Galax Presbyterian Church

SCRIPTURE MEDITATION - JOHN 20-21

One of the unique aspects of John's Resurrection narratives is his use of them to show the various ways that the early followers of Jesus came to believe in his Resurrection.

The Beloved Disciple comes to believe when he sees the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene believes only after she has met the risen Lord and had a conversation with him. She also "clings to him" Most of the disciples believe when Jesus appears to them, shows them his wounds, and breathes the Holy Spirit into them. Thomas believes when Jesus comes to him and offers Thomas what he needs to believe. Peter seems finally to believe when Jesus appears to the disciples in Galilee, again producing a great quantity of fish.

What is John up to here? He is saying people are very different, and come to Christ in different ways. For some it happens through their personal experience---John and Mary. For others it happens in the gathered community of Faith---like most of the disciples. For others it happens in an encounter that takes place while going about one's day---like Peter. Some require a powerful, ground-shaking experience---like Thomas.

There is no one way to come to faith in Jesus. There is no single way to worship him or to serve him. There is one faith, but God comes to us in different ways and gives us different gifts, different ways to serve.

There is no one true Christian denomination. All those who follow the Jesus proclaimed in Scripture are true followers. Let us rejoice in our diversity, and serve God in our various ways!

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

1 Corinthians 4-6

BIRTHDAYS