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LESSON 14• The Gospel of John
“That You Might Believe and Have Life In His Name” (John 20:31)
Preparation for New Testament Survey, May 14, 2006
The Gospel of John
INTRODUCTION
The centerpiece of the Johannine writings is the fourth gospel, a powerful witness to the influence of Jesus Christ. Like the Synoptic Gospels, John’s gospel record tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection written from the perspective of his most intimate disciple.
John, known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (13:23; 19:26; 20:2-9) is identified as the authoritative witness behind this writing (19:35;21:20-24). Generally accepted to be the latest of the Gospels, most of the action he documents happens around Jerusalem rather than inGalilee. While no doubt written for multiple purposes, the declaration in 20:30-31 is profound –
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John wanted his readers to (1) know that Jesus is the giver of life and (2) understand the promise of eternal life. He strongly felt that signs should lead to belief and belief to life and John clearly identified this as the principle reason this gospel record was written and preserved. Beyond just the scope of bringing about conversion, the Greek word and tense that John used revealed his desire that the readers of his gospel “continue to believe” (20:31). This is a belief that results in the forming of a new relationship with God and which leads to the abundant life. Sad as it is to admit, there is a strong undercurrent of non-acceptance and rejection of Jesus in John’s gospel. John reveals there is a fine line separating “belief” and “unbelief.”
The special character of John’s Gospel can be seen immediately when systematically compared to the Synoptic Gospels. John departs from the “historical” style and focuses on the theological implications of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In doing this, John devotes much of his gospel to some significant and symbolic actions of Jesus (called “signs”) that serve to frame this gospel. These signs demand close examination.
MONDAY
The dialogues found in John’s gospel are most interesting. There are no parables in John’s gospel, and the themes and the style of Jesus’ discourses are unlike those of the other gospels. A statement or deed of Jesus which should have been understood by those he encountered is often misunderstood. So Jesus explains. But the more he explains, the deeper grows the misunderstanding. We, the reader, have the benefit of seeing the big picture. But even with that luxury, there are still mysteries about God and his will that we desperately strive to uncover.
Structurally, John’s gospel has four major parts:
* The prologue (1:1-51) that introduces us to the Word made flesh;
* The book of signs (2:1-12:50) revealing the deeds of the Messiah;
* The book of glory (13:1-20:31) reveals Jesus’ declaration of our glorious position in Christ and Jesus’ glory through his death and resurrection;
* An appendix (21:1-25) shows the reader how Peter was restored after his betrayal.
A unique feature of John’s gospel is the inclusion of seven “I am” sayings that are prominently featured in the gospel. The “I am” sayings are often combined with a “sign.” For example, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world” and illustrates the meaning of his statement by giving sight to a blind man (9:1-12).
There are many examples of material unique to the fourth gospel such as the stories of Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the man born blind, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and others. The feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus’ walking on the water is the only “miraculous sign” that appears in all four gospels.
TUESDAY
“When all things began the Logos already was” (NEB). To a Greek-speaking convert from Judaism and to others versed in the Septuagint, the first statements in John’s prologue doubtless recalled the Genesis story of creation and the historic missions of the Hebrew prophets. John affirms the preexistence of the Word with God before the world began. Belief in the incarnation of the Logos and the proclamation of “the Eternal Word” by a believing community led to the advance of Christianity. The personified use of the “Word” as a title for Jesus is unique to John and points to the fact that He was and is the revelation of Jehovah God.
Shifting from this deep theological declaration, the scene shifts and introduces John the Baptist as a leading witness to the light (1:6-9). A prophet in his own right, he came to pave the way for the Messiah.
After this brief introduction of John the Baptist, John wonderfully highlights the marvel of God Himself becoming flesh entering the bounds of time and wonder that it is, He “pitched his tent among us.” But from the outset of his gospel, John introduces the ever-present theme of rejection (1:10-11). Nevertheless, the “glory” of the Lord was seen, full of grace and truth (1:14).
As we have already stated, the purpose of John’s gospel was to bear witness that Jesus is the Son of God. So before he enters into the heart of his account, John provides a series of confessions that testify to the identity of Jesus (1:19-34). The final section of chapter one introduces us to the first disciples who accepted Jesus’ invitation.
WEDNESDAY
John chose the Greek word for “sign” rather than the word for “miracle” to identify some of the important miraculous events in his gospel. Chapters 2-12 is designated as the “Book of Signs” because seventeen times the word “sign” is used by John in this section to designate actions of Jesus, some miraculous, others not.
