KJV: And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
NLT: The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
The following post is from Pastor John Patterson's "Thought of the Day from God's Word," and is used with his permission. The emphasis on certain sentences are mine, because they stood out to me. After reading it, I have found myself dwelling on the questions he poses, especially the last one. I thought you might enjoy pondering it, too.
Have you ever considered why the gospels written? What was the intent of the human author? Why did he include the information he shared?
Many people have gone to school and have learned that each of the gospel writers presented Jesus differently. Matthew presented Jesus as the King. Mark showed Jesus as the Servant of God. Luke portrayed Jesus as the Son of Man, while John revealed Jesus as the Son of God. While all these descriptions and portrayals of Jesus are accurate that does not answer the opening question: why were the gospels written?
In the passage above, John answers that question for his readers. In reality he answers the question posed earlier. Notice verse 31 again. John writes,
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."
John wrote his gospel so that men and women might come to believe (trust, have faith in) Jesus the Messiah, who was none other that the Son of God, and that they might come to have life (eternal, spiritual, true, in essence the life which God always wanted them to have). This was John's purpose in writing his gospel (good news) and it is God's purpose for His Word.
This is also the reason we share Jesus with others.
Not to get another notch on our spiritual belts. Not to get slapped on the back by other people, but simply to see people come to know Jesus as their Savior and for them to gain eternal life.
Those who are God's children are writing a gospel.
They do so by how they live their lives. So the question before each of us today is this, how is your gospel writing coming along? What is the purpose behind your writing? Are you sharing Jesus? Is your desire for them to know God and have eternal life? The answer you give should help you to know how you should proceed in the days ahead!
What does the writing of your life say about Jesus?
