God makes His intentions clear: He speaks in order to be known

 Therefore many other signs Jesus also did in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:30-31

Introduction

I was talking with my Dad when he recalled a Bible study held at the Church where I came to faith. The question was posed, “which verse is your favorite?” Various answers were given, all of which were valid, when my Dad answered that his favorite was, “whichever verses I read today.”

The Bible, unlike text written solely by man and for man, is an endless fount of wisdom, knowledge, and comfort. In any given reading of the text, you may notice something different. Perhaps a nuance appears you never considered before, or a command emerges that you had not appreciated as such. Connections between verses clarify doctrine and magnify the glory of the author of scripture.

That is because the Bible is a book written by God, using the hands and minds of human authors, for a singular purpose. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with the question, “What is the chief end of man?” This is a question of purpose. And purpose is the most fundamental question anyone can ask.

The many signs

According to John, the Lord Jesus performed enough signs and wonders that to record them all would take substantially more room than he had available to write. He was being selective. Jesus apparently did much more, all of which is important, but none of which found its way into scripture.

John even omits miracles the other gospel writers chose to include, like when He raised the deceased son of a widow during the boy’s funeral (Luke 7:11-17). And that is because John had a very specific purpose in writing his gospel. So much of this book circles around the person of Christ, His sovereignty in salvation, and His coming to save that which was lost. The signs presented are intentional. Seven in all, John chose miracles Jesus performed to demonstrate His total and complete command over creation.

He began by enhancing that which was already good when He turned water into wine (John 2). Then He commented that the people will never believe without a sign before healing a royal official’s son (John 4). After that, He demonstrated that healing was in Him and not in any angel at the pool of Bethesda (John 5). He gave people bread from heaven just as He cared for Israel in the wilderness (John 6; Exodus 16). His command over nature and space was demonstrated as He crossed the sea to rescue His disciples (John 6). Giving a man sight, He overcame man’s love of darkness (John 9). And finally, He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11).

These seven signs come together to show Jesus as Lord over all creation. It is by the Father’s Word that creation was made, and He holds it all together (Colossians 1:17).

Why do we have the scriptures at all?

And all this was given so that you might believe. God did not give us the gospel according to John, or indeed all of scripture just so you have a nice story to read. The whole of scripture can be summed up in these two short verses, that God has done far more than what is recorded, and what is recorded has been written down so that you would believe and live.

I have heard it said, “preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.” This quote has wormed its way into the minds of Christians, causing them to think they are effectively evangelizing by their good behavior alone. But despite what some claim, this quote is neither scriptural nor from any saint of the early Church. Instead, it is a fabrication that stands at odds with the very essence of God’s revelation.

God chose to reveal His plans, His purposes, and His very self by means of words. Even Christ is called Word in the opening of John’s gospel (John 1:1-14). The apostle Paul, too, exhorts us by saying:

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:13-14

God reveals Himself in His word so that you might believe, and in believing you might live. He is the God who grants life, is love, and saves His children for eternity. Hear His word and believe.

May the Lord bless you and conform you into the image of His Son.