their ways is he? (See Isaiah 55:9) Part of the problem for the Jews is the richness of Jesus’ language, assertions and overall communications; and how much theology he packs into quite little space. They’re again focused on this world and full of hypocrisy. The Jews’ inconsistencies are easy to see through for Jesus. Time and again he links God the Father with himself and they still can’t understand.

For us, we should see as God sees and see through the hypocrisy of the world, learning to defend those who cannot ordinarily defend themselves adequately, and shunning favouritism. Erring on the side of grace in all our interactions and relationships is the way of the cross.

The full story of Jesus teaching at the feast of tabernacles is in John 7:14-24.

3. “Stop doubting and believe.” –John 20:27 (NIV).

Doubting Thomas. Well, that’s certainly accurate for all of us. We are so very apt at thinking Thomas is unique. For some reason, we don’t equate our complaining and frequent stumbling for a lack of faith and belief--yet, that is doubting and unbelief. Jesus continues to remind each one of us to stop doubting and believe. Yet, such is God’s grace he understands our propensity for unbelief and has forgiven us in advance--and we receive this forgiveness when we seek it.

The full story of Jesus appearing to Thomas is in John 20:24-31.

The only way we can become more fully aware of God’s will via his commands is if we regularly read the Bible, pray and meditate on the meaning of the statements God makes through it, applying them to the context of the living component of our lives.

Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.