John 20:30 – “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse comes near the end of John’s Gospel and serves as a statement about the purpose of his writing. John tells his readers that Jesus performed many more miracles than what he recorded. In other words, what we read in the Gospel of John is only a small part of everything Jesus did during His ministry.

John carefully selected specific signs and miracles to include in his Gospel, not because the others were unimportant, but because these particular ones pointed most clearly to Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. His goal was not just to document history, but to lead people to faith in Christ.

This verse reminds us that there is much more to Jesus’ life and work than we will ever fully grasp. However, God has given us everything we need to believe in the testimony of Scripture.

Historical Context

John’s Gospel was likely written later than the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). By the time John wrote this, many eyewitnesses were still alive, and stories about Jesus were widely known. However, John wanted to make sure his readers understood that his Gospel was not an exhaustive biography—it was a carefully crafted testimony designed to bring people to faith.

In Jewish tradition, signs and wonders were seen as evidence of God’s power. Throughout the Old Testament, miracles were a way God confirmed His message and His messengers (Exodus 4:1-9, 1 Kings 18:36-39).

John’s Gospel is unique in that it focuses on seven key miracles, which he calls “signs”, to reveal Jesus’ identity:

1. Turning water into wine (John 2:1-11)
2. Healing the royal official’s son (John 4:46-54)
3. Healing the man at the pool (John 5:1-15)
4. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
5. Walking on water (John 6:16-21)
6. Healing the man born blind (John 9:1-41)
7. Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44)

Even though these were powerful miracles, they were just a fraction of what Jesus did.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. Jesus did far more than what is recorded in the Bible. The Gospels do not tell us everything Jesus said and did, but they tell us everything we need to know for salvation.
2. The purpose of miracles was to reveal Jesus’ identity. The miracles were not just acts of compassion—they were signs pointing to who Jesus is: the Son of God.
3. Faith does not require knowing everything. Even though we don’t have every detail of Jesus’ life, we have enough to believe and trust Him.
4. The Bible is a reliable testimony. John’s statement shows that Scripture is intentional—it was written with a clear purpose, not just to record history but to lead people to faith.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is highly structured, and this verse acts as a transition into the final purpose statement (John 20:31).

• “Jesus performed many other signs” – John acknowledges that his account is not complete. This shows that Jesus’ ministry was even greater than we can imagine.
• “In the presence of his disciples” – The miracles John recorded were witnessed firsthand by the disciples, making them reliable testimonies.
• “Which are not recorded in this book” – John is being selective, focusing only on the most important events to help people understand who Jesus is.

This moment reflects something John said earlier in his Gospel:

• John 21:25 – “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

This shows that Jesus’ impact was greater than what words could contain.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 21:25 – The world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus.
• John 2:11 – The first sign, turning water into wine, was done to reveal Jesus’ glory.
• Matthew 4:23-24 – Jesus healed many people, far more than what was recorded.
• Acts 1:3 – Jesus gave many convincing proofs of His resurrection.
• Hebrews 2:3-4 – God confirmed His message through signs, wonders, and miracles.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that Jesus is bigger than what we read in the Bible.

• The Bible gives us all we need for faith, but not all that exists. God has chosen to reveal what is necessary for our salvation, and we must trust that His Word is enough.
• Faith is not based on endless proof—it is based on trusting in Jesus. If Jesus had done thousands of miracles, it still wouldn’t guarantee that everyone would believe. Faith is about responding to what has already been revealed.
• Jesus is still at work today. His recorded miracles were just the beginning—He continues to change lives and reveal Himself to those who seek Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His choice to reveal Himself through Jesus.

1. God gave us enough evidence to believe. He could have left us in darkness, but instead, He sent Jesus and provided miracles to confirm who He is.
2. God’s love is greater than we can imagine. If Jesus did many more signs than what we know about, then His power and love are beyond what we can comprehend.
3. God wants us to trust Him, not just demand proof. Even though we don’t have every detail of Jesus’ life, we have enough to know His love and His plan of salvation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights the fact that Jesus is the most important person in history.

1. His ministry was more extensive than what is recorded. His miracles, teachings, and interactions go far beyond what we know.
2. Jesus’ miracles were a sign of His identity. He didn’t perform miracles just to impress people—they pointed to who He is: the Son of God.
3. His impact is immeasurable. Even if every miracle were written down, the world itself could not contain it all (John 21:25).

Other related passages:

• John 3:2 – Nicodemus says, “No one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
• Luke 24:27 – Jesus explained how all Scripture pointed to Him.
• Colossians 1:15-17 – Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and through Him all things were created.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think John chose to include only certain signs instead of recording everything Jesus did?
2. What does this verse teach about the reliability of Scripture?
3. How does knowing that Jesus did many more miracles than what is recorded strengthen your faith?
4. What does this verse say about the greatness of Jesus and His impact on the world?
5. How can you grow in faith, even without having every detail of Jesus’ life?