Subtitle: Jesus represented as fully God and fully man.

Excerpt: Jesus represented as fully God and fully man.

Author: Jaqueline Grandi

The Gospel of John is a profound and theological account of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Traditionally attributed to the apostle John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, this Gospel uniquely emphasizes Jesus as both fully man and fully God. Written around AD 90, it addresses believers and unbelievers everywhere, inviting them to believe in Jesus as the only begotten Son of God and experience eternal life through Him. This survey will explore the key themes, structure, and theological contributions of the Gospel of John.

Keys to Understanding John

• Human Author: The apostle John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, one of Jesus’ closest disciples.
• Type of Writing: Gospel/Historical Narrative. John combines historical events with deep theological reflection.
• Date of Writing: Around AD 90, making it one of the latest Gospels written.
• Primary Audience: Believers and unbelievers everywhere. John writes to strengthen faith and invite others to believe in Jesus.
• Key Verse: John 20:31 — “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
• Big Idea: Jesus is both fully man and fully God. Believe in Him as the only begotten Son of God for eternal life.

Outline of John

1. Introduction of Jesus as the Eternal Word (Chapter 1) — The Divine Identity of Christ

John begins by establishing Jesus’ divine nature and eternal existence:

A. In the Beginning: John echoes Genesis, declaring that Jesus is the eternal Word who existed before creation (1:1–3).

B. The Incarnation: The eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity, revealing God’s glory (1:14).

C. Light in Darkness: Jesus is the light that came into the world, but the world rejected Him (1:4–5).

D. Seven Titles of Jesus: John introduces Jesus with seven significant titles:

1. The Lamb of God (1:29)
2. The Son of God (1:34)
3. Rabbi (1:38)
4. Messiah/Christ (1:41)
5. Jesus of Nazareth (1:45)
6. King of Israel (1:49)
7. Son of Man (1:51)

2. Miracles and Controversies (Chapters 2–10) — Demonstrations of Power and Opposition

This section highlights Jesus’ miracles and the growing opposition from religious leaders.

A. The Wedding at Cana: Jesus performs His first miracle, turning water into wine, revealing His glory (2:11).

B. Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus drives out merchants and money changers, asserting His authority over the temple (2:15–16).

C. Meeting with Nicodemus: Jesus teaches about being born again and eternal life (3:1–3).

D. The Samaritan Woman: Jesus reaches out to a marginalized woman, offering living water (4:28–30).

E. Healing on the Sabbath: Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, provoking conflict with the Pharisees (5:8–10).

F. Feeding the Five Thousand: At the Passover, Jesus provides bread and declares Himself the Bread of Life (6:34–35).

G. Feast of Tabernacles: 

• He is the Water of Life (7:37–38), symbolizing the rock Moses struck in the wilderness.
• He is the Light of the World (8:12), representing the pillar of fire that guided Israel.

H. Feast of Dedication: Jesus claims divinity, declaring, “I and the Father are one” (10:30).

3. The Raising of Lazarus (Chapters 11–12) — Power Over Death

Jesus demonstrates His authority over death by raising Lazarus, further enraging His opponents.

A. Lazarus Falls Ill: Jesus delays His arrival, knowing He will glorify God through Lazarus’ death (11:4).

B. Lazarus Dies: Despite His delay, Jesus goes to Bethany, knowing it will lead to His own death (11:7–8, 16).

C. Resurrection of Lazarus: Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the tomb, proving He has power over death (11:25–26, 43–44).

D. Plot to Kill Jesus: Instead of believing, the Pharisees plot to destroy Him (11:46–47, 53).

E. Triumphal Entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem as King, fulfilling prophecy, though He knows He must die (12:23, 32–33).

4. Jesus’ Final Words and Acts (Chapters 13–17) — Intimacy and Instruction

During His final hours, Jesus shares intimate teachings and prayers with His disciples.

A. Washing the Disciples’ Feet: Jesus models humility and servanthood, urging His followers to do likewise (13:14–15).

B. Teaching About Love, Joy, and Peace: Jesus promises His presence and peace, calling His disciples to love one another (13:34–35).

C. Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus assures His disciples of the coming Comforter, who will guide them into truth (16:7–8).

D. High Priestly Prayer: Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all believers, emphasizing unity and glory (17:4–5, 20–21).

5. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection (Chapters 18–20) — Redemption Accomplished

The climax of John’s Gospel is Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and appearances to His disciples.

A. Arrest and Trial: Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and tried unjustly during the night (18:28).

B. Crucifixion: Jesus dies on the cross, fulfilling Scripture and offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin (19:30).

C. Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead, appearing to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, confirming His victory over death (20:19–20).

D. Purpose of the Gospel: John concludes that belief in Jesus as the Son of God leads to eternal life (20:30–31).

6. Disciples Restored (Chapter 21) — Restoration and Commission

The final chapter restores Peter and reaffirms the mission of the disciples.

A. Return to Fishing: After Jesus’ death, some disciples return to their old way of life, symbolizing confusion and discouragement (21:3).

B. Miraculous Catch of Fish: Jesus reminds them of their true calling with a miraculous catch (21:6–7).

C. Threefold Restoration of Peter: Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, mirroring Peter’s three denials, and commissions him to feed His sheep (21:15–17).

D. Call to Follow Christ: Jesus encourages Peter to follow Him faithfully, even unto death (21:19).

E. Longevity of John: The Gospel concludes with John’s testimony, affirming his role as an eyewitness (21:20–24).

Additional Insights

• Theological Themes: John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, humanity, and salvific mission. Key themes include eternal life, love, truth, and the role of the Holy Spirit.
• Mission and Church: John highlights the importance of faith and witness, calling believers to share the gospel with the world.
• Eschatology: While not focusing heavily on end-times events, John highlights the eternal implications of believing in Jesus.

Conclusion

The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Son of God, fully man and fully divine, who came to offer eternal life through belief in Him. Through its rich theological depth, vivid imagery, and emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ, John invites readers to recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world. The purpose of the Gospel is clear: to inspire belief and eternal life in those who receive Him. John’s Gospel remains a timeless testament to the person and work of Jesus Christ, calling all to embrace Him as Lord and Savior.