Evidence, that Demands a Conclusion
Gospel of John
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 that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31
This is the pinnacle of the entire book of John. It is the conclusion. Yet, we still have one more chapter. One commentator called it the epilogue. While others debate if it was written later and inserted, I like the word epilogue. Important things wrap up a narrative in the epilogue but let’s look at this conclusion.
I’ve mentioned this conclusion several times in our walk through John. It is the purpose for which John wrote this book. He is presenting all of the evidence for why he decided on this conclusion.
When I was writing my dissertations on the functions of nonprofit boards, I was instructed to present all the evidence from other manuscripts and authors. Then I had to determine exactly what I was researching, execute the research, and write a conclusion. The conclusion is meant to tell you exactly why this work is important to future researchers.
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
Let’s look at the evidence John presented.
Jesus is the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us. Jesus is the Word, who is God and was with God from the beginning. In Jesus there is life and light out of darkness. It is Jesus who makes God known.
John the Baptist was the first eyewitness. Jesus invites some disciples to “come and see.” Meaning, come check me out. Come stay with me and get to know me. This is followed by an invitation to follow him. Nathaneal who walked closely with God and was first to recognize him as the Son of God.
The first sign that John tells us about is when Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana. The witnesses were four or five disciples who have chosen to follow Jesus, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the servants. Jesus tells Mary plainly that “his time had not come.” There is something happening here that leads to a time that is the appointed time. The Jews asks for another sign and Jesus speaks of “destroying the temple, and he will rebuild in three days.” We now know what that means, just as we know what the appointed time means.
The encounter with Nicodemus begins to show the nature of Christ’s kingdom. A new creation, born again, not of water but of blood. This continues with the Samaritan woman. A woman offered living water and the same woman turned into another witness.
A man from Capernaum seeks Jesus about healing his child and leaves knowing Jesus has healed the child. A man born blind from birth is healed on the Sabbath. Jesus teaches truth about God and the Sabbath that infuriates the elite Jews.
Jesus feeds the 5,000 and teaches that he is the bread of life. He draws parallels with the Hebrew book of Exodus and how God fed them in the wilderness. He walks on water and this is another parallel with Exodus when God provided water for the Israelites.
I am the living water. I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world. I am the way the truth and the life. I am the good shepherd. I am the narrow gate. I am the resurrection and the life. I AM.
The child healed at Capernaum. The blind man healed. Five thousand people fed. I woman given living water.
Then there is Mary who anoints his feet with oil. She does it as worship. Jesus receives it as preparation for his coming death.
Jesus’ final teaching just for the disciples and his prayer for the disciples and all believers. His promise to give a new Advocate.
He is arrested. Crucified. Buried.
An empty tomb. A resurrected Lord who appears to many people.
Why is this important? Because it is evidence. Evidence that brings us to a conclusion.
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen St. Thomas Aquinas, 1125-1274