John 20:30-31 – The Purpose of the Gospel according to John
SummaryThe author of John's Gospel states that the book was written so that people might come to believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of God.
AnalysisThe author of John's Gospel is clear about the purpose of the book. It was written that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they might have life in his name. Each part of the statement is important. First, it focuses on Jesus, the human being who lived and worked at specific times and places. Second, it identifies Jesus as the Messiah, who is the fulfillment of God's promises. Third, it refers to Jesus as the divine Son of God, the one in whom God is present and active. All three dimensions are essential aspects of Jesus' identity. The intended effect of the Gospel's witness to Jesus is that people might believe and thereby receive life. Life in its fullest sense means life in relationship with God. People are truly alive when they are related through faith to the God who made them. Life also has a future, since after death there is the hope of resurrection.