The Annotated John's Witness

John’s Witness of Jesus in Gethsemane

Will you not watch with me but for one hour?

New Testament Gospel writers Matthew, Mark and Luke hint at the important events in Gethsemane, and yet details are completely absent from the Gospel account of the only disciple who was actually there. John's Witness uses fragmentary scriptural evidence to piece together John's unique perspective of Gethsemane in a storytelling novella that takes about one hour to read.

Originally published as John’s Witness—The Gospels’ Missing Pearl, this update tells the same story of John's ruminating while dashing to Jesus's empty tomb, but with extensive additional endnotes that contain the author's personal reflections on the origins of John's Witness, as well as the expanded deeper meaning he finds in its messages.

Why does Jesus beckon me?

Oth’rwise my deeds merit death?

“All sinned, fall short of his glory.”

This applies to all who draw breath?

Our Parents: conduit for sin and death,

the only true God betray’d.

Paid fealty to the murderer,

believed him, “there’s no other way.”

Dear Jesus, save me from Lucifer’s death!

My life is gone awry…

* * *

God loved us so He sent His Son,

whose vict’ry broke hell’s dire bands,

purchased back our souls and then,

beckon’d us with rescuing hands.

But wait, your hands! Pierced… bleeding.

Your eyes, sorrowed yet yearn….

What broken heart have you suffered?

What bitter cup not to spurn?

My dear God what has been done unto thee?

What suff’ring have you borne?

* * *

Who’s behind the tormentor’s mask?

To whom was the ransom made?

Whose ‘justice’ does torture mete out?

What owner demands to be paid?

Such Love, such devotion, my Lord!

Praise God! Behold the marvel!

My grateful trembling hands grasp thine—

committed heart, now disciple.

My Lord, you saved me from Lucifer’s death.

Life no more be fearful.

--IRH, Christmas, 2021