Introduction: 1. According to the Scriptures, believing that Jesus is the Son of God is a matter of utmost importance (John 3:16; 8:24). 2. Thankfully, we have evidence that will lead us to conclude that Jesus is God's Son. a. In our bulletin article there is a list of individuals who identified Jesus as the Son of God -- we need to carefully consider statements such as these as we seek to know who Jesus is today. b. In addition to these statements by credible witnesses, we are able to read about many of "the signs of Jesus" -- the importance of studying the Lord's signs is emphasized in John 20:30-31. 3. Our lesson is based on this information recorded by John. 4. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. (vs.30) JOHN DID NOT RECORD ALL OF THE LORD'S SIGNS
A. Jesus performed "many other signs." 1. Signs: miracles and wonders which showed that the person performing them came from God and that what he said came from God. 2. This is illustrated in the statement made by Nicodemus in John 3:2. B. Jesus performed these other signs "in the presence of His disciples." 1. This was done so His disciples would believe on Him (Matthew 14:22-33). 2. This also enabled the disciples to tell others about His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38-39). C. These other signs "are not written in this book" -- John could not record all of the Lord's signs in 1 book (see John 21:25). D. While he did not record all of the Lord's signs, . . .
II. (vs.31a) JOHN DID RECORD SOME OF THE SIGNS THAT JESUS PERFORMED
A. "These [signs] are written": 1. (2:1-11) Jesus turned water into wine (see vs.11). 2. (4:46-54) Jesus healed a nobleman's son (see vs.53). 3. (5:1-9) Jesus healed an impotent man. 4. (6:5-14) Jesus fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 small fish (see vs.14). 5. (6:16-21) Jesus walked on the sea. 6. (9:1-7) Jesus gave sight to a man born blind (see vs.32-38). 7. (11:1-45) Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave (see vs.45). 8. (21:1-11) Jesus caused the disciples to catch a great number of fish. B. When Jesus performed these signs, reactions varied. 1. (John 2:23) Many believed on Him. 2. (John 12:37-40) Others did not believe on Him. C. John recorded these signs so we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 1. Evidence is available which proves that Jesus is God's Son. 2. Each person must decide for himself whether he will accept it or reject it.
Conclusion:
1. (vs.31b) Believing on Christ is important because only those who do can receive "life" [eternal life - John 11:25-26]. 2. While belief in Christ is essential, belief alone is not sufficient (John 8:31-32). 3. The man who received his sight from Jesus illustrates how we must comply with the Lord's instructions (John 9:1-7). 4. Have you complied with the Lord's conditions for salvation from sin?