And again another passage says: "They will look upon him whom they have pierced." (John 19:35-37)
John stresses the truth of what he had just said about the blood and water flowing from the side of Jesus, pointing out that there was an eyewitness. (This eyewitness would appear to be the beloved disciple who just a few verses earlier was at the foot of the cross with the mother of Jesus.)
John emphasizes the truth of this "so that you also may come to believe."
It's not often that a Gospel writer addresses you directly" "that you also may come to believe."
John is speaking to you. He wants you to share his own faith in who Jesus is, and the gifts that Jesus offers you.
The teachings of the Gospel are not simply data provided for your information. They are grace-filled words intended to feed your faith.
Think about all that John has been telling you about Jesus in the passages you've been reading these past six weeks. Is it data? Or is it food for your faith - God reaching out to you?
Let your faith be fed.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw