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John

John 
Day 
Day 352

John 20:19-31 "THE TASK OF WRITING A GOSPEL"

Day 352 – John 20

THE TASK OF WRITING A GOSPEL

John was coming to the end of writing his Gospel. Like the other synoptic Gospel writers, John tracked the life and ministry of Jesus. Each Gospel writer wrote in his own individual style. Each followed his own chosen theme but all focused on the Person of Jesus, the Son of God!

The following text shows us that he had carefully written his book theologically. As far as John was concerned, the theological theme of “Signs” was the thread that sewed all the chapters together.

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the
presence of His disciples, which are not written
in this book.”
John 20:30

1. Understanding the Gospel of John

How should the Gospel of John be read and understood? Isn’t John’s Gospel just another version of the life of Christ? Yes, John’s Gospel featured the life of Jesus of Nazareth. However, to read the Gospel of John to obtain an understanding of his life would be to shortchange ourselves! We need to understand how John wrote his Gospel. Thankfully, John gives us an idea as to how he wrote his Gospel.

2. A High Christology

John developed and applied a very high Christological approach in the writing of his Gospel! To understand John, one must see how this Disciple saw Jesus!

John noted in his Gospel how the multitudes failed to recognize who Jesus really was. He noted that the learned scribes and Pharisees fared no better! The Disciples appeared to be a little better of, but they still struggled with understanding who Jesus was in His fullness!

3. The Theological theme of “Signs”

John had a special way of writing his Gospel. He chose the theme “Signs” to present Jesus as the unique Son of God. John noted carefully, that Jesus had performed many other signs, and he did not record all of these signs! The point was not how many signs Jesus performed, but the significance of these signs!

TRACING THE THEME OF “SIGNS” IN JOHN’S GOSPEL

Let us take time to trace how John developed the theme of “Signs” in his Gospel. Let us take time to appreciate the theology of signs taught in the Gospel of John. For a start, let us consider three things John observed, as he pondered the sign-miracles of Jesus.

1. Signs as a Manifestation of the Glory of Jesus

The seeing of a miracle must be a truly awe-inspiring sight! The ordinary, average man in the street is unable to perform a miracle at will. However, Jesus performed miracles so easily and naturally, that one must stand amazed! What did the signs of Jesus mean? Surely they must mean something. John declared that the signs Jesus performed manifested who He really was! His “Glory” was manifested!

“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana
of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and
His disciples believed in Him.”
John 2:11

2. Signs as Proof of the Identify of Jesus

The Jews had demanded a special sign from Jesus to prove His identity. He obliged, but spoke cryptically, making a reference to His death and resurrection (John 2:18-19). While this sign of signs waited to be fulfilled, other signs were performed. John noted,

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover,
during the feast, many believed in His Name when
they saw the signs which He did.”
John 2:23

Jesus had performed many other miracles. They were all signs! If a person is able to perform sign after sign effortlessly, surely one must ask about the true identity of the Miracle workers!

Jesus spoke of these signs as “works”. He said,

“But I have a greater witness than John’s (testimony);
for the works which the Father has given Me to finish –
the very works that I do – bear witness of Me, that the
Father has sent Me.”
John 5:36

The “works” or “signs” that Jesus performed bore powerful witness of the identity of Jesus. The Father must have sent Him, and He had set His seal of approval on Him through the working of miracles!

3. Signs compelled genuine inquiry and faith

Nicodemus was one who was impressed by the signs that Jesus performed! He sought Him out late one night and said,

“Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from
God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless
God is with him.”
John 3:2

The multitude of five thousand men, whom Jesus fed with just five loaves and two fish would have agreed with Nicodemus’ statement. Their conclusion, based on the sign-miracle that Jesus had performed put him into the category of at least a “prophet” (John 6:14). But John knew that seeing these signs in themselves did not compel genuine faith (John 2:23-25; 6:14, 66).