In the same way that you pray for your family or your community, John prayed for his people too.  He was authentic, endearing and fervent in his plea for the church to not forget who Jesus was.  As the last disciple to walk on earth, John had the image and personhood of Christ seared into his memory.  This isn’t a story that’s been passed down to him over years, this is his account and desire to see the Christians of that day not be swayed by the Gnostic collective.  The Gnostics basically thought they knew everything about everything.  Ever met someone like that?  Super enjoyable, right?  Well, they fired John up.  He was not going to let them bully his Christian community into thinking that they didn’t know Jesus.

 

And thus 1, 2 and 3 John were born.  The letters are honest and forthright.  Simple yet complex.  Wide ranging in topic and theologically rich yet palatable.  In my mind, The Trio (1, 2 and 3 John) are a sort of friend that I think you’ll just love so I can’t wait to introduce you to him at a party.  I’ve always fancied myself as a friend matchmaker of sorts!