John

Introduction

John tells us his purpose plainly: 'these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name' (20:31). He selects seven signs and seven 'I am' sayings to build the case. The prologue (1:1-18) lifts the curtain on the eternal Word who became flesh. The book is at once the simplest Gospel — short words, recurring themes — and the deepest.

Outline

1. PrologueJohn 1:1-18
2. Seven signs (public ministry)John 1:19 – 12:50
3. Upper Room DiscourseJohn 13–17
4. Passion and resurrectionJohn 18–21

Key verses

• John 1:14
• John 3:16
• John 8:32
• John 14:6
• John 20:31

Chapter notes

Detailed reflections on key chapters in John.

• John 1 — The Word Made Flesh

  John lifts the curtain higher than any other Gospel. Before there was a Bethlehem, there was the Word — with God, who was God, by whom all things were made. The same Word who was the agent of creation became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist points him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the first disciples follow him; Nathanael confesses him as the Son of God and King of Israel. The eternal becomes near enough to touch.

  Pre-existence of ChristIncarnationLight and lifeFirst disciples
• John 3 — You Must Be Born Again

  By night a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus, half-confessing him as a teacher sent from God. Jesus cuts past the compliment: 'except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Religion will not do; reformation will not do; only a new birth by water and the Spirit. The chapter rises to the most-quoted verse in the Bible — 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' — and ends with John the Baptist's last public testimony: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.'

  New birthThe SpiritGod's love for the worldFaith and life
• John 14 — I Am the Way

  On the night before his crucifixion Jesus comforts his disciples. He is going to prepare a place for them; he is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by him. He promises another Comforter — the Holy Spirit — who will dwell in them and bring his words to remembrance. The peace he gives is not as the world gives. Even with the cross hours away, he turns from his own sorrow to steady theirs.

  HeavenExclusivity of ChristHoly Spirit promisedChrist's peace