I sometimes imagine
that I am a guest on a biblical version of Desert Island Discs in which I am
asked to choose my favourite books of the Bible. This would take quite a while
as I have the gift of indecisiveness. However, when asked “if you could only
take just one book of the Bible to the desert island, which would it be?” then
I would have no hesitation in choosing John’s gospel. John may be recounting a
narrative, but at the same time he is sending a message. Every detail seems to
be included not only because it took place but because it has something to
teach us.
Take, for example, the
intriguing incident with the Greeks in verses 20-22. What is it all about? Why
is John bothering us with what seems a superfluous detail slipped into the
torrent of history hurtling towards the climax of the crucifixion? I once
attended a Bible study that suggested an answer. At this point in the gospel,
Jesus’ ministry had been restricted in two ways: people-wise to the Jews and
place-wise to a small corner of the Roman Empire .
But that’s all about to change – and paradoxically it will be His death on the
cross (and the subsequent events of Pentecost) that will make it possible. At
this pivotal moment a bunch of Greeks turn up, keen to see Jesus. This is
recorded by John not merely because it happened, but also because it signals
that the rest of the world (whether defined by geography or religious
background) is ready to hear the gospel. And who will tell them? They may want
to see Jesus but the Greeks go first to Philip – and it will be Philip and
Andrew who will show them the way. So here is a second signal: not only is the
world ready to learn about Jesus, but it will be ‘ordinary’ disciples – people
like you and I – who the people of the world will turn to when they want to
know more.
(member of the congregation)