Considering the magisterial theology with which John begins his Gospel, the final words of his epilogue can seem a bit underwhelming by comparison. In fact, if we’re not attentive, the closing section can seem like a bit like tidying up loose ends. But in fact, there is so much more going on as John brings his extraordinary account to a close.

John completes his Gospel with a final exchange between Jesus and Peter with mention of John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” who now reveals himself as the author. The focus throughout these closing words is on the disciple’s call to follow Jesus to the very end. The follower of Jesus is regularly tempted to turn away and look elsewhere. All too often we look to others. “Why has their life gone better than mine? Why have I experienced more calamity than my friends?” But Jesus will have us keep our eyes on him rather than envy the stories of other disciples.

John concludes by assuring his readers of the truthfulness of his eyewitness testimony, a theme which has appeared many times in his Gospel. But his final words are reserved for the One who has occupied his devotion since first becoming a disciple. Jesus, we are told did many things that John did not record. Indeed, were an attempt made to record all that Jesus did and said there may not be sufficient paper in the world to record it all. However glorious and powerful, holy and good, gracious and just Jesus is revealed to be in John’s Gospel, rest assured, he is even more.