THE GOSPEL OF JOHN at a glance ...

PURPOSE: To prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God & that all who believe in him will have eternal life.

AUTHOR: John the apostle, son of Zebedee, brother of James, called a “Son of Thunder”.

ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: New Christians & searching non-Christians

DATE WRITTEN: More than likely sometime between A.D. 85-90.

THE SETTING: Written after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 & before John was exiled to the island of Patmos.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Of the 8 miracles recorded, 6 are unique to John’s gospel, as is the “Upper Room Discourse”(chapters 14-17). Over 90% of John is unique to his Gospel ... John doesn’t contain a genealogy or any record of Jesus’ birth, childhood, temptation, transfiguration, appointment of the disciples, nor any account of Jesus’ parables, ascension, or great commission.

            In this gospel, John makes it very clear that Jesus wasn’t just a man; he is the eternal Son of God. Jesus is the light of the world because he offers the gift of eternal life to all people. How blind and foolish it is to call Jesus nothing more than an unusually good man or moral teacher. In deference to the fact that he is said to be the eternal Son of God, we should pay close attention to his divine identity & life-giving message.

            Jesus met with individuals, preached to great crowds, trained his disciples, and debated with the religious leaders of the day. The message he shared was met with mixed reactions. There were those who worshipped him, some who were puzzled, some who shrunk back, and some who plotted to silence him. We see the same type of responses today. Times have changed, but people’s hearts remain hard. 

            Jesus carefully taught the disciples how to carry on after his death. They must not allow anything to put a halt to their believing in Christ. Even after he predicted his own death and resurrection the disciples still didn’t believe it when reports came in after Jesus’ resurrection that he had been seen. Thomas emphatically said he wouldn’t believe Jesus was alive until he could touch his hands and his side. This was not faith, but Thomas needed actually physical proof. Before we’re too hard on Thomas for his lack of faith, think about how you would react to the news that the Christ, whom you had seen crucified, was now said to be alive again. Pretty unbelievable. 

            Up next are the Mega-Themes found in John. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible