Read & explore together
Why John Wrote His Gospel
John pauses to explain why this book includes some signs and leaves many others out. These two verses give a clear purpose statement centred on believing something true about Jesus and having life in his name.
Understanding the passage
Understanding the passage
John comments on what has and has not been written in this book. He says Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written here, and then states why these things have been written. His explanation centres on belief, Jesus’ identity, and life in his name.
John 20:30–31Main takeaway
John says these written things aim to lead readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in his name.
Explore the teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Many other signs are not recorded hereJohn first says that Jesus did many other signs. He also says those signs were done in the presence of his disciples.
Explanation
John first says that Jesus did many other signs. He also says those signs were done in the presence of his disciples. Yet they are not written in this book. The verse highlights that what readers have in front of them is not everything Jesus did.
02John points to what is written in this bookAfter saying that many signs are not included, John turns to the signs and words that are included.
Explanation
After saying that many signs are not included, John turns to the signs and words that are included. He contrasts “many other signs” with “these are written”. That contrast keeps attention on the written material in this book and on the reason John gives for it.
03The written purpose is belief about JesusJohn states the purpose plainly: “that you may believe”. He also states what this belief concerns.
Explanation
John states the purpose plainly: “that you may believe”. He also states what this belief concerns. Readers are directed to believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. These exact titles are the heart of John’s purpose statement in this verse.
04Believing is linked with life in his nameJohn adds a second part to the purpose statement: “and that believing you may have life in his name”.
Explanation
John adds a second part to the purpose statement: “and that believing you may have life in his name”. In this verse, life is connected with believing and with Jesus’ name. John presents belief about Jesus and life in his name together in one sentence.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does John say about the signs that are not included in this book?
Answer from the verse itself: Jesus did many other signs, they were in the presence of his disciples, and they are not written in this book.
02What exactly does John say readers are to believe about Jesus?
Use John’s own words and include both titles named in the verse.
03How does John connect believing and life?
Notice the order of the sentence: John says that believing is connected with having life in Jesus’ name.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
John 20:30–31
30Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book;
31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.