Life. It’s defined by many people in many ways. Is it merely when cells are reproducing and a heart is beating? Every one of us has a deafening hunch that there’s more to the depth and dance of life than mere physical and scientific definitions. But where do we turn for a greater, fuller, more accurate and credible understanding?

Two thousand years ago, a Galilean fisherman named Zebedee had two sons, James and his brother John. They were adventurous, opinionated, and lived life in large fashion – in fact, they were given the nickname, “Sons of Thunder” for their boldness. One day, while they were working with their father repairing their fishing nets, a Rabbi named Jesus came to the lakeshore and called the two brothers to be disciples of His. At the time, little did they know the dimensions and implications of the call or the true identity of the One who was calling them. But follow Him they did and their definition and experience of life was forever changed as a result.

During those years of following Christ, absorbing His teaching, watching Him live, seeing Him die on the cross, witnessing His resurrection from the dead and ascension to the Father, receiving His Spirit and serving His kingdom purposes, John was impacted at the core of his life story, including both his journey on this planet as well as his eternity.

As a result, John was moved to put pen to parchment. Under the Spirit’s guidance, he painted a beautiful portrait of Life as it’s meant to be lived and the Path that leads to it. His gospel naturally divides into two parts. In the first twelve chapters, he provides a record of Christ’s powerful words and ministry which beckon us to the Life only He can give.

The second half of John’s gospel (chapters 12-21) is about the infinitely difficult Path which Christ took to secure for us the Life He had been describing through His teaching and demonstrating through His life. That Path has been known throughout history as Christ’s Passion – His final week of suffering and death which culminated with His resurrection. In describing Christ’s final days, John also enlightens us regarding the Path which should bear our footprints if we are going receive and enjoy the Life Christ promises.

Through John’s first-hand observation and experience of Jesus Christ … through his relationship with Him … through His inspired words, we meet Jesus, the Author of Life and the Redeemer of our lives. He beckons us with an invitation. With a call. With a summons: “Trust Me and you’ll taste Life as it is meant to be lived.” And as we trust Him, we discover that receiving the Life He promises is impossible without following Him on a Path that is anything but easy.

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