This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
How do you talk about yourself? When you go to the store do you say, “We are going to the store,” when it is really only you that is going? Or do you say, “I am going to the store”?
When you come back from the store do you say, “The one who has returned from the store has arrived,” or do you say, “I’m here!”?
The first example is called the “Royal We.” When royalty speaks, a king or queen speaks not just for themselves, but also for the nation they represent. And so they talk funny. “We are not amused,” means the king or queen is not happy with you. It can also mean that the whole country is not amused and may choose to come down on you like a ton of bricks for displeasing the head of state. The Royal We speaks from a position of authority and entitlement.
The second example is similar but different. In the second example, the person speaks in a similar form (third person) but refers to themselves obliquely. It is a way of being humble, of not drawing attention to oneself. It is rare these days and so it draws attention because it is so seldom used.
The writer of the Gospel of John is very humble. He has taken great pains to remove himself from the story while being faithful to speak truthfully. Not only does he not speak in the Royal We, he doesn’t even speak in the first person. His way of speaking is to refer to himself, not by name, but as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” We see this at the Last Supper (John 13:23), the crucifixion (John 19: 26), and twice in this last chapter (verses 7 and 20).
In today’s verse, John combines both the Royal We and the humble third person to affirm that he is telling the truth: “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.”
Application: John shows us an example of extreme humility while being faithful to his testimony.
Food for Thought: How do we apply this kind of humility in our lives today?
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I wear a bracelet that says, “I am second.” The idea is maybe when I see it I will be reminded that everything is not about me. It reminds me that I am to be second in my relationship with God and others. Despite wearing the bracelet I still often fail. But it is a reminder of the right attitude (Philippians 2: 3-8).
What can I say? I “second” that idea!! 🙂
I “third” the “second” idea!
🙂