believe

As I’m journeying through the gospel of John, I’ve been attentive to themes and words that are repeated. John used the greek word for “believe” 98 times throughout the book! Talk about wanting to get your attention! John used it first in John 1:7.

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. (NIV, John 1:7)

John’s last use of “believe” sums up his purpose for writing.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (NIV, John 20:31)

The varied episodes and teachings in John all help to develop the idea of “belief.” I guess that the question I have for you is: “Do you believe?” Do you believe that Jesus is the Word? Do you believe that in Him is light and that He is the life? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ? Do you believe that He is the Son of God, who was to come into the world? Do you believe that Jesus is the bread of life? Do you believe in Him and so you have crossed over from death to life? Do you believe in the Holy One of God? Do you believe in Him, as the Scripture has said, and therefore have streams of living water flowing from within? Do you believe in Christ and therefore worship Him? Do you believe He is the resurrection and the life and therefore have eternal life in Him?

-murji kruger