THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
The Gospel of John can surprise you if you’re not careful. At first glance it seems so simple. The more you read it however, the more profound and deep it becomes. Someone once observed that John is like a pool where an infant can wade and a theologian can drown!
Some of our favorite verses are found in the Gospel of John. Here is a list of some of the most well known and beloved.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:1)
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ –
(John 3:7)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
(John 4:24)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
(John 8:36)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
(John 10:10)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”
(John 11:25)
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. (John 12:32)
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
(John 13:35)
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
(John 14:1-3)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
(John 15:5)
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
(John 17:17)
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
(John 20:29)
WHY A FORTH GOSPEL?
John is different than the other 3 gospels. In fact, about 90% of the Gospel of John is unique – in other words, it contains information and details about the ministry of Jesus not found in the other three gospels. For instance, most, although not all, of the material found in the other three Gospels (prior to the story of Jesus’ last week) takes place in Galilee. In John’s Gospel, however, Jesus is frequently in Jerusalem or some other area south of Galilee. As you read the Gospel of John, think about where Jesus is in that scene and you’ll notice this for yourself.
SEVEN I AM’S
John weaves seven statements of Jesus throughout his gospel which give us the a more complete picture of who Jesus is and what He does. Each of these statements begins with “I AM.” They are among some of the most well known and beautiful passages found in Scripture.
“I AM the bread of life.” John 6:35, 48,51
“I AM the light of the world.” John 8:12; 9:5
“I AM the door of the sheep.” John 10:7,9
“I AM the good shepherd.” John 10:11,14
“I AM the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25
“I AM the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6
“I AM the true vine.” John 15:1
In addition to these seven metaphors beginning with “I AM,” Jesus also described Himself as simply, “I AM” 5 times (6:20; 8:24, 28, 57; 18:5).
SEVEN SIGNS
When we think of Jesus we think of His miracles. While He performed many miracles in all four gospels, John only records seven and he refers to them as “signs.” Obviously signs point away from themselves and to something else. In the case of the seven signs in John, the signs point to the Miracle Worker, rather than miracles.
- Jesus changed water into wine at Cana in John 2:1-11
- Jesus healed an official’s son in Capernaum (John 4:46-54)
- Jesus healed the paralyzed man at the Pool Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
- Jesus fed the 5000 (John 6:5-14)
- Jesus walked on water (John 6:16-24)
- Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45)
MEMORY VERSE
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
(John 10:11)
Enjoy reading the greatly loved Gospel of John!
-JKB
Kie Bowman 