City Life Starter

Written by Chris Pate

The Word

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Exegesis

These two verses encapsulate the whole letter of John so well. John wanted the reader to know explicitly the goal of every story, message, thought, penned so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ and son of God. As we dive straight into verse 30, notice how John speaks of Jesus’ acts/miracles as “signs”. A sign always points to something or someone. Everything Jesus did was pointing to His calling and purpose as the world’s long awaited Messiah. He didn’t simply do miracles to amaze and astonish us, but to prove that He is the Christ. John makes it clear that Jesus did so many things, but these John mentioned were extremely intentional to this goal of the letter.

In verse 31 he not only wants us to believe that Jesus is the Christ as stated previously, but also the Son of God. This belief isn’t just added to other beliefs you might hold to help you to be smart or mentally stable, he says this belief gives you life. The Greek word here is ζωή Zoe, meaning a way of life. Another word for life in Hebrew was Eve, the first woman in Genesis. Her name literally means “living”. This new way of life for true godly living is what Jesus brings. This can bring us images of Eve choosing a different path to life when taking the apple, versus the true vine and way that Jesus gives us. 

Application

As we wrap up the series going through this whole book of John, have you followed the breadcrumbs John set out for us, leading us to Jesus and this true life He brings? So many things promise us life in this world like an infomercial selling us the newest product that is “amazing”. “But wait, there’s more…” and there always has to be more because each new product, substance, person, job, etc. only leaves us wanting more.

John makes this bold declaration that in believing in Jesus we will have a whole new life. Like the woman at the well who desperately asks for this water that will always quench her thirst, John echoes Jesus’ sentiment as one who has drunk and is fulfilled. He speaks to us centuries later as one with experience of Jesus’ life.

Have you experienced that life or are there things that you keep finding yourself going back to for life? Has the trust you’ve placed in Jesus really changed every area of your life and given you new life? It certainly has the power to do so as we chew on the bread crumbs laid out for us in this letter, and walking in the way of life Jesus offers. 

Prayer

Father, I thank you for revealing to me this new life that Jesus brings for me. May all other pseudo-life giving things fade as Jesus’ life runs through my veins. You say you are knocking on the door of my heart and wanting to fellowship with me. Come in! Make my heart your home and bring true life and godly living in all of me. Spirit, soul, and body. Thank you for living this life perfectly for me, so I can now join your life with mine and watch you move my desires in congruence with Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen!