Intended Purpose
- Jeff Kent
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
John wrote his gospel with an intended purpose, and he tells us what it is. It is actually two fold. First, he has written of Jesus’ signs so that those reading about them will “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” We are all familiar with signs. Signs give information, identify and point to things or places. So it is with the “signs” performed by Jesus. They are often called “attesting miracles.” The fact that Jesus did these things which set aside the laws of nature and countermanded the normal course of life indicated or pointed to the fact that He had the power or authority over such things.
Now let’s ask some questions. Who has power to instantly turn large jars of water into fine wine? Who can take five loaves and two fish and feed 5000 hungry people until they are full? Who can give sight to a man who was blind from birth? Who can raise a man to life who has been in the tomb for four days? The only reasonable answer is the God who brought all these things into existence and retains such power over His creation.
Through these signs (and more), then, John wants his readers to see that this Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God. Christ is reference to the long awaited Messiah of Jewish promise and prophecy - the Anointed One. Additionally, this Jesus who is called Christ is none other than the Son of God - God in the flesh. Thus His power to perform these marvelous signs.
The second part of John’s purpose is something which has been God’s desire from the very beginning (John 12:50). John wants his readers to have “life.” The life to which he refers is life eternal, life beyond the grave, life with Jesus in glory. It is a gracious gift from God which tells us of His love for all humanity. This life is only available through faith in Jesus and by obeying His word.
John is convinced that what he has written in his gospel is enough to bring a person to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He doesn’t think anything else is necessary. Have you read his gospel? All of it? What do you think? John wants you to have life. So does the Father. So does Jesus. What will you do?
><> Jeff
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