John 20:30-31, The Purpose of This Book

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

These final verses are the purpose statement of John’s gospel and summarize his main points. Where do you stand today? John has presented the signs of Jesus’ life and ministry that show he is God. He has shared his teachings and claims about himself. And now John invites you to believe and that by believing in Jesus you will have life in his name, the eternal life of shalom, living in the kingdom of God, in the risen life of Jesus Christ himself.

Christ our life,

You are alive

        In the beauty of the earth

        In the rhythm of the seasons

        In the mystery of time and space

        Alleluia

Christ our life,

You are alive

        In the tenderness of touch

        In the heartbeat of intimacy

        In the insights of solitude

        Alleluia

Christ our life,

You are alive

        In the creative possibility

        Of the dullest conversation

        The dreariest task

        The most threatening event

        Alleluia

Christ our life,

You are alive

        To offer re-creation

        To every unhealed hurt

        To every deadened place

        To every damaged heart

        Alleluia

You set before us a great choice.

Therefore we choose life.

The dance of resurrection soars and surges through the whole creation.

It sets gifts of bread and wine upon our table.

This is grace, dying we live.

So let us live.

Kathy Galloway, the Iona Community