Messianic Moments Devotional Series—3 John

In 3 John, the apostle John offers a brief but powerful message about walking in truth and love, principles that are foundational to our understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. Through the example of Gaius, whom John commends for his faithfulness and hospitality, we see the reflection of Jesus’ life and mission—selflessly serving others and walking in truth. John also warns against the actions of Diotrephes, who refuses to acknowledge the authority of Christ and His appointed leaders, demonstrating how rejecting the truth about Jesus and His Church leads to disobedience. As we read this letter, we are reminded that to follow Jesus, the Messiah, is to live out the truth of His gospel with integrity, love, and a heart that seeks to bless others. In many ways, 3 John reflects the heart of Jesus’ ministry, showing us that the way we treat others, particularly fellow believers, directly reflects our understanding of who Jesus is and the love He has poured out for us. This letter calls us to embody the grace and truth of Jesus as we live out our lives, pointing others to the Saviour who has shown us the way, the truth, and the life.

• Prophecy/Connection: John rejoices that Gaius is walking in the truth, which is understood as walking in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This reinforces the idea that Jesus, as the Messiah, is the Truth, fulfilling the prophecy of the one who would bring ultimate truth and salvation to Israel and the world.
• Connection to Old Testament Prophecies: The idea of the Messiah as the “Truth” can be connected to Isaiah 42:6, where God promises to send the servant of the Lord, who will be a covenant to the people and a light to the nations. In the Gospel of John (14:6), Jesus Himself claims to be “the way, the truth, and the life,” directly connecting Himself to the prophetic fulfillment of the servant of the Lord in Isaiah.
• Cultural/Historical Insight: In the early Church, walking in the truth meant living according to the teachings of Jesus, which were grounded in the Messianic prophecies. For early Christians, the “truth” was not just a set of doctrines but a living relationship with Jesus, the Messiah, who embodied all the promises of the Old Testament.
• Jewish Commentary: In Jewish thought, truth (Emet) is an important concept associated with God’s nature. The Messiah, as the ultimate messenger of God’s will, was expected to bring truth to the people of Israel. Early Christians saw Jesus as the fulfillment of this role, bringing God’s truth not only to Israel but to all nations.
• Early Church History: Church Fathers such as Augustine and Irenaeus emphasized the importance of truth as central to the Christian faith. Jesus, as the embodiment of truth, was seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and this truth was foundational to the early Christian mission.

• Prophecy/Connection: John praises Gaius for supporting the brothers and sisters who are spreading the Gospel. This support of those who proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is seen as participation in the Messianic mission. It connects to the broader understanding of the Messiah’s mission to bring salvation to all and to commission His followers to spread the good news.
• Connection to Old Testament Prophecies: The support of missionaries and the spread of the Gospel relates to the Messianic prophecy of the Messiah bringing salvation to the nations. Isaiah 49:6 speaks of the servant of the Lord being a “light to the Gentiles,” and this mission to the Gentiles is central to the work of the Messiah. Early Christians believed that Jesus commissioned His followers to continue this mission of spreading salvation to the nations.
• Cultural/Historical Insight: In the first century, the spreading of the Gospel often involved traveling missionaries who needed financial and practical support from local communities. The early Church recognized this as a continuation of the mission of Jesus, who sent His disciples to proclaim the good news.
• Jewish Commentary: Jewish tradition emphasized the importance of hospitality and support for those who are carrying out God’s work, including the prophets. Early Christians interpreted this in light of Jesus’ teachings about loving and supporting His followers, who were now spreading the Gospel message.
• Early Church History: The early Church was built on the efforts of missionary activity, and figures like Paul, Barnabas, and others relied heavily on the support of local Christian communities. The writings of the Church Fathers often encouraged believers to support the work of evangelism and missionary efforts, recognizing this as a direct continuation of the work Jesus began.

The message of 3 John calls us to live out our faith in practical ways that reflect the heart of Jesus—by walking in truth and love, serving others, and supporting the mission of spreading the gospel. Through the example of Gaius, we see that living the truth is not just about knowledge but about action—how we treat others, especially fellow believers, shows the depth of our understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. His life exemplifies hospitality, selflessness, and a commitment to supporting the gospel work, just as Jesus did when He commissioned His followers to carry His message to the world. As we reflect on this letter, we should be grateful for the privilege of continuing Jesus’ mission today—whether by supporting those who go or living out the truth in our own lives. 3 John teaches us that following Jesus is a dynamic and active expression of His love and truth, one that transforms not just our hearts but the world around us.