My Favorite Verse
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder

Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:25

Many times when people are asked to share their favorite Bible verse, the answers include such verses and passages as John 3:16, Psalm 23, Romans 8:28, John 1:1 or other well-known scriptural passages.  Literally no one has ever chosen the verse I choose when in these discussions.  No one else ever chooses John 21:25.  But I always do.  I am drawn to this verse with magnetic force.  It completely amazes me and takes my mind and imagination on a journey that has no end.  What did John mean by “other things as well”?  I think we can glean some clues by some of the things we know about John. 

·         John was in the “inner circle” of the twelve disciples.  Peter, James, and John had experiences that were exclusive to them that the other twelve did not have.  That means they knew things about Jesus and shared things with Jesus that the others did not.  Simply stated, John was very close to Jesus. 

·         John described himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved,” which is where we get the phrase, John the Beloved.  Again, this notes the deep friendship shared between Jesus and John. 

·         John was allowed to see things while exiled on the island of Patmos that no other person has ever seen, which he recorded in the Book of Revelation. 

I am intrigued by Jesus and am thankful for the gospels that give us just a glimpse of His life on earth.  But, like many, I have more questions than will ever be answered in this lifetime.  What did He look like?  What did His voice sound like?  How did He interact with His family growing up?  What did He learn from Joseph?  How did He know it was time to reveal His glory?  Would I have followed Him then?  Even more difficult is the question, if He came to earth today, would I know Him and follow Him now?

John shared his daily life with Jesus.  He was truly a personal friend who ate with Jesus, journeyed with Jesus, learned at His feet, watched Him die on the cross and then shared time with Him again after the resurrection.  He was in awe of Jesus.  But listen to these words of Jesus spoken to Thomas in John 20: 29, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  That’s you and me!  John goes on, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (emphases added)

Jesus.  Simply amazing.

Going Deeper: 

What is your favorite verse and what is it that makes it your favorite?  Share it with someone today.

Further Reading: 
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Leslie Snyder is a youth and family ministry veteran currently serving in the Kansas City area with her husband and three kids. 

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