What Was John Thinking?

Bob Jamison
Word Wright International(2006)
ISBN 1932196838
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)

Have you ever wondered what the writer of one of the Gospels was thinking when he authored the book?  Bob Jamison takes a look at the Gospel According to John and speculates on what John was thinking.  What was he thinking about when he talks about the wedding feast at Cana or when he talks about Lazarus?  Could it be symbolism?  What message was he attempting to convey to people in our century?

It is John’s teaching intentions that Mr. Jamison wishes to discuss with the reader.  Just as we today use a figurative language, he feels that John did too.  “The Gospel of John contains insights not found in the other three gospels, particularly in the figures of the text. This book covers the first eleven chapters, pertaining to the miracles, travels and teachings of Jesus prior to His final week on earth.”

Mr. Jamison begins chapter two by introducing us to the identities of Jesus Christ:     Christ is the Lamb of God, The Baptizer, Rabbi, Messiah, and Revealer.  Mr. Jamison shows us that Christ is all this and more. He continues on to tell us what the Good News is:  “Jesus took away all our sin, Jesus qualifies us, Jesus accomplishes the purposes of God, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, Jesus opened a pathway for our ascension, God’s reconciliation plan, and God’s covenant includes our descendants.” 

I was intrigued by Mr. Jamison’s view of the “moneychanger’s - I agree with him.  Many churches leave the impression that if you “attend church, give your money, take the sacrament, do some kind of work”, you’ll go to heaven.  Christianity is so much more than showing up, paying money and doing a good deed.  Christianity is a change inside you.  You can’t buy your way to heaven.

The chapter discussing the harvest was one of my favorites.  So often we think we can fellowship with other Christians, give a little money and we’ve done our part.  But there are many that need to hear the gospel.  “…Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:35).  One of my favorite songs says it best.  “Go into the world. Take His love into the world.  The fields are white, the time is right. Go into the world.  Take His love into the world.”  We cannot sit in our comfy pew or fellowship in our fellowship halls and expect the world to come to Christ.

This book is well written.  It is easy to understand and the content is of great value.  I think the cover is very enticing.  The sun peeking through the clouds and reflecting on the water makes one want to delve into this book.  Mr. Jamison has obviously spent much time meditating and studying the book of John. 

“What Was John Thinking?” has a beautiful message.  While I do not necessarily agree with all the symbolism, I do agree with the points Mr. Jamison makes.  I found myself looking more closely at John.  I asked myself if all these years I missed some of the meaning behind what John wrote.  I have always taken the Bible literally.  This book has caused me to ponder and think a little deeper.  We should all think a little deeper.

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