One of the reasons to read the paper and check other media is to get the news: we’re interested in knowing what’s happened in town, in the country, in the world. Sometimes they’re good stories, more often reports of bad or sad things. Occasionally it’s hugely significant news, reporting on events that truly ‘write history’. In all cases, we want to read news that is accurate, reliable. If we’d want fiction or satire, we’d go to different sources. This is why journalists and editors seek to check the sources, get eye-witness reports, get input from e.g. the police or other relevant parties.

Did you know that the same is true for the Bible? It records historical events, stories, things that happened to real people in real space and time. Even when it tells us about the supernatural – indeed, even when it claims to come from God himself – still there is a great emphasis on the reliability of what’s written down.

Famous last words and final goodbyes can be precious and painful. A former fisherman from Galilee witnessed a long ‘last words’. Along with a small crowd, John had witnessed a remarkable life and power. He had heard captivating teaching and seen a person of total integrity. No one had ever discovered any faults. By now, John and the others had become convinced that their dear leader was God’s Son and a human being! Here amongst them was the fulfilment of the prophecies: Immanuel, God with us! You can imagine, how hope for their futures were all tied up with this incredible person. However, Jesus is now saying His lengthy ‘goodbye’, preparing them for his death and their life after he has gone.