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Understanding Jesus: From Misconceptions to Clarity

Understanding Jesus: From Misconceptions to Clarity

Last updated on: August 19, 2024 at 11:52 am by Rick Rice

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Understanding Jesus: From Misconceptions to Clarity 2024-08-19T11:52:38-04:00 Rick Rice

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John’s Gospel uses misunderstanding as a teaching tool. So how can we better understand Jesus? By knowing Scripture, and by listening to the Spirit of truth!

Scripture:

Jeremiah, chapters 45-47; Psalm 104; John, chapter 21

John 21:20-25 (CEB):

Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the one who had leaned against Jesus at the meal and asked him, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” When Peter saw this disciple, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you? You must follow me.” Therefore, the word spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple wouldn’t die. However, Jesus didn’t say that he wouldn’t die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you?” This is the disciple who testifies concerning these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If all of them were recorded, I imagine the world itself wouldn’t have enough room for the scrolls that would be written.

Observations: Understanding Jesus

One of the stylistic marks of John’s Gospel is his use of misunderstanding. Jesus says something; his hearers misunderstand. John uses these misunderstandings to help his readers recognize the spiritual truths that Jesus taught:

Nicodemus and being “born again” (John 3:1-21)
The woman at the well and “living water” well (John 4:1-26)
The multitude and “eating his flesh” (John 6:26-66)
Dying as being “glorified” (John 12:20-36)

Today’s passage offers another tale of misunderstanding, but on a different level. Jesus has predicted Peter’s ultimate crucifixion (21:18-19). Peter turns around and sees “the beloved disciple” behind them, and says, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answers, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you? You must follow me.”

There’s no indication that Peter misunderstood what Jesus had said, but John tells us that other people did. Therefore, the word spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple wouldn’t die. It’s not hard to see how that might have happened. After all, this was the “beloved disciple”; Jesus would certainly want to protect him. Also, tradition suggests that John was very old by the time he wrote the Gospel. Peter (and other disciples) had already died as martyrs; the fact that John was still alive could lead people to add two and two and get five.

From Misconceptions to Clarity

But John uses this opportunity as a “teaching moment.” Jesus didn’t say he wouldn’t die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you?” Evidently, the word had spread among the brothers enough that people were starting to believe it.

Well, what’s the danger in that? Simple: misconceptions lead to unrealistic expectations. When those expectations are not met, disappointment and disillusion set in. Consider the attitude of the two disciples whom Jesus met on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). They were “downcast” on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, because they had misunderstood Jesus’ teaching about his kingdom. “We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).

First, the misconception about Jesus’ words to Peter could lead people to expect that Jesus would return before John died. That, in turn, could lead to unhealthy speculation about Jesus’ return, which Jesus himself warned us to avoid. Second, an expectation that John would live until Jesus return could set people up for disappointment when John eventually “went the way of all flesh.” As early as Paul’s day, there were those who claimed that Jesus had already returned; that created a fear that people had “missed it.” (For example, see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12.) Scripture tells us that Jesus will return someday, but it also cautions us not to fixate on when that will happen. Rather, the message is clear: be ready!

Application: Understanding Jesus: From Misconceptions to Clarity

Well, if people could misunderstand Jesus when he was with them in the flesh, we certainly can misunderstand him today. We are just as prone as they were to hear what we want to hear from Scripture. Paul warned Timothy that in the last days, people would flock to “teachers who say what they want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). With the internet, that’s become easier than Paul could have dreamed!

So how do we move from misconceptions to clarity? First, we need to immerse ourselves in Scripture. In that way we are able to “test the spirits” to determine whether what we’re hearing is consistent with God’s Word. Second, we need to intentionally spend time with God to recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of truth” who will lead us into the truth (John 16:13; also see “Jesus’ Promise to Us: ‘The Spirit Will Be with You’”). Third, we need to ask how our understanding would promote our spiritual growth in Christlikeness. God’s purpose is to make us more like Jesus; Jesus’ teachings will always take us in that direction!

Prayer:

Father, thank you for reminding us that your desire is that we become more like Jesus. When we misunderstand your Word, may Your Spirit correct us. When we’re confused, help us to hear the Spirit guiding us in the truth. Help us not to hear what we want to hear, but to hear the truth. And when we hear and understand, help us to obey. Amen.

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