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Gospel of John, an Overview |
Christ: The Heart of Christianity |
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The Purpose of the Gospel of John
A. The Purpose of the Gospel of John |
The apostle John summarized his purpose very clearly at the end of the Gospel of John.
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Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:30-31)
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Let us take a closer look at these two verses below. We notice two important emphases: the purpose of the select number of signs as well as the goal for using them. He wanted them to know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and to believe in Him.
1• Not quantity
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Selected signs (miracles): purposeful |
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2• Not belief
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John believed in action. 60 times the verb ‘to believe’ is used in John; the noun forms for belief or faith are noticeably absent. |
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John had two purposes for writing the Gospel of John.
1) Revelation of Christ's true nature.
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
2) Regularly experience a changed life.
that believing you may have life in His name
John relentlessly avoids the noun form of faith and so denies the sterile concept of belief as is often found in our churches. This still 'belief' produces a dull or dead Christianity. John is absolutely discontent with the common garbs of Christianity: traditionalism, ritualism, ‘easy believism’, revivalism, sensationalism or creedal faith which speak of Christ but don't result in disciples that are like Christ. Perhaps he was reflecting on his own experience first of a shallow belief and then later a deeper faith.
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A. The Purpose of the Gospel of John
• What would you say to a person who says that he has faith in Christ but his life is unchanged?
• What would you say to a person who says that it doesn't matter what one believes just so he is sincere?
• Read John 2:23-25 and note Jesus’ response to those who believed in Him.
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, beholding His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man for He Himself knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25, NASB).
If Christ doesn't impact our lives, then He is not known to our lives!
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Other Gospel of John articles:
Introduction to Gospel of John: Purpose, Power (7 signs, miracles), Penetration (I Am), Plan (Outlines)John 1:1-13 The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ *Bible Study Questions
John 2:1-11 The Great Transformation: Biblical Perspective on Drinking and Drugs *Bible Study Questions
John 2:12-25 Opening Up Our Lives: Intimacy with God * Bible Study Questions
John 5:18-23 Affirming Christ's Deity
John 5:19-20 Christian Living by Understanding Christ's Mind * Bible Study Questions
John 7:37-39 Rivers of Living Waters * Bible Study Questions
John 8:32 Finding Life in God's Word
John 10:30 I and Father are One
John 12:20-36 The Investment of Your Life * Bible Study Questions
John 14:6 Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life
John 15:1-2 A Word on Christian Suffering
John 15:1-17 Abiding in Him * Bible Study Questions
John 15:15-16 Genuine Friendship
John 19:17-30 Bible Study Questions
Biblical Foundations for Freedom
Rev. Paul J. Bucknell
NASB used throughout series