Why Believe? Themes from the Gospel of John’s Final Chapters
John 20:30-31 captures the themes of John’s Gospel. The final episode in this series explores John’s purpose and major themes, tying them to Passion Week and the book’s closing chapters.
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
Jesus’ did many other signs
- Jesus performs many signs—like turning water into wine, healing the blind, and raising Lazarus—to show God backs his message.
- The resurrection stands out as the greatest sign, fulfilling Jesus’ words in John 2:19: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
- These miracles signal God’s loud call: “Pay attention. This is my son. Not even death can hold him.”
in the presence of the disciples
- Disciples see these signs firsthand.
- Jesus gives them the authority to teach others and continue his ministry.
- John records details, like the folded face cloth in John 20:1-9, to confirm he witnessed these events himself.
- Jesus commissions the apostles in John 20:19-23 (“As the Father has sent me, even I am sending you”) and instructs Peter to “feed my sheep” in John 21:15-19, meaning shepherd his followers.
which are not written in this book; but these these are written
- The importance of testimony threads through the Gospel, starting with John the Baptist in John 1:6-8 and continuing with figures like the woman at the well in John 4.
- John insists his testimony holds true, urging readers to rely on his eyewitness words.
- Thomas doubts until he sees Jesus, acknowledging the difficult of believing based on another’s testimony.
so that you may believe
- The point of testimony is that we believe.
- John uses some form of the word “believe” 85 times.
- Belief is a matter of the will. We believe what we want to believe.
- We need the Spirit of God to break through our unbelief.
- Our destiny hinges on trusting Jesus.
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
- Jesus fulfills the role of the Christ—prophet, priest, and king.
- As prophet, he brings the light of truth to a dark world.
- As priest, he offers in life in our place.
- As king, he is the Messiah, who will rule over God’s eternal kingdom forever.
- His death and resurrection prove he’s the Messiah, securing forgiveness and eternal life for us.
and that by believing you may have life in his name
- Believing in Jesus brings life: forgiveness for guilt, freedom from sin, and victory over death.
- John writes to persuade his readers to trust this man executed 2,000 years ago for salvation today.
- This choice to believe stays relevant every day, not just at faith’s start, amid life’s pressures and doubts
Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.
Previous: 23 The Upper Room Discourse: Jesus’ Final Teaching (John 13-17)
Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find Life
Study: Gospel of John Bible Study Resources
Podcast season 25, episode 24
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