“…truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing YOU MAY HAVE LIFE (zōē: eternal life, of the absolute fulness of life) IN HIS NAME.” (John 20:30-31)
Most Commentators refer to this verse after the RESURRECTION ACCOUNT as John’s purpose statement in writing his book. All of the details, all of the history, all of the miracles, and all of the teaching were recorded for many reasons but the primary one was TO PRODUCE BELIEF IN THE HEART OF THE READER. Belief that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God, the one able TO ATONE FOR AND THEREFORE, PARDON SINS AND GRANT ETERNAL LIFE WITH THE FATHER. This “LIFE IN HIS NAME” is undoubtedly referring to ETERNAL life – life with God after death, life in Heaven for the one accepted by faith in Jesus. ETERNAL LIFE AS OPPOSED TO ETERNAL DEATH for THE ONE OPPOSED TO GOD AND REFUSING TO BELIEVE IN JESUS, whom God sent for our salvation.
Like Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY. I have come that they may have LIFE (zōē: eternal life, of the absolute fulness of life), and that they may have it MORE ABUNDANTLY. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd GIVES HIS LIFE for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11) By believing in Jesus, we don’t just embrace the reality of having GOD OVER THE LIFE TO COME – one who has FORGIVEN US and as a result WELCOMES US INTO HIS ETERNAL GLORY – but it also means we embrace the reality of having GOD OVER EVERY DETAIL OF THIS LIFE, HERE AND NOW, AS WELL. Jesus is the Word that was with God in the beginning, and THROUGH WHOM ALL THINGS WERE MADE (John 1:1-4). Jesus is the one who demonstrated His lordship OVER ALL CREATION in the way He healed the sick, rearranged natural phenomena, knew the heart of people, and even raised the dead to life. Jesus is the one NEVER CAUGHT OFF GUARD, Jesus is the one who NEVER TAKES HIS HANDS OFF OF OUR LIVES.
“You have encircled me behind and in front, And PLACED YOUR HAND UPON ME. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot comprehend it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalms 139:5-7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham