The Purpose of the Gospels

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31)

                 From any early age you probably learned that the four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – the first four books of the New Testament.  Each one of them has their own uniqueness.  Matthew’s Gospel was written to a primarily Jewish audience, Mark is a condensed version covering Peter’s testimony, and Luke was written to a Gentile audience – these three are the Synoptic Gospels.  John’s Gospel is in a category all by itself as it was the last one written and very theological.

                At the end of his Gospel, John placed a good summary on the purpose of all the Gospels.  While there are many more things the Gospel writers could’ve shared, the things that were included “are written that you may believe.”  Believe what?  “That Jesus is the Christ.”  The Gospels were written to show us that Jesus is God’s only Messiah – the Anointed One of God.  Also, they tell us that Jesus is “the Son of God” – conceived of the Holy Spirit and fully God.  He is the Son of God and the Son of Man.

                Not only did John write so that others might believe, but “that believing you may have life in His name.”  John didn’t just write for the sake of information – he wrote for transformation.  It was his desire that every person who read His Gospel would have their life transformed through faith in Jesus.  All those who trust in Christ “have life in His name.”  That means abundant life on this earth (John 10:10), and eternal life in heaven (John 3:16).  Thankfully, the purpose of the Gospels is salvation.