John’s gospel is the only one that has a clearly stated purpose: “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.” (Jn. 20:31) Here all the major themes seem to converge: belief, acknowledgment of Jesus’ Sonship, and the promise of life. From the very beginning of the narrative, we are invited to believe in his name and become children of God. And then John the Baptist announces his coming, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (1:29) After this proclamation, Jesus begins his earthly ministry with this invitation: “Come, and you will see.” (1:39) Through the remainder of John’s gospel, we will discover Jesus extending invitations to join him in his ministry and asking penetrating questions that cause people to pause...reflect...leaving them with a decision to make: will I or will I not trust this man who seems to be sent from God? Over the next eight weeks we will be invited by Jesus to follow him and inspired to live a life of bold faith.