The Gospel of John was written by the disciple John, brother of James, son of Zebedee. John's intended audience was everyone, whereas Matthew wrote for a Jewish audience, Mark for Romans, and Luke for Greeks.
John's focus is to present Jesus as the Son of God. He presents the most powerful case in the Bible for the deity of Christ. This truth is underscored by John in four ways.
First, John emphasizes the preexistence of Christ in chapter one.
Second, John sets forth seven signs (miracles) of Christ's deity ( chapters 1-12):
1. Jesus changes the water into wine
2. Jesus heals the Offical's son
3. Jesus heals a man at a pool
4. Jesus feeds the five thousand
5. Jesus walks on water
6. Jesus heals a man born blind
7. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
Third, Jesus made the seven "I am" statement which are references to the Messiah:
1. I am the resurrection
2. I am the bread of life
3. I am the light of the world
4. I am the door
5. I am the good shepherd
6. I am the way, the truth
7. I am the true vine
Fourth, John mentions five witnesses to Jesus indentity as God, the Messiah:
1. John the Baptist
2. God the Father
3. Jesus himself
4. The Bible (Scripture)
5. The work of Jesus
Structural Plan of John's Gospel:
* Incarnation of the Son of God - 1:1 - 18
* Presentation of the Son of God - 1:19 - 4:54
* Opposition to the Son of God - 5:1 - 12:50
* Preparation by the Son of God - 13:1 - 17:26
* Vindication of the Son of God - 18:1 - 21:25
Key Verse in the Gospel of John:
"These (signs) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." (20:31)
Key words in the Gospel of John:
Truth, believe, faith, love, light, & word
I have been reading and I figure it is time I start posting some comments and questions to engage you pastor Mike.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting the structural analysis of the gospels, it is helpful in bringing clarity and understanding to my reading.
Here is my question, in John 3:13 Jesus says no one has ever gone into heaven except the son of man (paraphrase). If that is the case then where did all the spirits of those who died prior go? Please enlighten me on this topic.
Dorian
Jesus is talking to Nicodemus about spiritual things, what one must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers Nicodemus questions concerning spiritual things, but Nicodemus is confusing heavenly things with earthly things. When Jesus says, no one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - he was saying no man is qualified to speak of heavenly things, except he (Jesus) who has come from heaven. To speak of heaven with authority one must be intimately acquainted with heaven - no one except Jesus can speak intimately about heaven. This does not mean no one has gone to heaven; but that no one has ascended and returned, so as to be qualified to speak of things there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the clarification, as always I appreciate your insights.
ReplyDeleteDorian
I have been so excited about following the readings that I have gotten ahead. As a result my comment comes from John 5. I found it significant, all the words Jesus spoke- in red, in this chapter. I was struck by his comments regarding people focusing on the scriptures and profits that spoke of Him and yet now He is with them and they do not see it. Worse than that they are even hostile to Him.
ReplyDeleteThis really struck me and made me think, is Jesus ever with us and we are so busy doing that we do not see, hear, or feel Him. What a tragedy this would be.
Is there a way to select a profile for AOL users?
ReplyDeleteI have been using anonymous because I do not see an AOL option.
Dorian
In light of all we have been talking about this week and at small group, John 6:29 is so freeing- Jesus answered, "the work of God is this; to believe in the one who he has sent." What a empowering statement for all of us who feel like we have to continually do more.
ReplyDeleteJohn 7 is a great example of what you discussed on Wed regarding Jesus needing to protect his physical life and his "brothers" living in their little worlds not understanding Gods bigger world. Another great example is in John 8:58.
I love the way God reinforces and the messages we need to hear throughout the week. There is nothing better than true God moments.
Im finding the book of John an amazing and powerful read with so much of Jesus's words in it. It is strong, direct, and speaks directly to the heart & soul.
Dorian
I am a bit ahead, John 15. In John 15:16 I found a very interesting detail that I would like to hear peoples comments on.
ReplyDeleteJesus says I choose you and appointed you to go bear fruit. THEN the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
I think this point is often missed and is very powerful, we must do & bear fruit from our actions, Then our prayers will be answered. How many would change their prayers or walk if they felt they needed to bear fruit to have them answered?
Question.
ReplyDeleteIn John 15:22 Jesus says if I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin.
What is he referring to and how should this be interpreted? Does this mean if someone has never heard the gospel or about Christ then cannot be judged for their sin because they were not aware of it?