I love a good ending. In reviewing the accounts of the Gospel writers, the endings recorded are all powerful and unique. Yet it is John’s ending that is my favorite. John penned “There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books (John 21:25, MSG).”
Through these two brief sentences, John gave voice to the uncontainable nature of God. His expansive language attempted to capture the largeness of God incarnate. This reminds me of the expansive language that Paul used when he wrote that we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19).
Recently Carrie and I had a flat tire and were encouraged by the random act of kindness of a stranger. He informed us of our flat, then asked if he could help. I did not request his help, but he followed me into the parking lot anyway. With compassion and consideration, he took the lead in locating the spare and the compressor I didn’t know I had and helped us get on our way. As I drove away, I was moved by the power of a simple act of kindness.
I wonder if John was considering things such as these when he penned his ending?
There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.
John 21:25, MSG
It is the little things that add up and make a tremendous difference. It is the small acts of kindness that reveal one’s character. There were many who witnessed the miraculous signs and wonders that Jesus performed, and I am sure the Gospel writers documented most of them. But the twelve disciples and the others who stayed close to Jesus saw it all. They saw every smile, they heard each kind word, and witnessed every act of generosity, every touch, every hug and every kiss. They heard so many prayers and witnessed so many tears.
Many saw the miracles and wonders and walked away. But those who saw it all couldn’t. They were overwhelmed with the kindness and compassion, the graciousness and purity, the righteousness and justice, let alone the words that burned their hearts and the wonders that staggered their minds.
As I drove away from the encounter with kindness, I pondered my own life and hoped the small acts of my life bear witness to the God I serve.