Weaving the Kingdom Tapestry
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Discovering that the key to unity in the church is found in individual disciples obediently following Jesus.
Text: John 21:24
Date: 10/25/2020, the Combined service.
Series: "John: Encountering Love" Part 199
Description:
One of the last thoughts John expresses in his Gospel is that he was an eye witness to the ministry, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and therefore his written testimony is true. In doing so, John in a sense answers Peter's earlier question ("What about this man?") by revealing his own calling. After comparing the vastly different personalities and gifts of these two Apostles, and their powerful ministry together; we will discuss how Jesus weaves people together from all walks of life into one marvelous tapestry that is His church. We will discuss how this is possible in a world with so many cultures, races, ethnicities and people-groups. Ultimately we will find the answer in the centrality of each individual obediently following Jesus-- as the Great Weaver day by day weaves together the multi-colored, but beautifully harmonious tapestry of the Kingdom.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, John 21:24.
A. Context, John 21:21.
B. John, the witness of Christ.
1. John's self-identification, vs. 24a.
a. A disciple with a special relationship with Jesus.
i. The disciple Jesus loved, John 21:20, 19:25-27.
ii. Seated in the place of honor, John 21:20.
b. Two disciples with a close relationship to Jesus, Luke 8:51, Mark 9:2, 14:33.
c. Two disciples especially paired in John's Gospel.
i. At the Last Supper.
ii. In the courtyard of Caiaphas, Mark 14:50, John 18:15.
iii. At the Empty Tomb.
• Revisiting the trip to the Tomb, John 20:1-9.
• Processing the information.
• Coming to belief.
iv. On the fishing expedition, John 21:4, 21:7.
v. The ministry after Pentecost, Acts. 3:1.
2. Further identification, vs. 24b.
a. The one who bears witness.
b. The one who has written it down, John 20:31.
c. Insight into John's calling, John 21:21.
3. A truthful witness, vs. 24c.
a. An eyewitness to the King, John 19:35.
b. A question of authorship.
C. Interpretation
1. Recognizing the paradox.
a. The call to love and care for each other, Gen. 4:9, Matt. 22:39, John 15:4-5,12, 17:11.
b. The reason for Jesus' rebuke.
c. An exclusive Kingdom principle.
d. Weaving the tapestry of the Kingdom.
III. Application
A. The church as the tapestry of Christ's Kingdom.
1. A "complementary" relationship.
2. A perfect melding of individuals into a body, 1Pet. 2:5.
B. The harsh reality and danger to the tapestry.
IV. Conclusion
