How does Jesus describe the purpose of scripture in the Gospel of John?

In the Gospel of John, Jesus provides a profound and multi-faceted description of the purpose of Scripture. His teachings reveal that Scripture is not merely a collection of religious texts, but a divine revelation that points to Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Through His words and actions, Jesus elucidates that the ultimate purpose of Scripture is to bring people to faith in Him, thereby granting them eternal life.

One of the most significant passages where Jesus discusses the purpose of Scripture is found in John 5:39-40. Here, Jesus addresses the Jewish leaders, saying, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." In these verses, Jesus underscores that the Scriptures are a testimony to Him. The religious leaders of His time were meticulous in their study of the Scriptures, believing that their knowledge and adherence to the law would grant them eternal life. However, Jesus points out that the Scriptures' primary function is to bear witness to Him. This testimony is meant to lead people to Jesus, who is the source of eternal life.

Jesus further elaborates on this idea in John 5:46-47, where He says, "If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?" Here, Jesus indicates that the writings of Moses, which are foundational to the Jewish Scriptures, are ultimately about Him. This assertion highlights that the entire narrative of Scripture, from the Law to the Prophets, is Christocentric—it points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

In John 8:31-32, Jesus speaks to the Jews who had believed in Him, saying, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This statement reveals another purpose of Scripture: to convey the truth that liberates. Jesus identifies Himself as the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), and His teachings, which are rooted in Scripture, have the power to free individuals from the bondage of sin and falsehood. By abiding in His word, believers come to know the truth, which leads to spiritual freedom and transformation.

John 17:17 provides further insight into the sanctifying purpose of Scripture. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prays to the Father, saying, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." Here, Jesus affirms that God's word is the ultimate truth and that it has a sanctifying effect on believers. Sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes. Through the truth of Scripture, believers are purified and conformed to the image of Christ. This sanctification is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of His character.

Moreover, in John 6:63, Jesus highlights the life-giving nature of His words, stating, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life." This declaration emphasizes that the words of Jesus, which are inextricably linked to Scripture, are imbued with the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. They are not merely human words but divine utterances that impart spiritual life to those who receive them. This life is not just temporal but eternal, as Jesus promises in John 6:68, where Peter acknowledges, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

In addition to these explicit teachings, Jesus' use of Scripture throughout the Gospel of John demonstrates its purpose. For instance, in John 10:34-36, Jesus refers to Psalm 82:6 to defend His claim to divinity, showing that Scripture validates His identity and mission. Similarly, in John 13:18, Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 to explain Judas' betrayal, indicating that the events of His life and ministry are in fulfillment of Scripture. These examples illustrate that Scripture not only testifies to Jesus but also provides the framework for understanding His life, death, and resurrection.

The prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18) sets the stage for understanding the purpose of Scripture by identifying Jesus as the Word (Logos) made flesh. John 1:1 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This profound statement reveals that Jesus is the eternal Word through whom all things were created. In John 1:14, we read, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." By identifying Jesus as the Word, John emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. The written Scriptures, therefore, find their fulfillment and culmination in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of John also presents the purpose of Scripture in the context of belief and eternal life. John 20:30-31 states, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 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." This passage serves as a summary of the entire Gospel and underscores the evangelistic purpose of Scripture. The signs and teachings recorded in John's Gospel are intended to lead readers to faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. This faith, in turn, grants them eternal life.

In conclusion, the Gospel of John presents a rich and comprehensive understanding of the purpose of Scripture. Jesus describes Scripture as a testimony to Him, the source of truth that liberates, the means of sanctification, and the bearer of life-giving words. Through His teachings and actions, Jesus reveals that the ultimate purpose of Scripture is to lead people to faith in Him, thereby granting them eternal life. The entire narrative of Scripture, from the Law to the Prophets, finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. By believing in Him, individuals are transformed, sanctified, and brought into a living relationship with God.