John 20:30–31 (WEL) Jesus truly did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life through his name.
V30 Jesus truly did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book.
What is a sign?
The Greek word for sign is G4592 σημεῖον sēmeion, which means (Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) “sign, signal, mark; token, pledge, assurance; miraculous sign, portent, wonder, miracle.”
A sign is a symbol representing something. Sometimes it is an authenticating sign like a password, fingerprint, authenticator app, etc. It is a standard for testing something, especially prophecy. There are many signs regarding Messiah. The rabbis of Jesus’s day should have had a list of those signs. Jesus repeated many signs.
The Top 40 Messianic Prophecies about Jesus (https://jewsforjesus.org/learn/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies)
Comments:
(Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) According to John’s Gospel, Jesus’s signs are to inspire belief (John 20:30–31). His first sign, changing water into wine, served to confirm his deity to his disciples (John 2:11; cf. John 2:23). But Jesus’s signs also provoke mere acquisitiveness (John 6:2, John 6:26), skepticism (John 9:16), suspicion (John 11:47), and disbelief (John 12:37).
There are so many signs that John adds these words. Eyewitnesses have seen and testify about these signs. There is no reason to doubt them or the meaning of the sign.
V31 But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life through his name.
The signs, actions, words of Jesus Christ are for a purpose, namely, for nonbelievers to become believers.
Life comes from faith. Faith is the condition for life (salvation, eternal life, new creation). Life follows faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Faith always precedes blessings.
We learn:
- Jesus did many authenticating signs proving His messiahship.
- Faith precedes salvation.
Questions:
- Did these signs help lead you to Christ?
- Do you mention these signs when witnessing?