Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 35; Revelation 21; Malachi 3; John 20
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
The purpose of John’s gospel is that those who read it might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. John plainly tells us that he selected certain things from the life and ministry of Jesus to put down in his gospel because he could not write down all that Jesus did.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.
John wrote to convince. He told the stories of Jesus’ life with the prayer and intent of having people believe the truth about Jesus. John was not merely a reporter; he was a believer as well. John knew that what he penned was inspired by the Holy Spirit and the Word was not his, but God’s. That is the way the Bible works. It produces faith in the one who reads and hears the Word.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John wrote to dead men, wanting to see them live. He says that when you believe, you have life through the name of Jesus. The truth about men is that we are dead because of sin until Jesus makes us alive by faith in him.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
The Word is the means by which God speaks to us about his Son, Jesus Christ. When we hear the Word and believe on Christ, we are made alive by faith. Jesus said:
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
As you read the gospel of John, you have the wonderful privilege of knowing that it was written so that you would believe on Jesus Christ. Many have been like Thomas who said he would not believe unless he saw and touched the risen Jesus. However, Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who do not see and do believe. If you are ever wavering in your faith or wondering what might give you more faith, just get into the Word. It is the Word of God that brings faith. For the one who does not yet believe, it is the Word of God that they need. That is what brings faith. Let’s get the Word into us and out there into the world!
In Christ,
Rody
