Ever sit in on a looooooong presentation or lecture and find yourself saying, “What’s the point here anyway?” It might have some very interesting anecdotes, stories, principles and instruction, but nothing the presenter has said clearly ties it all together and gives it a purpose. (Hint: I’ve set in on a few classes like that… and even some sermons with that flaw.)
The Gospel of John in the Bible might be criticized for that (lots of awesome miracle stories called “signs,” great teaching a the person called Jesus, plenty of dialog with religious leaders and “disciples” … but “bottom line” – what’s the point?
Now I’ve personally never felt John’s gospel was pointless! In fact all along the way the point – the purpose – grows on you! This Jesus – all He did and taught – is powerful and magnetic! It draws you in – you want to know more! You’d like to have met (and followed) Jesus personally! And you’ve got some questions you’d like to get answered! Furthermore there’s a challenging word that keeps popping up all along the way… “believe!”
Hey, John is NOT going to leave you in doubt about his purpose… He has an agenda for it all! I read about it this morning in John 20:30-31! Here it is “up front” and clearly stated…
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book! BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BY BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME!”
There it is… and I’ve got to tell you every time I read the Gospel of John there is something about all that it contains that powerfully draws me in! I find all that Jesus did and taught incredibly powerful – I find myself believing on Him (especially in light of the record of His suffering and death on my behalf and His resurrection from the dead!) Hey, here’s one voice that testifies that the declared purpose of the book is true from personal experience! Believe me, it’s worth a read (in fact several reads)!
Coffee With The Lord 