As we’ve taught writing classes and coached individual writers over the years, we’ve often pointed them to sections of the Bible for inspiration. I was reminded of one of my favorite examples over the last two weeks as our Sunday School class is ending our study of the Gospel of John.

At the end of the second to last chapter, John explained his reason for writing the book.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

— John 20:30-31 (English Standard Version)

Then the final chapter ends with these words, “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” — John 21:24-25 (ESV).

There are several reasons these passages can serve as a model for a writer. First, the passage from chapter 20 is a clear focus statement. Good writing needs a focus. A clear statement will guide the writer as he or she decides what information, anecdotes and examples to include, and which to leave out.

Often, articles that seem too long feel that way as the writer didn’t limit the contents to fit the focus. Usually, the writer will include the focus statement in the document, as John did. But even if it isn’t included, a focus is needed for the writer to use.

Second, the passage from chapter 21 lets the reader know that John was present. It established his reliability as a reporter. Typically, we don’t ask our writers to state this as bluntly as John does. Instead, we ask them to include specific details that they could only know by being present.

Third, the chapter 21 passage also explains why his gospel might read differently from others the reader might have encountered. He chose the contents to only fit the focus stated in chapter 20.

As you think of us, please pray for Anne Marie as she prepares and leads our class in a summary of the whole Gospel of John to finish our study. Also, pray for my continued work as a project manager. I guess I did OK with my part on the Discipleship Pathway book, because I’ve been asked to be the main project manager for our book publishing team. Please pray that I’ll learn their current processes and needs and successfully help them in the future.

Blessing, Mark