The Gospel of John uniquely introduces Jesus Christ not merely as a man from Nazareth, but as the divine Word of God incarnate. This Word, present at creation, took on human form in Jesus, revealing God’s power and love to humanity. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated his divine nature through seven remarkable signs. These miracles, from transforming water into wine at a wedding to restoring life to the deceased, served as powerful testimonies to his authority and purpose. In his profound teachings, Jesus declared himself to be the essential sustenance for spiritual life (“bread of life”), the source of spiritual illumination (“light of the world”), and the caring protector of his followers (“good shepherd”). His ultimate act of love, the crucifixion, was presented not as defeat but as a deliberate sacrifice, showcasing God’s boundless love for the world. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension further underscored his victory over death and his return to divine glory, assuring believers of eternal life through faith in him.
Decoding the Significance: “So What?” of John’s Gospel
John’s Gospel offers a compelling and deeply insightful portrayal of Jesus, inviting readers into a transformative encounter. By presenting Jesus as “the light of the world” and “good shepherd,” the Gospel employs relatable metaphors to initiate understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission. It simultaneously extends an invitation to delve into the profound depths of his being and the implications of a relationship with God through him. The central aim of John’s Gospel is to cultivate belief in Jesus Christ. This belief, as presented in John, transcends mere intellectual assent; it signifies entering into a trusting and dynamic relationship with God through Jesus. Humanity is inherently created for this divine relationship, and John’s narrative skillfully guides individuals toward this true and eternal life found in connection with God.
Where to Locate John’s Gospel in the Bible
The Gospel of John holds the distinguished position as the fourth book within the New Testament canon of the Bible.
Authorship of the Gospel: Who Wrote It?
The narrative of John’s Gospel is rooted in the eyewitness account of “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20-25). While the Gospel itself does not explicitly name this disciple, early Christian tradition widely identified him as John, the son of Zebedee. However, contemporary biblical scholarship often acknowledges that the precise identity of this beloved disciple remains a subject of ongoing discussion and is not definitively known.
Historical Context: Dating the Gospel of John
Traditionally considered the last Gospel to be written, John’s Gospel is now generally placed within a similar timeframe to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, approximately between 75 and 85 CE.
Core Message: The Central Theme of John’s Gospel
John’s Gospel is purposefully crafted to inspire and strengthen faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah and the Son of God. It proclaims that through Jesus – his life, sacrificial death, triumphant resurrection, and ascension – humanity is offered the invaluable gift of eternal life (John 20:30-31).
Approaching John’s Gospel: A Guide to Reading
John’s Gospel commences with a majestic poetic prologue that sets the stage for Jesus’ story within the grand cosmic narrative of God’s Word. Emphasizing communication, John’s Gospel reveals how God communicates with the world through Jesus. As readers engage with the text, they will discover that Jesus embodies and conveys God’s will and nature through his spoken words, his miraculous deeds, his loving sacrifice on the cross, his victory over death in resurrection, and his return to the Father in ascension. While the Gospel unfolds in earthly settings, its core essence lies in revealing how God makes Himself known to humanity.
