OVERVIEW OF JOHN

The Gospel JOHN

of John INTRODUCTION
LESSON

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 Introduction Lesson Notes
Overview of John

Focus Verse
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded
in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son
of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)

Outline
● The Authority of John’s Gospel

● The Purpose of John’s Gospel

● The Structure of John’s Gospel

Engage
Throughout history, people have searched for sufficient words to describe and celebrate
love. Beautiful poetry and love songs attempt to capture glorious feelings and express
devotion. If human love stretches our imagination, how could we ever adequately speak
about how God loves us? Centuries ago, a disciple of Jesus named John did just that.
John personally experienced Jesus’s love in deeply powerful ways. With years to think
about his time with Jesus, John penned words about the Savior he loved so we would
love Jesus too. He wrote what the Holy Spirit led him to remember and what God helped
him understand. At the end of his chronicle, John confessed that all the books in the world
could not capture the wonder of Jesus. Such treasures transcend human language.

No other writer reveals Jesus as intimately as John. He pulls back the curtain to share both
tender and powerful moments. John recorded not only what Jesus said, but also helps us
understand what Jesus meant. He did not write just so we would know about Jesus but
called us to believe in Him and experience the fullness of life He offers.1 As we embark
on our study of John’s Gospel, prepare to embrace the wonder of who Jesus is, what He
has done, and how He loves. John calls people to believe and find life in Jesus, God’s
Son. Whether you are merely curious about Jesus or deeply committed to Him, this book
promises great adventures and amazing truth. Receive the words of this book as God’s gift
to you, His beloved.
1. Fullness of life: John 10:10

The early Church proclaimed the hope-filled truth about Jesus, who came to earth, died for our
sins, and rose again so we might stand in God’s presence. Gospel means “good news”—and
glorious news it is! The gospel is God’s life-changing power that brings salvation and eternal
life to all who believe in His Son.
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The Authority of John’s Gospel

The Four Gospels

Jesus appointed the apostles as His witnesses and guardians of the truth.1 Through the Holy
Spirit’s power, the apostles preached, remembered details of Jesus’s ministry, and wrote
with God’s authority.2 The Church grew, and four accounts circulated among believers. The
Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were known and treasured before the
calendar year AD 100. In the second and third centuries, church leaders recognized the need
to identify truly authoritative books. Only books with unquestioned validity—written or
approved by the apostles and in agreement with the whole of Scripture—were received by the
Church as God’s Word. The four Gospels stand as a confirmed declaration of Jesus’s work on
earth and God’s eternal truth. While there is one essential gospel, we have four authoritative
accounts to treasure.3

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels. The word synoptic comes from the
Greek language and means “viewed together.” Written at roughly the same time, these three
Gospels contain much common material, though presented from different perspectives. John’s
Gospel stands apart from the others. Written about 20 to 30 years later (AD 80-100), John’s
Gospel is often referred to as the “spiritual,” “supplementary,” or “complementary” Gospel, as
it offers a unique perspective on Jesus and His mission. The Synoptics tell Jesus’s story from
the “earth up,” as people realize who Jesus is. John tells Jesus’s story from “heaven down,”
telling us who Jesus is in his very first verse. Archaeological discoveries of verified ancient
manuscripts of John’s Gospel indicate a sufficiently early date for authorship by a living
eyewitness. John brings theological insight likely gained through years of contemplating the
rich meaning behind Jesus’s words and actions.

Like four artists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John produced four similar but unique portraits of
Jesus. Each book presents a dramatic portrayal of Christ. While the beauty of the Lord Jesus
cannot be adequately described, the four Gospels combine to offer a rich picture of God’s Son.

The Apostle John

Though the author of this Gospel does not expressly mention his name, internal evidence
throughout the book clearly points to the apostle John. The intentionally anonymous author
referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This phrase indicates not pride,
but rather humility and wonder at the depth of Jesus’s personal love. Eyewitness details,
geographical accuracy, and a deep infusion of wisdom drawn from his intimate relationship
with Jesus validate John’s authorship—a fact well-established in the early Church.

