D'Arcy McNickle, in his novel...
Illustration
D'Arcy McNickle, in his novel, The Surrounded, described a person for whom
silence was agony. We've all been cornered by people who end their sentences with "and"
in order to continue talking, although they don't always know what they'll say next.
Other people continue to speak because they have something important to say. John ended his gospel in chapter 20; now he includes information that simply must be stated. Even though he'll never get everything important recorded, John is compelled to include Jesus' last earthly meeting with his disciples. Through John's second ending with his three questions to Peter, Jesus grants him (and us) a second chance, confirms him (and us) as his servant, and prepares him (and us) to serve Jesus no matter what.
Other people continue to speak because they have something important to say. John ended his gospel in chapter 20; now he includes information that simply must be stated. Even though he'll never get everything important recorded, John is compelled to include Jesus' last earthly meeting with his disciples. Through John's second ending with his three questions to Peter, Jesus grants him (and us) a second chance, confirms him (and us) as his servant, and prepares him (and us) to serve Jesus no matter what.
