Warning Shot

Originally posted on June 23, 2007 – by Andre Piet

This coming Sunday, I hope to give a study at the NH Hotel in Zoetermeer on the miraculous feeding, as we read about it in John 6. Lately, I find it increasingly intriguing that John recorded his gospel at a late stage and, like Peter at the end of his life, apparently came to the understanding that “the Day of the Lord” would not be commencing any time soon.

Peter writes in his second letter (chapter three) to Jewish readers that the Lord is not delaying the promise, but is patient and waiting until all, that is, the whole (remnant of) Israel, will come to repentance. Whereas Peter had initially expected the return of the Messiah in his own days, it had by then become clear to him that this would take much longer. He speaks twice of “one day” and twice of “a thousand years”… In doing so, he indirectly refers to the prophecy of Hosea (6), where we cryptically read that Israel will be restored “after two days,” on which occasion the Lord will then come to them.
Peter adds that if his readers want to know more about “the patience of the Lord” (= the delay of the Day of the Lord), they should consult “our beloved brother Paul,” who writes about these matters in all his letters.

Back to the gospel of John. Everything in this book betrays that John too came to this understanding. And with this insight in mind, he looks back on the life of Jesus and writes his book. The seven signs he records, with numerous specific details, are full of double layers. It already starts with the first sign (the wedding in Cana), which takes place “on the third day.” The second sign also occurs in Cana, and that after a “two-day” stay in Samaria (where He is recognized as the Savior of the world). And so it continues. All the signs described, and so many peculiar details, again and again refer—though in a hidden way—to the Kingdom that would be revealed after an interruption.

This coming Sunday, I hope to clarify all this using the account of the five loaves and the two fishes. This story too speaks of the ‘break’ (= the present time) and of the abundance related to Israel’s future restoration.
Curious? You are very welcome!

(Blogpost originally posted in 2007)

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