John and his brother James were Peter’s partners in the fishing trade along the Sea of
Galilee.4 The brothers, sons of Zebedee, left their business to follow Jesus.5 John’s mother,
a committed believer often identified as Mary or Salome, is known for her request that her

1. Apostles: Matthew 16:17-19; 28:19-20; John 15:16, 26-27; Ephesians 2:19-21

2. Apostles’ authority: John 14:26; 16:12-15; 2 Timothy 3:16
3. The gospel: Romans 1:16-17; 4:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
4. Fishermen: Luke 5:7-10
5. James and John: Matthew 4:21; 10:2; 26:37

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 two sons be granted seats on Jesus’s right and left in His kingdom.6 Jesus called John and
his brother James the “sons of thunder,” perhaps because of their fiery and strong-willed
personalities.7 The Lord marks a unique path for each of His children. Among His disciples,
Jesus entrusted John, Peter, and James with greater responsibility and opportunities.8

John’s other New Testament writings include 1, 2, and 3 John as well as Revelation. The Bible
is silent on how John left Jerusalem. Church tradition says that John ministered for years in
and around Ephesus. Revelation 1 finds the elderly John exiled on the Aegean island of Patmos,
probably under the persecution of Roman Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96).9 John’s long life of
commitment and service to the Lord allowed him time to process all he experienced. John’s
writings reveal that Jesus’s friendship transformed the youthful “son of thunder” into an apostle
of love.10

Through the Holy The Unique Perspective of John’s Gospel

Spirit’s power, God Through the Holy Spirit’s power, God powerfully uses people who love Jesus
powerfully uses passionately and follow Him earnestly. John’s words reflect a depth of maturity
people who love and wisdom that causes critics to question authorship by an uneducated
Jesus passionately fisherman. Inspired, empowered, and instructed by the Holy Spirit, John
and follow Him explains not just what Jesus did, but why He did it. He offers information
earnestly. alongside explanations of the deeper intent behind Jesus’s words and actions.
John wanted his readers to know, love, and believe in Jesus.

John’s writings differ in style and content from the other three Gospels. About 90% of the
material recorded in John is unique to this book. He omitted details the other Gospel writers
included and wrote about events and teachings they did not record. John’s literary style stands
apart as well. John masterfully used simple words such as “light “and “life” to capture profound
eternal truths. His metaphors and symbols add incredible depth and meaning. John often used
dualism—deliberate contrasts such as “light and darkness,” “life and death,” and “faith and
unbelief.” John also uniquely emphasized Jesus’s dialogues and revelation of truth to individuals.
In many ways, John’s Gospel expands and deepens the truth within the other three Gospels.

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

John’s Clearly Stated Aim

We need not doubt John’s aim in writing his Gospel. John had one purpose in mind with
everything he wrote. John 20:30-31 reveals his objective for his readers: “Jesus performed many
other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are
written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing
you may have life in his name. [emphasis added]” This unifying purpose threads masterfully
throughout the entire book.

6. John’s mother: Matthew 20:20-21; 27:56; Mark 15:40

7. Sons of thunder: Mark 3:17; 9:38; 10:35-37; Luke 9:54
8. Jesus’s inner circle: Matthew 17:1-13; 26:36-46; Luke 8:49-56; 22:8
9. John on Patmos: Revelation 1:9
10. Transformed by Jesus: John 15:15

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God’s Written Revelation
The Doctrine of the Bible
The Bible stands apart from all human literature. The accuracy, divine authority, and power
of the Scriptures remain constant, despite opposition. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, more
than 40 human authors recorded God’s revelation of Himself to humanity.1 The eternal God
speaks to the people He created in words they can read, hear, and understand. The Bible
reveals the heart and mind of God Himself. Because God cannot lie,2 the Bible, in its original
manuscripts, speaks only truth. As flawed humans, any challenges we sense in reading
God’s Word reveal our limited human understanding. The Bible has stood the test of time
and can be trusted.

The Bible tells one grand story of God’s redemption of humankind and His plan for
eternity. Beyond recounting important facts and history, God’s Word offers truth about
God, humanity, and the world. We can build our lives upon this steady foundation. The
Bible contains two main sections—the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old
Testament records the creation of the world, humanity’s fall into sin, God’s work through His
chosen nation of Israel, and His promise of redemption. The New Testament starts with the
arrival of God’s promised Deliverer—His own Son, Jesus—who came to die as a substitute
for human sin and restore what sin had damaged. John wrote his Gospel to clearly reveal
Jesus as humanity’s Redeemer. We approach this great book with humility and expectancy
that God will speak timeless yet timely truth into our hearts and lives.

