Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Today’s message is based on John 20:30-31 and is titled “Evidence That Demands a Verdict.”

In this passage, the Apostle John gives the clearest purpose statement of any of the gospel writers. John comes to a point in his argument where he calls upon his readers to render a verdict: Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus is the Son of God.

There is something of a closing statement or argument that John is moving into. We have noted throughout John’s gospel that he uses legal terminology such as “testify” and “testimony” frequently. He begins in his first chapter with the testimony of The Baptist and we see other witnesses “called” throughout, even “hostile” witnesses such as the Pharisees. We see testimonial evidence, and also material evidence, such as signs and wonders. John lets us know here that he is reporting only selected instances, but there is much more that could be written.