“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20.30-31
The post Easter message remains as strong as the pre Easter one — Jesus came for the redemption of all human kind. The stories leading up to the passion of Christ obviously are not complete without the resurrection and the life of the disciples after meeting with the risen Lord.
John’s final statement in his Gospel suggest that there is more than we know about Jesus. That he “performed many other signs…which are not recorded in this book.” What signs? What miracles? Who did he help? Who did he heal? Did he raise anyone else from the dead? Did he multiple more fish and loaves?
Yet there’s a reason that we don’t have the other accounts of what Jesus did — they suggest to be much of the same because what we have in the twenty chapters of John, and the other Gospels “are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah.” And, “by believing you may have life in his name.”
The purpose of faith is life today with Jesus and life to come with him in heaven. The purpose of believing is to get us to faith. And faith does not disappoint.
When I was in my undergrad studies at Baylor, and training for my one and only marathon, I had to have faith. Faith that I could run, train, finish the race. I did so in Abilene under a warm Spring day with a strong 20 mph wind! But faith allowed me to finish and to check that off my “bucket list.”
Having faith in Jesus is much more rewarding than finishing a marathon. Following Jesus is what we are meant for — it is what we were created for — to know God and to make him know.
The post resurrection stories of Jesus appearing to up to five hundred people, including his close friends, family and the disciples, and all the stories, parables and miracles of this book, are intended so we might believe. And by believing, have life in his name.
What a great joy to have the privilege to believe. To trust in Jesus. To find hope even in the middle of difficult times. We trust, we love and we live in him.
“O Lord God, you are good. I thank you for your willingness to suffer and die for me. That I might believe! Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me know the truth of your word and the passion in your grace. I praise you Lord. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen