John 20:30-31 - Fostering Faith — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 20:30-31. Listen.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

These two verses form the conclusion to John's Gospel, and they provide us with a clear statement of the author's purpose in writing. It's a powerful summation that invites us to consider not just what we've read, but why it was written.

John begins by acknowledging that his account is not exhaustive. Jesus performed many other signs that are not recorded in this book. This reminds us that the Gospels are not meant to be complete biographies of Jesus, but carefully crafted testimonies to his identity and mission.

Then John states his purpose clearly: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God." Everything John has included - the miracles, the teachings, the conversations, the death and resurrection of Jesus - all of it is intended to lead us to faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

But John doesn't stop there. He goes on to explain why this belief matters: "and that by believing you may have life in his name." Faith in Jesus is not just about intellectual assent to certain facts. It's about receiving life - abundant, eternal life - through Jesus.

This passage teaches us several important lessons about the nature of Scripture and faith.

Firstly, it underscores the importance of testimony. John's Gospel serves as a witness to what he and others have personally seen and experienced of Jesus.

The centrality of belief in Jesus is also emphasized. John's primary goal is not merely to provide information, but to foster faith in his readers.

We also learn about the dual nature of Jesus as both Messiah, the promised deliverer of Israel, and Son of God, divine in nature.

The passage highlights the life-giving power of faith in Jesus. Belief is not an end in itself, but a means to receiving life in Jesus' name.

Lastly, it reveals the intentional nature of Scripture. The Bible is not a random collection of stories, but a purposeful testimony designed to lead us to faith and life in Christ.

As we reflect on these verses, let's ask ourselves: Have I responded to John's testimony with belief in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God? Am I experiencing the life that comes through faith in Jesus? How can I share this testimony with others, inviting them to believe and receive life in Jesus' name?

May we approach the Scriptures not just as interesting literature, but as life-giving testimony. May we respond with faith to the Jesus revealed in its pages. And may we experience and share the abundant life that comes through believing in him.

God bless you.