Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not 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 you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31
John tells us there were more things Jesus did that are not recorded here. While the gospels are the inspired witness of those who experienced these events, they are not a complete record, only those things the Holy Spirit chose to make significant to them. It’s like that for us today – some things may be vitally important to us, but not to others, and vice versa. All Scripture is important, but it may speak to us differently in different situations, and at different times in our lives.
What is vitally important to all of us is the fact that “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name“. A good friend of mine used to counsel that it was essential to “keep the main thing the main thing”, meaning not to get distracted by issues that are not part of our mission – to love one another and to make disciples of all the world.
God gave us the gift of knowledge in His Word that we could learn and share with each other. Studying Scripture, praying for understanding and the fellowship of gathering to share are all essential for Scripture to become real in our lives. Practicing these disciplines will bring us closer to God and our brothers and sisters.
Gracious God, we are blessed by Your Word and Your love. Help us to study, understand and share this precious gift with the world that all may come to know You as their Creator and live in the hope of being with You eternally. Amen.