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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
The Bible Teaching Commentary
Paul J. Bucknell
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Purpose
The Gospel of John's Purpose is the first article introducing the Gospel of John by discussing John's own statement about his purpose of writing in John 20:30-31. Other articles include the power, the penetration and the plan of the Gospel of John. Thought provoking questions are included.
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) |
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 but quality
Selected signs (note the ‘these have been written’). The word ‘many others’ shows that John was quite purposeful in the signs he selected.
2• Not belief but believing
John believed in action. Sixty times the verb ‘to believe’ is used in John. The noun forms for belief or faith are noticeably absent. (My translation below).
John had two purposes for writing the Gospel of John (seen in John 20:30-31).
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 John was reflecting on his own experience first of a shallow belief and then later a deeper faith.
• 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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