The ending of the Gospel of John is very personal. Unlike the other three Gospels which ended with Jesus commissioning his disciples through commandment, John chose to conclude his record of the Lord’s ministry with personal encountering. In each case, the person who encountered the Lord had his or her life changed forever.
Mary Magdalene was sad for losing her dear master, and she was crying outside the tomb. “Woman, why are you crying?” said the angel. “They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put him” (20:13). Her eyes were still blinded by the rational fact, and she needed to be comforted. “Mary” was the call from the Lord, and that’s all it took to open her eyes. “I have seen the Lord!” (20:18) Her exclamation overflew with great joy, and her encountering with the resurrected Lord gave her the much needed comfort. Our Lord indeed and still comforts.
Thomas the doubter still had difficulty believing something he did not see with his own eyes (20:25), for it was too incredible a story for someone who had a record of being cynical (11:16). His faith needed to be established once and for all. So, Jesus made the special appearance to him. “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (20:27). “My Lord and my God!” was his exclamation. His encountering with the resurrected Lord gave him the unshakable faith. Our Lord indeed and still establishes.
Peter needed to overcome his guilt of denying the Lord three times in front of others. “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” was the question Lord asked, not once, not twice, but three times. Not that the Lord needed such confirmation, but it’s Peter who needed to hear himself answering it three times: “you know I love you”. The three-fold command “feed my sheep” showed him that the Lord had forgiven him, and he was giving him the duty to take care of the Lord’s sheep. Our Lord indeed and still forgives.
Three persons, three personal encountering, and three lives, each needed a particular healing by the Lord, were forever changed. The message is clear: anyone who needs comfort, establishment, and forgiveness may come before the Lord who was and still is filled with truth and grace (1:14). Receive him and you will be given the right to become children of God (1:12).
Keep on reading, you have finished the 18th book.
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