So, we're in John 20:30-31, and it really addresses the question, "Why spend all this time, for us, fifty-two five-minute Bible studies, studying the Gospel of John?" Well, we're going to read the passage where John really does give us his intentionality, his purpose for writing this Gospel.
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.
You could argue that the Gospel of John is the most evangelistic book in all of Scripture. What John wrote, the events he included, the details he pointed out in those events, the editorial comments he makes about those events, were all done to give you a reason to place your life in the hands of Jesus. John reminds us here of his use of the word 'signs' as a replacement for the word 'miracle.' Remember, a sign is not the thing but pointed to the thing. The thing to celebrate in all of the miracles of Jesus that John records is not the miracle, but the grace, power, and glory of the one who is doing the miracle. Remember, too, that these are Gospel miracles. Each is meant to point you to, and to preach to you, about the Gospel of human need and the Gospel of divine power and mercy.
Now, pay attention to what it means for John to say, "This is written so we would believe in Jesus." What does "believe in Jesus mean?" Well, it first means that we believe that Jesus of Nazareth, born from Mary, is in fact, the promised Messiah. It means we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, being fully human and fully divine. It means that we believe that life now and life to come is only found in and through him. Without him, we are dead in our sins, separated from God, and heading toward the horror of eternal condemnation.
To believe means, it's not enough to believe that he was a historical character, a very good man, a wise teacher. You need to understand, John argues for this, if this is all that Jesus is, or that you believe Jesus is, then he is a fake and a liar and not worthy of your trust because he proclaimed himself to be the Son of God, the Messiah, the fulfilling of promises in the Old Testament. But God, who is rich in mercy, patient in grace, tender, loving, and kind, gave us the Gospel of John so that even though there may be doubt inside of us, even though that doubt may be more natural than faith, John gives us reason to put our trust in Jesus and find the life that only he can give.
When I think personally of the gospel of John, I think it stands in Scripture as an argument for, a presentation of, the tender and patient mercies of the Lord. Like he did with Thomas, our Lord steps into our fear and doubt, and in the gospel of John, gives us plenty of convincing signs so that we can put, with confidence, our faith in him. John is God's grace to us so that we would believe, and believing, find life now and life forever!
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
1. How have you seen the gospel of divine power and mercy show itself in your life? Why is true life only found in a relationship with Jesus?
2. In what ways have you experienced the tender and patient mercies of God in your everyday life? Have you taken the time to intentionally look for them? Where might they be right now if you simply took the time to look at them? Take some time to do that, and then praise God for all the ways he has worked and moved in your life.
3. How have you been transformed by the signs of Jesus in the gospel of John and what have you noticed about those signs that you previously did not see? How have the signs magnified Jesus himself in your life?
4. In what ways do you think God might use you to point others to him? Like the signs from the Gospel of John, why won't it be about you, but who you're pointing to? Think of a few people in your life who don't know the Lord and then ask God to make you a flashing arrow that points to him so the people in your life might see him more clearly.
Conversation Prompts to Use with Children
For Younger Children:
• Have you ever doubted that God is real or that Jesus is God? What has helped you to have faith in the middle of your doubt?
• Why do you think we can trust what the Bible says about who Jesus is and what he did to save us?
• Why are the miracles of Jesus not as impressive as Jesus himself?
For Older Children:
• What have been your doubts about God or following Jesus? Why is it so important to take your doubts to God? What has been helpful for you to have faith in the midst of your doubts? Why do you think faith is ultimately a gift from God?
• Why can we trust what the Gospel of John says about who Jesus is? Why is the identity of Jesus relevant to our lives today?
• Why are the miracles of Jesus meant to point us to Jesus himself and not primarily the miracles themselves?
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