life
Some people approach scripture as a hodge-podge of stuff – morality, government, history… the list goes on and on. But the Bible taken as a whole speaks to us about God’s desire for a creation that would be in close relationship with him. Not just a people on his “good” side, but a people united with him in mission and character. The message of the Bible is more than just a mixture of voices.
Jesus’ disciples saw him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life.
John 20:30-31John 20:30-31
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
Why John Wrote His Book 30 Jesus worked many other miracles n miracles: See the note at . for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in o put your faith in ... have faith in: Some manuscripts have “keep on having faith in ... keep on having faith in.” him, you will have true life.
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This is the essential message of the Bible. We have a God who is faithful. He sent his son to give us life. Not just to “pay the price” that would put us in right standing so we could go about our business with impunity. This life is not “code” for the moment of salvation. It is life. Something we experience on an ongoing basis. And in a “hope for the future” basis.
Reading or hearing the stories of Jesus’ life and teaching, we are reminded about the authority of his voice. We are called to think about his healing touch and his love. We are shown a Jesus who is not just lovey-dovey; he is capable of emotionally charged tears, of a spirit that is jealous for what is right. He is more than a soothing voice. He is frequently direct, pointing out sin in those who try to deny it. Sometimes he uses irony and sarcasm to let the hearer dwell on his words until they realize their error. He isn’t always the “mild” character we learned about in Sunday School. And that is a good thing!
Throughout the pages of Scripture, we are shown Jesus. From the law to the prophets, far-flung history and the gospel accounts, even letters to churches with real problems, we see Jesus lifted up as God’s answer to sin and a broken world. He has come to give us life. Not to right us then send us on our way – but to be with us. Not just an inspirational figure, but the source of our strength.
So we return to Scripture again and again. What have you read or learned about the Father, Son or Spirit lately? How has reading and meditating on the message challenged what you know and understand about God’s character and activity?
