30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
In our verses for today John parenthetically notes there were other evidences – many other - finger marks of God – performed by our Lord Jesus not recorded in his Gospel. The Gospel bearing his name was certainly not exhaustive in the encompassing works of Christ. The evidences of our Lord’s miracles and resurrection were neither scanty nor short – indeed, there were plenty to spare – proofs in abundance. The penmen who nobly wrote regarding Christ’s resurrection provided sufficient evidences that one stood on solid ground in believing on a risen Savior - all written for the confirmation of our faith. Each writer guided by the Holy Spirit gave their accounts without any view of temporal benefit to themselves but to establish the faith of their readers – bringing men to Christ and to heaven. John was passionately zealous for his sphere of influence to believe in the risen Savior – it was of utmost importance to him. Indeed, he writes of the Truth of this other times in his gospel:
14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15 (NIV)
35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. John 19:35 (NIV)
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. John 21:24 (NIV)
In like manner, the Apostle Paul burned with passion for the salvation of souls particularly for his brothers, the Israelites. He writes in Romans:
1 I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-- 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. Romans 9:1-5 (NIV)
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1 (NIV)
The Lord’s first disciples were solidly confident and firmly believed in what their eyes had seen and their ears had heard – propelling them to tell others – leading them to knowledge of a saving faith and life in Christ. We as modern day disciples are to be like minded as well not simply living selfishly as unto ourselves alone but also for the good of those God strategically places in our paths – our realms of influence. They are not there by chance or happenstance. Believers have life saving wonderful news for every soul – God richly blesses all who call on Him in faith. We are to both speak it and live it. Sadly, many without Christ are more willing to hear this Good News than we as believers are willing to share it.
9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13 (NIV)
“Oh! that I had a trumpet voice to warn you. Oh! while you are dying, while you are sinking into perdition, may I not cry to you; may not these eyes weep for you! Take to heart, I beseech you, the realities of eternity. Oh, turn, turn! Why will you die? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and ye shall be saved.” Charles H. Spurgeon at Exeter Hall on Sunday morning, February 26, 1869
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
Lastly, I think it interesting when John writes: “that by believing you may have life in his name.” Believers have life in Jesus’ character. We have life in abundance when we walk as He walked - when we manifest His character through the Spirit’s power in lieu of our own. This Truth greatly affects our here and now. “This changes everything” when we grab hold and apply the Truth that we are to walk as Jesus did. Freedom, blessed peace, joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment – indeed, every promise in Scripture is a “Yes” in Christ. It is the fullness of our joy.
“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one.” A. W. Tozer