Without the Bible as our anchor, we live through the ups and downs of life without God’s
eternal perspective. When we depend on the fluctuating tide of human opinion, our lives
rest on shifting sand; our deepest yearnings and most earnest questions land on this
world’s limited sources for answers. If we see the Bible as an ancient and outdated book,
we miss God’s current work and eternal plan. By refusing to read the Bible or ignoring its
truth, we overlook the gracious and loving lifeline God has extended.

God’s words carry more weight than the flood of printed and pronounced words we hear
and read every day. The Holy Spirit gives perspective on life to and through the words of
the Bible. We read Scripture, but in many ways Scripture reads us. Through the Bible, the
Holy Spirit reveals our sin and offers certain hope. The teaching of Scripture leads us to
God and prepares us for eternity. As we study the Gospel of John this year, God intends
much more than filling our heads with facts. Through every passage and glimpse of
Jesus, God extends an opportunity for wonder and worship. Will you approach this study
with anticipation that the God of eternity will personally reveal His great love for you? The
profound truth in John’s Gospel awaits, whether this book is new or extremely familiar to
you. What will God do this year through His Word?
1. God’s very words: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
2. God cannot lie: Numbers 23:19; 2 Samuel 22:31; Proverbs 30:5; John 17:17

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 John’s Key Words
Three words found within John’s purpose statement recur throughout his Gospel as deeply
connected threads within his writings.

“Signs”
John called Jesus’s miracles “signs” because he sought to demonstrate Jesus’s identity and
divine authority. John sometimes expanded the meaning of miraculous events to include
Jesus’s corresponding teaching.11 The word “sign” or “signs” occurs almost 20 times in John’s
Gospel. These signs operate like audio-visual displays of Jesus’s authority.

“Believe”
John genuinely desired for unbelievers to become believers. He wanted people to come to
saving faith in Jesus—God’s Son, the promised Messiah and humanity’s Redeemer. The theme
of faith remains so central in John’s book that the word “believe” occurs more than 80 times.

“Life”
John wanted people who were dead in their sin to find life in Jesus. Eternal life describes a
quality of life that begins now, reaches into eternity, and never ends. The words “life” and “live”
appear more than 50 times.

John’s message rings clearly and compellingly. Eternal life comes only through personal belief
in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom the signs reveal.12

John’s Primary Themes

John intended for his revelation of Jesus to invite a response. From his opening words to his
concluding thoughts, three interwoven themes emerge:

● The revelation of Jesus—Son of God and Son of Man

● The faith of a small minority who believed the truth13

● The unbelief of the majority, which culminated in final, murderous rejection14

John’s “I Am” Statements

Jesus identifies Himself in John’s Gospel with seven distinct statements that unveil His
deity and redemptive work on behalf of those who believe in Him. Jesus declared in John
8:58, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” This absolute “I am” statement differs in quality from
the seven statements below. Here, Jesus alludes to God’s disclosure of Himself to Moses in
Exodus 3:14—“I am who I am.” With these words, Jesus identified Himself as Yahweh Himself.

Each statement below offers a metaphor rich in spiritual meaning.

● “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)

● “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

11. Corresponding teaching: John 6:1-15 with 6:25-59; 9:1-12 with 9:35-41; 11:25-26 with 11:43-44
12. Salvation in Christ: John 3:16-18, 36; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9
13. Faith of the few: John 1:12-13; 20:28-29
14. Unbelief: John 1:9-11

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 ● “I am the gate for the sheep.” (John 10:7, 9)

● “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)

● “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

● “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

● “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1)

With clarity and purpose, John presented Jesus Christ as God’s Son and our promised Savior.
He called people to believe in Him and find true life. The strength of John’s gracious and
powerful invitation to faith continues to speak today.

The Structure of John’s Gospel

John organized his book with a straightforward structure. He begins with a prologue—power-
packed verses that reveal Christ’s divinity. John ends with an epilogue, closing words admitting
he could never capture all of Christ’s beauty. The content between John’s monumental prologue
and humble epilogue is often most simply divided into two sections. “The Book of Signs”
(1:19–12:50) presents Jesus’s call to belief in Him as Messiah. “The Book of Glory” (13:1–
20:31) includes Jesus’s path toward the His death and resurrection—His path to glory. BSF's
study of John, however, is organized around the more detailed outline below.

