The Gospel According to John

John 20:31

Introduction

We have been finding themes in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Those are the gospels that we generally look to for a more chronological account because they coincide more closely with one another (synoptic gospels).

John is generally seen as more thematic with vast swaths dedicated to the teaching and long speeches of Jesus.

The theme verse seems to be universally accepted to be John 20:31.

John is the most problematic gospel for those who deny the deity of Christ.

They are forced to say that John came along much later and changed the story but they cannot deny that Jesus claims deity within these pages as we will see.

The Claim of Deity

In the beginning…and the conclusion (Jn. 1:1-14; 20:30-31).

The Son of God (Jn. 1:49; cf. Acts 4:36).

I AM (Jn. 18:4-6; 8:58).

The proof from the opposition (Jn. 5:17-18; 10:30-33).

Acceptance of worship (Jn. 9:38; 20:29).

That You May Believe

Belief is a reception (Jn. 1:12-13).

It is a belief that endures (Jn. 6:64).

It is a belief on His terms (Jn. 6:26-35).

It includes following His instructions (Jn. 8:31).

That belief is founded on hearing (Jn. 11:48; 4:39).

It is a belief IN Him that is being established (Jn. 7:38).

We tell stories about people not so that you will believe they existed but so that you will believe things about them.

And then, maybe you will even develop a loyalty to them.

Conclusion

He is the Christ and I hope that you believe that.

More importantly, I hope you believe IN Him because of that.

Does He have your allegiance this morning?