Friday 26 June 2026

Psalm 62:1-5

Background
Today’s reading brings to an end John’s introduction to Jesus’ ministry. We have met Jesus calling his disciples, revealing God’s abundant generosity through changing water to wine, challenging existing practices of faith, reflecting theologically on his mission and identity in the company of a senior Jewish leader, and taking time to breathe with his disciples. Now John concludes this section with a theological reflection in his own voice, recapitulating the prologue with which he introduced his gospel.

Jesus, with God in the beginning (John 1:1), is the one from above, sent by God to bear witness to the truths of heaven, which he has seen and heard. He is the Word of God and his words give shape to the reality of heaven. In him, heaven is opened and the angels of God become visible as they ascend and descend (John 1:51).

Yet God’s emissary is not believed – the one through whom heaven and earth were made is not welcomed (John 1:11), and the testimony he brings is not accepted. As a witness, Jesus is reliable many times over. He has seen and heard at first hand what he shares (cf 1 John 1:1). He speaks God’s truth. He is the Word of God, and his words are validated by the limitless gift of the Holy Spirit, which flows through them (John 6:63).

John announces that his purpose in writing his gospel is to tell the stories of Jesus so that through them its readers may find life in his name (John 20:31), life which is held in the power of the Holy Spirit. He presents a choice: belief leads to life in God, disobedience leads to God’s anger, which cuts off access to life. The choices of individuals and societies shape the possibilities for our engagement with God, and John expresses Jesus’ invitation to choose the abundant life of the Spirit as children of God (John 1:12).

To Ponder:

• In the age of AI, it becomes harder to trust even what we see and hear. How can we find convincing ways to affirm belief in Jesus, even though we have not seen or heard him?
• John describes the link between the Word and the Spirit. Maybe you learn best through words or maybe your learning style is different. How and where do you most often encounter the Spirit?
• What pictures or words do you find helpful in thinking about heaven?

Prayer
God of abundant life, you come to us in the Word made flesh and the Spirit of truth. Help us to turn to you in faith and obedience, that we may find the eternal life which is your promise to all who believe in you. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens is the Superintendent of the West Hertfordshire & Borders Methodist Circuit and Deputy Chair of the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Methodist District.