John study section

John themes

John develops the Word made flesh, believing for life, the signs, the ’I AM’ sayings, love, and the Helper.

Back to John Read the overview

1. The Word Made Flesh

John proclaims the full deity and true humanity of Jesus: the eternal Word who “was God” became flesh and dwelt among us. The incarnation of the Son is the foundation of the whole Gospel.

2. Believe and Have Life

John’s purpose is that readers would believe in Jesus and, believing, have eternal life. “Believe” appears nearly a hundred times; faith in the Son is the one way to the life He gives.

3. The Signs That Reveal His Glory

Seven miraculous signs — beginning at Cana and climaxing in the raising of Lazarus — are not mere wonders but revelations of who Jesus is, given so that people may believe.

4. The “I AM” Sayings

Jesus joins the divine name “I AM” to images of salvation — the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, the true vine — revealing that He is God and the sole source of life.

5. Light and Darkness, Love and the World

John frames the coming of Christ as light shining in darkness, and calls His people to love one another as He has loved them, by the new commandment that marks them as His disciples.

6. The Promised Helper

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will dwell with and in His people, teach them, and testify to Christ — a promise that sustains the church after Jesus returns to the Father.

My notes

Private unless you specifically share them with another.