The Prologue – 1:1-18

The first verses of John’s Gospel present Jesus in unforgettable words. With magnificent beauty
and remarkable brevity, John’s prologue captures Jesus’s preincarnate existence, participation
in creation, and His incarnation, as well as the human response to God’s Son. Jesus, Son of God
and Son of Man, took on human flesh to bring light and life to people lost in darkness.

Outline of John
To offer more context for our study, we will use the following outline:

I. Prologue: Jesus’s Incarnation and Humanity’s Response – 1:1-18

II. Jesus Revealed – 1:19–17:26

A. To the World – 1:19–12:50

Reception – 1:19–4:54

Rejection – 5:1–12:50

B. To His Own – 13–17

III. Jesus’s Death and Resurrection – 18–20

IV. Epilogue: Jesus’s Commission – 21

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 Jesus Revealed – 1:19–17:26
To the World – 1:19–12:50
Jesus’s public ministry forms this section of John’s Gospel. John’s threefold theme unfolds
through a series of events and conversations that reveal Jesus’s true identity. Like the other
Gospels, John begins by recounting the witness of John the Baptist who declared Jesus as
the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”15 Jesus called His first disciples16
and offered the first “sign” of His regenerative power by turning water into wine at a wedding
in Cana.17 As Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, He cleansed the temple in a
powerful display of His authority and disdain for religious hypocrisy.18

Jesus’s ministry became increasingly more public. He continued to shine the light of hope to
hopeless people. Jesus revealed Himself through unexpected dialogues with a Jewish religious
leader named Nicodemus19 and an outcast Samaritan woman.20 His healing miracles and
powerful teaching presented signs confirming His divine origin. Jesus fed 5,000 hungry people
and walked on water. Some came to faith, recognizing Jesus’s unique authority and undeniable
power. As Jesus’s reputation and popularity grew, opposition against Him escalated. When He
raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus’s enemies plotted His death and made plans to arrest Him.21

To His Own – 13–17

In the hours before the cross, Jesus poured truth and consolation into His disciples as He taught
and prayed for them. He washed His disciples’ feet,22 dismissed His betrayer Judas,23 comforted
the remaining disciples, and prepared them for His departure and return.24 Jesus promised that
the Holy Spirit would come to help them.25 He prepared His followers to expect opposition.26

Jesus knew that His Father would preserve the disciples’ faith and bring them safely through
to share His glory. In a beautiful prayer, Jesus surrendered Himself to death, seeking to bring
glory to His Father through His death.27 Before His final steps to the cross, Jesus offered an
intimate prayer for His disciples and all future believers.28

Jesus’s Death and Resurrection – 18–20

Nowhere in John’s Gospel does Jesus’s glory shine as radiantly as in these chapters. Jesus’s
cross and resurrection reveal who He is, what He has accomplished, and what He will do.
God’s sinless Son was falsely accused, arrested, mistreated, and nailed to a rough wooden
cross. The humiliation of the cross actually disclosed Jesus’s glory as God and King.29 Jesus

15. John’s declaration: John 1:19-34

16. First disciples: John 1:35-51
17. Water to wine: John 2:1-12
18. Cleansing the temple: John 2:13-25
19. Nicodemus: John 3:1-21
20. Samaritan woman: John 4:1-42
21. Lazarus: John 11
22. Disciples’ feet washed: John 13:1-17
23. Judas released: John 13:18-30
24. Comfort for Jesus’s disciples: John 14:1-14
25. Promise of Holy Spirit: John 14:15-31
26. Expected opposition: John 15:1–16:33
27. Prayer for God’s glory: John 17:1-5
28. Jesus’s prayer for His disciples and believers: John 17:6-26
29. Jesus’s glory: John 18:4-6, 36-37

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triumphantly finished the work of salvation.30 He rose from the grave proclaiming victory over
sin and death.31 John’s Gospel offers the convincing eyewitness accounts of the risen Christ
that only blinded eyes refuse to believe.

