John 20:31 – “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse is the purpose statement of the Gospel of John. After recounting Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, John explains why he wrote this book—so that people would believe in Jesus and receive eternal life.

John makes two key claims about Jesus:

1. Jesus is the Messiah – the long-awaited Savior promised in the Old Testament.
2. Jesus is the Son of God – not just a prophet or a good teacher, but fully divine.

Then John makes it clear why this matters: believing in Jesus brings life. This is not just about understanding facts—it’s about placing trust in Jesus as the source of eternal life.

This verse sums up the heart of Christianity: faith in Jesus is the key to salvation. The Bible was written not just for information, but for transformation—to lead people into a saving relationship with Jesus.

Historical Context

By the time John wrote this Gospel, Christianity was spreading, and people from many different backgrounds were encountering the message of Jesus.

• Some Jews were struggling to understand if Jesus was truly the Messiah.
• Some Greeks and Romans saw Jesus as just another teacher or religious figure.
• Some false teachings were beginning to emerge, questioning Jesus’ divinity.

John wrote to make it absolutely clear—Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, and only by believing in Him can a person have eternal life.

This purpose was also important for early Christians who faced persecution. Many had to choose between confessing Jesus as Lord or denying Him to save their own lives. John’s message was clear: faith in Jesus is worth everything because He alone gives eternal life.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. The Bible is written to bring people to faith. The Gospel of John is not just a history book—it is a book with a mission: to lead people to believe in Jesus.
2. Faith in Jesus is the only way to eternal life. This verse makes it clear that belief in Christ is the path to salvation—not good works, not religious rituals, but faith in Him.
3. Jesus is both Messiah and God. Some people try to separate these two ideas, but John affirms that Jesus is both the Savior and fully divine.
4. Christianity is about relationship, not just knowledge. John doesn’t just want people to know about Jesus—he wants them to know Jesus personally and receive life in His name.

Literary Analysis

John 20:31 is one of the most important summary statements in the entire Bible.

• “These are written” – John acknowledges that he has been selective in what he included (see John 20:30), but he wrote with a clear purpose.
• “That you may believe” – The whole point of the Gospel is to lead people to faith. The verb “believe” is one of the most frequently used words in John’s Gospel (nearly 100 times!).
• “That Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God” – This affirms both Jesus’ role as Savior and His divine identity.
• “That by believing you may have life in his name” – Faith is not just about agreeing with facts—it is about receiving eternal life through Christ.

John’s Gospel consistently emphasizes belief and life:

• John 1:4 – “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
• John 3:16 – Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
• John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
• John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

John’s writing style is clear and direct—he is calling for a response. He is not just presenting Jesus as an interesting figure—he is demanding a decision: Will you believe?

Biblical Cross-References

• John 3:36 – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.”
• 1 John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that faith in Jesus is not optional—it is essential.

• The Bible is meant to lead people to Jesus. Our goal in reading Scripture should not just be to learn facts—it should be to know Christ more deeply.
• Jesus is the only way to life. The world offers many paths, but only Jesus gives eternal life.
• Faith is a choice. John wrote so that people would believe—but belief is a decision each person must make.
• Eternal life starts now. Life in Jesus is not just about the afterlife—it begins the moment we put our trust in Him.

This verse challenges us to ask: Do I truly believe in Jesus? Am I trusting in Him alone for eternal life?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for people to believe and be saved.

1. God provided a clear testimony about Jesus. He gave us the Bible so that we could know the truth about His Son.
2. God wants all people to have eternal life. John 20:31 shows that God is not trying to hide salvation—He wants people to believe and be saved.
3. God makes salvation simple. We don’t have to achieve perfection or complete religious rituals—we simply need to believe in Jesus.

This verse shows that God’s greatest desire is for people to know and trust in His Son.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse—He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the source of eternal life.

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy. He is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.
2. Jesus is divine. He is not just a teacher—He is the Son of God.
3. Jesus is the giver of life. True life—eternal and abundant—is only found in Him.
4. Jesus demands a response. John doesn’t just present facts about Jesus—he calls people to believe and follow Him.

Other related passages:

• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.”
• John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think John chose to emphasize belief in Jesus as the purpose of his Gospel?
2. What does it mean to believe in Jesus’ name?
3. How does this verse shape the way we share the Gospel with others?
4. If someone asked you how they could have eternal life, how would you use this verse to explain it?
5. Do you believe in Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as your personal Savior and Lord?