What Jesus Did! 'You Will Have Life!' — John 20:30-31

Thursday, December 22, 2022

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
— John 20:30-31 NLT

Key Thought

Clearly, a complete biography of Jesus would be much more inclusive. John, however, guided by the Spirit, wrote to produce faith and chose his material carefully. His Gospel is very different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke who all used similar outlines. John gave us a deeper glimpse of a few of Jesus' conversations. He focused in depth on Jesus' interactions with a few people. He didn't give us many miracles or signs, as he called them, but instead concentrated on a few signs. Why? John wrote to help us believe in Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah) and the Son of God. He, just like the other Gospel writers, knew that if we were to find life, it would be in Jesus! Sometime during this Christmas holiday, sit down with the Gospel of John again and read the whole Gospel at one sitting, asking God to enrich and deepen your faith in Jesus and your relationship with him. I do think you will find all of your life blessed in the process!

Today's Prayer

Father, I do believe that Jesus is your Son, the Messiah, and my Lord. Draw me closer to him, both in terms of his abiding presence with me and also in terms of my behavior toward people. Through your Spirit, conform me more closely to the character and nature of your Son. By the authority and in the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 3:16-17
  • Romans 10:9-13
  • Acts 2:36-41

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Illustration

Illustration of John 20:30-31 NLT — But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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