From John 19-21

John’s gospel is about Jesus. Jesus performed many signs written through this book. Through hearing about Jesus and the signs he performed, existing believers will continue to believe Jesus is the Christ and Son of God and be assured of eternal life. What things about Jesus do people have to believe in order to have eternal life?

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

These two verses give the whole purpose book. Its quite interesting to break it down to undestand it better.

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 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. (Jn 20.30-31)

John writes about the signs (miracles) that he has written about in this gospel. He says;

‘These are written’

So here he is referring to the signs and we can include the whole gospel itself.

‘so that you may believe’

The purpose of John writing about the signs in this gospel is so that its readers / listeners may believe. This may mean the existing believers continue to believe or people who have yet to believe come to believe. The gospel itself implies the intended readers already know alot about the story itself, which suggests the former. However Im open to a ‘both-and’ answer to the question.

Believe what you might ask?

‘Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God’

So the purpose of this gospel and the signs John has written about. The core belief John is trying to inspire in its listeners (through the work of the Spirit) is that they may continue to believe Jesus is the promised Christ – messiah – anointed one – King. And further that he is the Son of God. This expression spells out Jesus’ relationship to the Father and his diety. Which are points made multiple times in the gospel.

‘and that by believing you may have life in his name’

by continuing to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God – you may have life in his name. Eternal life with God I expect. Continuing to believe Jesus is the promised Christ, the Son of God will ensure the believer has eternal life.

About Jesus

John’s gospel is about Jesus. Jesus performed many signs written through this book. Through hearing about Jesus and the signs he performed, existing believers will continue to believe Jesus is the Christ and Son of God and be assured of eternal life.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.