Introduction to the Gospel of John

Introduction to the Gospel of John

Rev. Troy Dennis

The Gospel of John is the fourth book of the New Testament and gives an account of how God became flesh in Jesus of Nazareth and revealed his glory in word and deed.

John, son of Zebedee and apostle of Jesus, is traditionally viewed as the author of the account which bears his name. Details about the area, culture, and lives of the disciples assure us that the writer was part of Jesus’ inner circle. The writer witnessed Jesus’ death (19:35), and seems to be linked to the disciple Jesus loved (21:24). This link places him with Jesus at the Last Supper (13:23), the cross (19:26-27), the tomb (20:2ff.), and post-resurrection appearances (21:7,20). This evidence ties the apostle securely to the book.

John clearly states the purpose of his book: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” (20:31) Chapters 1-12 highlight Jesus’ public ministry and give us many accounts not included in the other three gospels, such as turning the water to wine (2:1ff.), Nicodemus (ch.3), the woman at the well (ch.4), healings of the official’s son and the man at the Bethesda pool (chs.4-5), the man born blind (ch.9), and Lazarus (ch.11). Miraculous signs and teaching point to his identity, causing many to follow while others continue to speculate that he is the Messiah (2:11; 6:14; 7:40ff.; 9:17). Jesus proves to be very popular with the crowds, but sometimes avoids them (7:8). Chapter 12 is the transition between the public ministry and cross, when Jesus enters Jerusalem in the Triumphal entry and Gentile Greeks request to see him.

Chapters 13-21 concentrate on the last week of Jesus’ life. As a demonstration of service, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. Judas will betray him and Peter will deny him (ch. 13), but Jesus teaches the disciples to comfort them, prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and provide context for his death. His saying, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” (15:13) will prove not only to be prophetic, but a model of discipleship. After praying for himself and his followers (ch.17), Jesus is arrested, tried and crucified (ch.18-19). On the cross Jesus commits Mary to John’s care and after breathing his last, soldiers prove his death before his burial by Joseph and Nicodemus. John devotes his final chapters to proofs of the resurrection as Jesus meets his followers.

The resurrection is the key miraculous sign which points to the conclusion that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” (Jn 20:31) This belief stands behind the unique prologue John provides (1:1-18). The Word, Jesus Christ, is the preexistent Son of God, creator of the world in whom life and light and found. The rest of the book is the illustration of the central theme we find in the prologue: God became flesh and dwelled among us (1:14). In this way the prologue and the resurrection accounts are the bookends which provide meaning to the book.

There are many interesting ways to study the book of John. The “I am” statements provide insight into Jesus’ nature and character: bread of life (6:35); light of the world (8:12; 9:5); I am (8:58); gate (10:7); good shepherd (10:11); God’s Son (10:36); resurrection and the life (11:25); the way, the truth and the life (14:6); true vine (15:1).

Many passages reveal the nature of discipleship. Jesus expects obedience and loyalty (10:27), service, and denial of self. (12:26; 13:14)

Love is the predominant theme of discipleship. Our love is sometimes directed wrongly (3:19; 12:25, 43). Jesus demonstrates love (13:1, 34-35; 14:31; 15:10, 13, etc.). Obedience proves love for Jesus (14:15ff., 23-24; 15:10, etc.). Love for others ought to mark Jesus’ followers (13:35).

Life is another theme of the gospel. Jesus came to give life (10:10) and, ironically, gives life as he dies (3:14; 8:28; 14:19). Life only comes through belief in him (3:15ff.; 6:47; 10:28; 11:25-26; 17:2-3; 5:39). Jesus is the living water (4:10,14; 7:38). Jesus heals (5:21,26). Those who lay down their lives will be raised up (12:25). Jesus is the “way, the truth and the life.” (14:26)

Light is important in John. Jesus is the light of the world (8:12; 9:5) and provides ultimate spiritual illumination (1:1-18). Followers of Jesus leave the darkness to come into the light (3:19-21; 12:46). They will not always have the light with them, but Jesus’ followers become “sons of light.” (12:35-36).

Another interesting area of study in John are the Jewish feasts. Not only do they mark the passing of time in the book, but they also provide interesting historical, cultural, and scriptural backgrounds. The Passover (2:13, 23; 6:4; 11:55; 12:1; 13:1, etc.) provides depth for “Bread of Life” passages. The Feast of Tabernacles may give context to “living water.” (7:2 see 7:38; Ex 17:6ff.). Light was an important part of the Feast of Dedication (10:22). There is an unnamed feast mentioned in 5:1.

Differing in style and content from the other three gospels, John gives us a clear and interesting account of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection. Written with the aim that the reader may believe, this book has often proven itself evangelistically and continues to guide us in faithful living and discipleship.