To get a feel for that we are going to look at the first four verses of 1 John 1 and take our cues from there.
What images come to mind when you think of the apostles?
Educated guesses about John
A teen when called by Jesus
After spending time in Jerusalem with the other Apostles helping to lead the early church it is thought he eventually pastored the church(s) in Ephesus, possibly after Jesus’ mother Mary died.
Died in his 90s after some very crazy stuff happened.
A survey of what John heard, saw, and touched.
Mark 1:16-20
Mark 5:35-43
Mark 9:2-13
Matthew 17:14-20
John 3:14-19
John 7:1-10
Luke 9:51-56
Matthew 20:20-28
John 14:1-7
John 19:23-27
John 20:1-10
John 20:19-23
John 20:30-31
John 21:1-14
What John does not highlight
The things that John did while Jesus was on earth.
The things that John did that are recorded in Acts. Healings, leadership, miracles.
1 John 1:1-4
We can spend time with Jesus, around Jesus, and not get it, until we do. Even then, we need reminders.
The importance of Bible reading and study, the importance of prayer and specifically asking for reminders. HS radar.
When was the last time you felt like John seems to be feeling when he wrote these words? Not saying that’s the norm, but it shouldn’t be the rare.
Think back to the last time, and maybe the time before. What was going on around you?
What was going on inside of you despite circumstances good or bad?
When was the last time you were in awe of the gospel?
Either because of the recognition of the love of God or the grossness of your own sin, or both.
The Holy Spirit has a way of bringing things to our attention at just the right moments, so long as they are there to be remembered.
Reread these some or all of these passages before Monday morning.
Share any moments, any connections, and realizations with someone; kids, spouse, co-worker, the church on Faithlife group.
Homework: Where/What are all of the “these things are written” in 1 John?
