1. Growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important responsibility (2 Peter 3:18). 2. To accomplish this growth we must go to the proper source for information (John 5:39). 3. In his Gospel the apostle John wrote extensively about Christ. a. (1:1-3) He began by showing that Christ is a member of the eternal Godhead. b. (1:14) He continued by showing that Christ became flesh. 4. In the remainder of his book John provided evidence which proves that Jesus is God's Son. 5. This brings us to the theme of the Gospel of John (20:30-31).
Discussion:
I. (vs.30) JOHN DID NOT RECORD ALL OF THE LORD'S SIGNS
A. Jesus performed "many other signs." 1. Signs: supernatural occurrences; 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 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 (John 2:11). 2. His disciples would be able to tell others about His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38-39). C. These other signs "are not written in this book." 1. John could not record all of the Lord's signs in 1 book. 2. A single book would not be sufficient (John 21:25). D. While he did not record all of the Lord's signs, . . .
II. (vs.31a) JOHN DID RECORD SOME OF THE LORD'S SIGNS
A. "These [signs] are written": 1. (2:1-11) Jesus turned water into wine. 2. (4:46-54) Jesus healed a nobleman's son. 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. 5. (6:16-21) Jesus walked on the sea. 6. (9:1-7) Jesus gave sight to a man born blind. 7. (11:1-45) Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. 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."
Conclusion:
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. 3. A special blessing ["life"] will be given to those who accept it and submit to the Lord's will.
