John Recorded Certain Signs of Jesus (John 20:30-31)
Introduction:
1. In his Gospel the apostle John wrote at length about Christ. a. (John 1:1-3) He began by showing that Christ is a member of the eternal Godhead. b. (John 1:14) He continued by showing that Christ became flesh. 2. In the remainder of his book John provided evidence that proves Jesus is God's Son. 3. This brings us to the theme of the Gospel of John (John 20:30-31). 4. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that "John recorded certain signs of Jesus." 5. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
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 by the statement Nicodemus made in John 3:2. B. These other signs "are not written in this book." 1. John could not record all of the Lord's signs in 1 book. 2. According to John 21:25, a single book would not be sufficient. C. 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. They would be able to tell others about His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38-39). D. While he did not record all of the Lord's signs, . . .
II. (vs.31) JOHN DID RECORD SOME OF THE LORD'S SIGNS
A. "These [signs] are written": 1. (John 2:1-11) Jesus turned water into wine (see vs.11). 2. (John 4:46-54) Jesus healed a nobleman's son (see vs.53). 3. (John 5:1-9) Jesus healed an impotent man (see vs.10-15). 4. (John 6:5-14) Jesus fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 small fish (see vs.14). 5. (John 6:16-21) Jesus walked on the sea (see Matthew 14:33). 6. (John 9:1-7) Jesus gave sight to a man born blind (see vs.35-38). 7. (John 11:1-45) Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave (see vs.45). B. John recorded these signs so we "might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." C. Believing that Jesus is God's Son is important because "life" is available to those who do.
Conclusion:
1. In addition to leading us to believe that Jesus is God's Son, studying the Lord's signs provides encouragement (bulletin article). 2. To help us more fully appreciate this point, let us read Luke 7:19-23. 3. As we go through this period of uncertainty [or any period of uncertainty], let us remember to carefully read and study about the Lord's signs.
