“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”– John 21:25 (KJV)
“But there are also many other things that Jesus did. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.”– John 21:25 (NLT)
“There are so many other things Jesus did that if they were all written down, each of them would fill enough books to overflow the shelves.”– John 21:25 (MSG)
What Does John 21:25 Mean?
This verse concludes the Gospel of John and states that Jesus did many other amazing things during His time on earth. It indicates that the accounts we have are just a small part of His entire life and ministry. The idea is profound when we think about how much went unsaid or unwritten. John emphasizes that Jesus’s life was filled with incalculable acts of kindness, miracles, teachings, and interactions that went beyond what we can comprehend. His love and influence stretch far and wide.
We see that these additional accounts were not captured by the Gospel writers—not because they were less important or less impactful, but rather because Jesus’s impact was so immense that it would be impossible to document everything He did. This not only speaks to the greatness of Jesus but also to the hope and encouragement that we can continue to find in Him, even in the stories that are not explicitly told. It invites us to reflect on how Jesus has touched our lives, as His teachings resonate in our hearts.
John 21:25 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on this verse, we can appreciate the depth of who Jesus was. Throughout the Gospel, we have witnessed His miracles—turning water to wine, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and raising Lazarus from the dead. Each of these moments reveals facets of His divine nature. Yet, John reminds us that these are just snippets of a much larger story. This can help us realize that every single person Jesus interacted with had their own stories to tell of how He changed their lives.
In our lives today, we can think about how Jesus continues to work in ways we might not see or understand. A simple smile, an act of kindness, or a moment of patience reflects His love. These everyday instances may not make headlines or fill books, but they embody His teachings and influence. Even our daily lives may seem inconsequential at times, yet they hold incredible meaning when viewed in the light of who Jesus is.
Furthermore, it’s essential to acknowledge how diverse and extensive some of Jesus’ works can be in our lives. Whether through personal experiences or the testimonies we hear, countless stories tell how Jesus brought about healing, comfort, and peace. This verse encourages us to share our testimonies, just as those who experienced His miracles in person might have shared theirs, spreading the message of hope and love all around. Each story is valuable.
It’s also a reminder for us to remain curious about our relationship with Jesus. We can often overlook the gentle whispers, blessings, and nudges that God provides in our lives daily. Exploring scripture, prayer, and community can open our eyes to the more profound realities occurring under the surface. John’s message doesn’t just end with the words written; it invites us into deeper fellowship with Christ, recognizing that we, too, contribute to His ongoing story.
Context of John 21:25
This statement by John comes at the very end of his Gospel, after detailing Jesus’ resurrection and His interactions with His disciples post-resurrection. The preceding passages depict how Jesus reinstated Peter and shared important instructions with His followers. The conclusion captures a sense of awe that despite everything we can read, there’s so much more that reveals the character and nature of Christ.
As we reflect on the preceding events, we can see how crucial it was for John to emphasize the magnitude of Jesus’ life and ministry. It can be easy to forget that our understanding of Jesus comes from a collection of accounts, and while significant, they are not all-encompassing. This also speaks to the ongoing nature of how we encounter Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the love of the community.
Furthermore, the importance of oral traditions in sharing stories means that many people carried their encounters with Christ into the generations, building a rich tapestry of faith that we continue even today. Understanding this context deepens our appreciation for the Gospels as a whole and reminds us of the importance of our own stories and experiences.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 21:25
The verse highlights the following key components: the abundance of Jesus’s works, the acknowledgment of untold stories, and the idea that the impact of His life is beyond computation. Each of these aspects reflects a truth about the Christian faith and the reality of our experience. With countless miracles, teachings, and interactions, we can hardly fathom just how much good Jesus brought to our world.
When John mentions that “the world itself could not contain the books,” it encourages us not to limit our understanding or experiences with Christ to what we find written in the scriptures alone. God continues to act in our lives, showing love and mercy daily through interactions with others and through nature itself. This highlights the significance of being aware of God in our everyday experiences, helping us find joy in the little things in life.
We can also learn about the nature of testimony and storytelling in our faith. Just as John shares the account of what he witnessed, we too can share our own stories about how Jesus has made a difference in our lives. Our living testimonies can inspire others and help spread the good news of the Gospel. Each story we tell becomes a new chapter in the ongoing history of faith. We are all part of a narrative that is growing every day.
Lessons to Learn From John 21:25
One key lesson we gather from this verse is about the vastness of Jesus’s legacy. No matter how much we read or learn, we still find ourselves open to discovering more about Him. This teaches us to approach our faith with humility and curiosity, realizing we can always grow in our understanding and relationship with Christ.
Another important lesson is the significance of sharing our stories. Each interaction we have can have a ripple effect, touching the hearts of those around us in ways we might not realize. We are encouraged to share our experiences and testimonies as it can uplift those questioning or searching for truth. Each piece of our story can become part of someone else’s journey toward faith.
Finally, reflecting on John 21:25 teaches us the importance of community in our faith journeys. Just as John was part of a group of disciples, we too are invited to engage with our community. Sharing in fellowship, prayer, and study helps us grow and see how Jesus is at work, and it deepens our faith collectively. Our stories weave together to create a narrative of hope and transformation, leading us closer to Christ.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of John 21:25, we are left with a profound sense of awe. This verse reminds us that while we may only have a glimpse of Jesus’s life and works, we can find endless inspiration in His love and actions. The Gospel teaches us that we are part of a beautiful story, one that continues to unfold in our lives and in the lives of those we touch.
As we continue to reflect on our experiences with Jesus in our lives, let us also be reminded of His presence in our reflections, prayers, and interactions. We can embrace the challenge of continuing to seek Christ in everything around us, knowing that each step we take leads us closer to Him, enriching our faith journey.
We encourage you to explore more about faith, the lessons of Jesus, and how we can apply these teachings to our lives through stories, as seen in John 7:13 and many other scriptures. Let us continue learning and growing together as we draw nearer to the heart of our Savior.