JOHN 20:30–31
“THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE”: THE PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – John 20:30–31
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book.
31 But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish tradition, written testimony served to preserve and transmit God’s saving acts across generations. Signs were understood not merely as wonders but as revelatory acts pointing to God’s presence and authority. John’s acknowledgment that not all signs are recorded reflects ancient historiography, where selection served theological purpose rather than exhaustive reporting. The titles “Messiah” and “Son of God” resonate deeply with Jewish expectations of God’s anointed one and uniquely express Jesus’ identity.
Catholic Theological Perspective
These verses function as the theological conclusion of John’s Gospel. Catholic theology teaches that faith is the proper response to God’s revelation in Christ. The Gospel is written not simply to inform but to transform, leading readers to living faith. Belief in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God brings participation in divine life, a central theme of Johannine theology. Life “in his name” signifies communion with Christ through faith, sacraments, and discipleship.
Parallels in Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:4–9 – Faith transmitted through remembrance.
John 1:12 – Power to become children of God.
John 3:16 – Belief leading to eternal life.
Romans 10:17 – Faith comes through hearing.
1 John 5:13 – Written so believers may know they have life.
Key Terms
Signs – Revelations pointing to Christ’s identity.
Written – Faith preserved and proclaimed.
Believe – Trust and commitment.
Messiah – God’s anointed Savior.
Life in his name – Eternal and abundant life.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed at the conclusion of the Easter season. The Church reflects on the purpose of Scripture itself: to lead believers into faith and life in Christ.
Conclusion
John 20:30–31 reveals the heart of the Gospel’s mission. Every sign, word, and testimony is directed toward one goal: that all may believe in Jesus Christ and receive life in His name. Scripture becomes a living invitation to faith and communion with God.
Reflection
Do I read Scripture as an invitation to deeper faith?
How does my belief in Jesus shape my daily life?
Do I witness to the life I have received in His name?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior, deepen my faith as I encounter You in Scripture. Help me to believe more fully and to live the life You offer, so that others may come to faith through my witness. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
(Jn 20:30) There were many other miraculous signs that Jesus did in the presence of his disciples, but they are not recorded in this book .
There were many other miraculous signs that Jesus did
The evangelists recorded details of only a few miracles of Jesus. Others are summarized such as, “Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them” (Mt 15:30). The intention of the evangelists was not to write a thorough biography of Jesus as such, but to put in writing for posterity the Gospel for the faith of their readers.
in the presence of his disciples
The disciples were witnesses to Jesus’ miracles, even from the first one he had done at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. From then on, they realized the truth of his glory and believed in him. John the evangelist was a close companion of Jesus and witnessed most of the public ministry of Jesus. We’ve seen earlier in this book that he was with Jesus even on certain rare occasions, along with Peter and James. He was the only apostle who witnessed the crucifixion along with Mary, the mother of Jesus. John, after documenting the piercing of Jesus’ heart, says, “An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe” (Jn 19:35).
but they are not recorded in this book
During the public ministry of Jesus, the disciples did not know that they would later document the life and teachings of Jesus. When it did finally come to putting it on record for the use of later Christians and evangelists, they selected what they each thought might be relevant to their respective readership from among the numerous actions and teachings of Jesus. Presumably, it was difficult to record all the vigorous activities and teachings of Jesus for over three years at a time when documentation was yet to develop.
(31) These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God
These verses conclude the gospel, expressing the intention of the evangelist. His purpose is the missionary goal of convincing non-believers that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, or to cause an upsurge in the faith of prospective Christians in Jesus. While helping others who desperately needed the miraculous intervention, Jesus made use of them to reveal his glory to facilitate the faith of his disciples (Jn 2:11). “A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick” (Jn 6:2).
Though the terms “Messiah” and “Son of God” do apply to Jesus, they each have different shades of meaning. The Hebrew word “Messiah” or in Greek “Christ” means the anointed one. The Jews were expecting the anointing of a new King for Israel as a reminiscent of David, whom God would send to liberate them from bondage, and rule over them forever. The appellation, “Son of God”, meant that Jesus is God, who came from God with the mission of saving humanity unto Himself.
by believing you may have life in his name
The outcome of belief in Jesus is the inheritance of eternal life, free from the bondage of Satan and sin. Referring to Moses who lifted up the serpent in the desert, Jesus predicted he would also be lifted up “so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:14-16). That belief involves hearing the word of God and belief in God who sent Jesus. “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life” (Jn 5:24). Our goal as Christians should be the inheritance of eternal glory. That can be achieved only through Jesus as we see in Peter’s address to the Sanhedrin: “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12).