Your primary assignment for this week is to read through this section and list the different “signs” and your interpretation as to their significance in this gospel account. Please remember that each sign given is intended by John to reveal the “glory of the Lord.”
John’s gospel moves smoothly from one incident to another. Great transformations were taking place in the lives of those who encountered Jesus. The kingdomof God was breaking into human experience. This movement rocked the world of those steeped in Judaism.
Notice how early John reveals Jesus’ warning that the premier sign from heaven that will exceed them all will be his resurrection after three days in the grave (2:19-22).
Consider John’s statement in 2:23-25. He first states that many believed because of the signs, but he promptly reveals that Jesus questioned their convictions because he “knew them.” What did he know about them?
As you consider Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, a leading Pharisee of the day, note the theological truths John outlines in this section in talking about the important place of a “new birth.” Reflect on the linkage between baptism symbolically connecting us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and the concept of being “born of the Spirit.”
While there are so many wonderful lessons gleaned from Jesus’ discussion with the Samaritan woman in chapter 4, none is more important that his use of the metaphor of “living water” as God’s gift of eternal life (see also7:37-39).
Chapters 5-6 are laden with the theme of rejection. Herein John reveals the Jews’ hatred for Jesus that was developing, even to the point that some were already plotting his death. Take a close look and notice in 5:1-15 that the invalid who Jesus healed of his 38 year infirmity walked away an unbeliever (vv. 13-15).
THURSDAY
One of the real issues that troubled the Jews was Jesus’ claim to be “equal with God” (5:16-18). In 5:36-47, Jesus attributes their unbelief to their estrangement from God.
Chapters 7-10 form a section that is unified by the teaching and activity of Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles (7:1-10:21) and the Feast of Dedication (10:22-42). Herein, John establishes the identity of Jesus and in these two settings he proclaims that he is the . . .source of living water, the light of the world, the door to the sheep, and the good shepherd. These claims served to intensify the opposition resulting in stronger accusations, interrogations, death plots, and attempts to arrest or stone Jesus. Already he seems to be on trial! The healing of the blind man in chapter 9 is pivotal as he uncovers the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness.
Chapters 11-12 close the Book of Signs. As you know, chapter 11 contains the climactic sign performed by Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the dead. It is a moment when Jesus confronts death and demonstrates his power and victory over it and points to his own resurrection! Remember the promise, “He who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (11:25). Chapter 12 marks the end of the public ministry of Jesus and marks the beginning of the Passion week. The tragic note is that after seeing all these signs, people still did not believe.
Chapter 13 serves as a preface to what scholars have called the “Book of Glory” (13:1-20:31). In this intimate setting with his closest disciples, Jesus prepares them for his death and return to the Father. John describes this event to carefully show the example of love as contrasted with a spirit of betrayal.
Chapters 14-17 contain Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples and His intercessory prayer. Several major themes appear in this section: the promise of the Holy Spirit, the way to the Father, Jesus’ promised return, bearing fruit, the important place of obedience, a description of the world. Note the central theme of “glory” as you read through Jesus’ prayer in chapter 17.
FRIDAY
One must carry this thought of glory into a reading of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and death. It was the hour of Jesus’ glorification. How is that true? When reading John’s account of events of the Passion Week, you can’t help but be struck by the contrast between the nature of God and the nature of man.
John’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion is different than the one in the Synoptics. At the cross, Jesus is surrounded by his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the mother of Cleopas, Mary Magdalene, and the beloved disciple (19:25-26). One of the unique facts shared by John is that when the soldiers came to break Jesus’ legs, they realized he was already dead – so it was fulfilled that Jesus was the Paschal Lamb. But then they pierced his side and water and blood flowed from such (19:34). This fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah (12:10; 13:1) and pointed to a fountain that would be opened up to eternal life . . . one which would cleanse all who drink from sin and impurity.
With that long night of betrayal and death past and the empty tomb as a testimony that he had risen from the grave, Mary and the disciples come face to face with the risen Lord; and the theme of “seeing and believing” takes on a heightened significance. Thomas’ insistence on touching the nail prints in Jesus’ hands resulted in his exalted confession, “My Lord and my God.” To that, Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”(20:29).
John closes his gospel depicting a very touching moment between Jesus and his disciples on the shores of Tiberias at which time Peter is reconnected with the Lord and confesses his love and devotion.
© 2006, Pleasant Valley Church of Christ
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