We see John tell us today why we have his Gospel and really all the rest of the Bible. It was given so that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that we may have life through believing in Him. John, and all the Bible, was given to us not merely for information but for transformation. It was not given so that we could know more; it was given so that we could be transformed by the grace and goodness of Jesus!

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history.

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Good morning! It’s great to be with you on this Tuesday. We’re nearing the end of John, with just two days left after today. As we approach the end of the year, I’m considering what to focus on next. Perhaps we’ll explore some Psalms or seasonal reflections as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year. For now, let’s dive into today’s passage.

These two verses are simple yet profound. First, John acknowledges that Jesus did far more than is recorded in this gospel. The Bible isn’t meant to be a complete history or account of every detail—it has a specific purpose, which is clarified in verse 31: “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.”

This verse captures the essence of the Bible’s purpose: it’s not just for information but for transformation. It’s not simply a record of history but a revelation of God’s plan of salvation. The Bible tells the story of creation (Genesis 1-2), humanity’s fall into sin (Genesis 3), and God’s redemptive work through covenants and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

Understanding this purpose helps us approach the Bible with the right perspective. It’s not about memorizing every word or detail (though learning Scripture is valuable). Instead, it’s about encountering God’s grace, growing in faith, and being transformed by the truth of Jesus as the Son of God.

When we read Scripture, we aren’t just gaining knowledge. We’re opening ourselves to God’s grace, which shapes us to love Him and our neighbors more deeply. It’s a tool for spiritual growth and sanctification—a means for us to believe and have life in Jesus’ name.

This understanding makes daily Bible reading so meaningful. It’s not about checking off a task but about being transformed by God’s word. That’s why I love these moments of study with you, and I hope they enrich your faith as well.

Today, let’s thank God for His word and for the life and transformation it offers us through Jesus. Tomorrow, we’ll pick up with Jesus and Peter by the lake. Have a wonderful day, and I’ll see you in the morning!