John 5:1-18 While John's purpose in the writing of

His Gospel has not changed (that his readers would believe Jesus is

the Christ, the Son of God, and through believing have life in His

name - John 20:31), the means by which this is communicated takes a

turn. The next several chapters of this book will focus upon the

intensifying persecution by Jewish leaders toward Jesus. Since

Jesus is the "Lamb of God", He will become the atoning sacrifice

for sin upon the cross. The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ

centers upon His cross, and unless this offense is declared, there

is no hope for eternal life.