In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
The theme of John’s Gospel is that Jesus is the long-awaited, promised Messiah and Son of God. By believing in Jesus, people have eternal life (see 20:30–31).
As evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, John relies on several selected messianic signs performed by Jesus and a series of witnesses to Jesus. These include the Scriptures, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, God the Father, Jesus’ miraculous works, the Holy Spirit, and John himself.
Key Themes:
I. Jesus. Jesus is God, the “I am.” He existed before the creation of the world, and he has supernatural knowledge. He fulfills the Jewish festivals and institutions. As the sent Son of God, he reflects the Sender. Signs and witnesses demonstrate that he is the Messiah. II. The Trinity. Father, Son, and Spirit are united in their work of revelation and redemption.
III. Salvation. God is sovereign in salvation. Jesus’ death is the basis of salvation, which is obtained through believing in the living Jesus as the Son of God
IV. Eternal Life. Jesus is the giver of eternal life. Believers can experience some of salvation’s benefits during this present evil age.
V. Mission. Believers are called to continue Jesus’ mission.
Outline:
1. Prologue: The Incarnate Word (1:1–18)
2. Signs of the Messiah, with Teaching about Life in Him (1:19–12:50)
3. The Farewell Teaching and the Passion Narrative (13:1–20:31)
4. Epilogue: The Roles of Peter and of the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved (21:1–25)
The Gospel of John presents Christ as the longed for Messiah and Son of God, who comes to earth as a Jew to restore God’s covenant people. Yet the very people who ought to have embraced their Messiah rejected him: “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11). But many people did believe in him, and “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (1:12).
By believing in him, all people everywhere in the world, whatever their ethnic background, may enjoy life—true life, eternal life—in the name of Jesus (20:31).
Join me in preparing for the Book of John and be encouraged!
Here is an excellent/interesting video summary of the 1st half of John. It's provided by the Bible Project and highly recommended! You'll probably need to copy and paste the link in your browser.
https://youtu.be/G-2e9mMf7E8?si=Y5lDF0-WJaDJQWXF
