Introducting the Gospel of John

Introducing the Gospel of John

John 20:30-31

Thesis: To highlight some unique qualities of John’s gospel.

Introduction:

1. When have you last read from the gospel of John?

2. What do you know from John?

Discussion:

Let us consider...

I. What John omits from his gospel account.

A. John omits genealogy, birth, youth, baptism, temptation, parables, institution of the

Lord’s Supper, casting out demons, calling of the twelve, transfiguration and ascension.

B. “Kingdom” themes are also absent.

II. What is unique to the gospel of John.

A. However, John specifically refers to Jesus as God (1:1, 18:20:28), emphasizes Jesus’

divinity and humanity, includes material like John 2-4 (water to wine, dialogue with

Nicodemus, Samaritan ministry), includes frequent trips to Jerusalem, emphasizes 7

signs and 7 “I am” statements, and exposes many dualisms (life & death; “from above,”

“from below”; light & dark; truth & lie; sight & blind).

B. This gospel is one of “believe.” It is also one full of words, discourses and interviews;

the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark & Luke)

III. Helpful supporting info to this gospel.

John provides four Passover feasts (2:13; 5:1?; 6:4; 11:55). John knows that Jesus kept an

interest on time; “hour” mostly related to something eschatological (i.e. cross – 7:30; 8:20;

12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1). Themes are important (i.e. salvation, eschatology, Holy Spirit, use of

the Old Testament, recorded misunderstandings, people of God, and election and faith).

Hat-Rack Apps

1. Read John once per month (one chapter daily excluding weekends)

2. Study this outline. Track Jesus’ movements. Know Jesus “I am” statements.

3. Encourage others to hear the sermon series in John on Sunday evenings.

Conclusion:

1. John’s gospel creates faith in Jesus, God’s son.

2. We can intimately know God through Jesus.

Map of Palestine During the Life of Christ

Use the above map to identify locations in the outline below

Outline of the Gospel on John with Jesus’ Locations

I. The Prologue

1:1-18

II. Jesus’ Self-Disclosure in Word and Deed

1:19-10:42

A. Prelude to Jesus’ public ministry

1:19-51

Bethany beyond Jordan

1:28

B. Early ministry: signs, works & words

2:1-4:54

Cana of Galilee

2:11

Capernaum

2:12

Jerusalem

2:13-3:21

Land of Judaea

3:22-36

Aenon near Salim

3:23

Samaria

4:1-42

Galilee

4:43

Cana

4:46

C. Rising opposition: more signs, works & words

5:1-7:52

Jerusalem

5:1

Other side of Galilee

6:1

Proceeded to Capernaum

6:16-17

Synagogue at Capernaum

6:59

Galilee

7:1-13

Jerusalem

7:14-52

D. Radical confrontation: climactic signs, works & words

8-10

Mount of Olives (near Jerusalem)

7:53

Aeno

10:40-11:16

Bethany

11:17-53

III. Transition: Life & Death, King & Suffering Servant

11-12

A. The death and resurrection of Lazarus

11:1-44

B. The judicial decision to kill Jesus

11:45-54

Ephraim

11:54-57

C. Triumph and impending death

11:55-12:36

Bethany

12:1-11

Jerusalem (remains here until resurrection)

12:12

D. Theology of unbelief

12:37-50

IV. Jesus’ Self-Disclosure in His Cross & Exaltation

13:1-20:31

A. The last supper

13:1-30

B. The farewell discourse

13:31-16:33

C. The prayer of Jesus

17:1-26

D. The trial and passion of Jesus

18:1-19:42

E. The resurrection of Jesus

20:1-31

V. Epilogue

21:1-25

A. Jesus appears to his disciples by the sea

21:1-14

Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee)

21:1-23

B. Jesus and Peter and John

21:15-24

C. The greatness of Jesus

21:25

Things to Follow in John’s Gospel

Seven Signs/Miracles of Jesus

1) Turns water to wine

Power over Quality

2:1-11

2) Healing of the nobleman’s son

Power over Space

4:46-54

3) Healing of an impotent man

Power over Time

5:1-18

4) Feeding of the 5000

Power over Quantity

6:1-14

5) Walks on water

Power over Nature

6:16-21

6) Healing of a blind man

Power over Misfortune

9:1-12

7) Raising of Lazarus

Power over Death

11:1-46

Seven “I Am” Statement of Jesus

1) “I Am the Bread of Life”

6:35

2) “I Am the Light of the World”

8:12; 9:15

3) “I Am the Door”

10:7

4) “I Am the Good Shepherd”

10:11, 14

5) “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”

11:25

6) “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life”

14:6

7) “I Am the True Vine”

15:1

Titles for Jesus

Son; Son of God; Son of Man; Rabbi; Teacher; Messiah; the Christ; Lamb of God; I Am; Jesus, King of Israel; Jesus, King of the Jews; the Word; God

Emphasis on the Cross

The cross was a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks (1 Cor. 1:23); but John wanted to present Jesus as a slain Lamb (Jn. 1:29) because it is important for John’s overall purpose of creating faith (Jn. 20:30-31).

What was the inherent point of the cross? The cross was God’s plan from the beginning (see John 1:29) to return Jesus to the Father’s presence, the evidence of humanity’s rejection of the Savior, the method for God’s heart to cleanse sin and bring life to humanity, the beginning of the new Christian age, and the means by which God could bring honor and glory to himself.

“The cross is not merely a revelatory moment: it is the death of the shepherd for his sheep, the sacrifice of one man for his nation, the life that is given for the world, the victory of the Lamb of God, the triumph of the obedient Son who in consequence of his obedience bequeaths his life, his peace, his joy, his Spirit” (Carson, p. 97). We speak, therefore, only in matters of Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2), and we boast only in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:25).