The Epilogue – 21
John’s Gospel ends with two brief snapshots of Jesus’s work in those who trust Him. Through
a miraculously large catch of fish, the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples. Jesus also
reinstated a confused and discouraged Peter who had denied Him. John ends his book by
testifying of the absolute truth of everything he wrote. His words could not fully encompass the
wonder of Jesus, though he tried. John wrote with a deliberate purpose. John calls people to
believe and find life in Jesus, God’s Son.

Take to Heart

Hold Fast
John wrote his Gospel with recognized authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. He
gained rich perspective through years spent contemplating all that Jesus said and did. John’s
Gospel differs significantly from Matthew, Mark, and Luke in content and perspective. John’s
laser-like purpose permeates the entire book. Above all, John sought to reveal Jesus as
Messiah and call people to believe in Him. From his opening words to final paragraph, John
proclaimed Jesus Christ as the source of light and life for all people.

John’s Gospel begins with his prologue, which exalts Jesus as equal with God yet reveals
how Jesus humbled Himself to enter the world in human flesh. The book presents eyewitness
evidence of Jesus’s power and authority. Some believed in Jesus while others rejected Him, even
to the point of nailing Him to a cruel cross. Jesus invested in His disciples, preparing them to
carry on His message and mission after His departure. John closed his book by acknowledging
Jesus’s uncontainable majesty. John’s accounts and evidence of Jesus’s identity offer an
invitation that transcends time and culture. True to his purpose, John’s book invites people of all
time to place their faith in Jesus, God’s Son and the only source of true and lasting hope.

Apply It
John’s Gospel contains remarkable accounts and riveting words. He carefully and intentionally
recorded scenes and truth to accomplish his stated purpose. However, behind the miraculous
signs and heartfelt testimony stands an ordinary man. John left his fishing nets to follow
Jesus. He encountered love that so shook his Galilean existence that even today we marvel at
what he experienced. John heard what Jesus said and saw Him do incredible things. He wrote
about them with purpose and power. But beyond all the accounts and teaching, John remained
amazed at how Jesus loved him. Divine love that originated in heaven took on human flesh and
walked with John on earth. John recognized who Jesus was and wanted others to experience

30. “It is finished”: John 19:30

31. Jesus’s resurrection: John 20

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 the transforming love that changed him forever. “The disciple whom Jesus loved” knew Jesus
loved the world. But wonder of wonders—John received that love personally. God so loves
the world! Do you know that this same God loves you intimately? Jesus loves us in a way that
infinitely surpasses the jaded and shallow understanding of love promoted in the world. The
love that defies human description is not a nebulous cosmic force but comes with a personal
invitation to know Jesus and experience His love.

This year affords the opportunity to study this book with a group of people on the same journey
to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus. Verse by verse and chapter by chapter, you have a
chance to process John’s words and learn more about Jesus. How should you receive such
truth? The accounts will be intriguing. The teaching will invite you to ponder rich truth. John’s
symbols and metaphors can take your understanding to new depths. However, John’s purpose
for your study exceeds intellectual stimulation. John shares God’s heart for you to know
Jesus. Truth about God’s Son demands a response. Whether you have never trusted Jesus
for salvation or have walked with Him for decades, God is offering you a chance to grow in
worship and wonder of who Jesus is. Will you approach this book with expectancy? May the
study of John’s Gospel help many believe in Jesus. May all who study with us grow in awe at
the incredible love God shows us through His Son.

The fullness of God’s eternal truth stretches human language and comprehension. As you
study, you will have questions. You may struggle to understand or make sense of what you
read. We all come to the Bible with preconceived ideas, life experiences, and a personal grid
that shapes our understanding. For now, do not puzzle over what confuses you. Instead,
commit to obey what you do understand. Study John’s Gospel with an open heart. Ask the Lord,
by His Holy Spirit, to cause the verses you read to make sense to you. Expect Jesus to show
you the changes He wants to make in your life and how He wants to help you. Nothing about
you or your questions will surprise God. He meets us where we are, just like He did with the
fisherman John. Through His power and infinite love, God takes us where He wants us to go
and shapes us into who He wants us to be. This book about Jesus touches us where we live
today. Will you open your heart to learn about Jesus and respond to Him?

10 | Introduction Lesson All Scripture quotations in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.