The Gospel of John

December 23, 2012 ...

December 15, 2013 ...

• ~AD 90• 21 chapters

• Different than synoptic gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke]Synoptics: give summary, general view of life and ministry of JesusJohn: unique, selective view to make theological points

In the beginning was the Word...These things ... written that you might believe Jesus is the

Christ the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Overview Of The Gospel of John

1 to11 selectively focus on first 3 years

12 to 21 selectively focus on last week+

Written That You Might Believe ...

A. The Unique Witness of John The Baptist 1:19-34; 3:22-36

Written That You Might Believe ...

B. Seven Unique Signs or Miracles to Tell Us About Jesus1. Turn water into wine 2:1-112. Heal nobleman’s son 4:46-5543. Heal man lame for 38 yrs 5:1-154. Feed 5,000 from 5 loaves of bread 6:1-14

[note: not unique to John, unique in sense that the only sign or miracle of Jesus repeated in all four gospels]

5. Walk on water 6:15-216. Heal man born blind 9:1-127. Raise the dead 11:38-44

Written That You Might Believe ...

C. Seven Unique Dialogues with Jesus About ...1st being born again & receiving Jesus as a gift 3:1-212nd drink of living water & true worship of the Father 4:1-

263rd coming from heaven & being the bread of life 6:22-594th being forgiven of sin and sinning no more 8:1-115th His unique relationship with God the Father 8:12-586th being God made man 10:31-397th raising the dead and life after death 11:1-46

Written That You Might Believe ...

D. Seven Unique Declarations

1st I am the bread of life 6:35, 48

2nd I am the light of the world 8:12

3rd I am the door of the sheep 10:7

4th I am the good shepherd 10:11

5th I am the resurrection and the life 11:25

6th I am the way and the truth and the life 14:6

7th I am the vine 15:1

So... Has John Convinced YouTo Believe in Christ?

• If NOT– What do you say about the signs ...?– What do you hear in the dialogues ...?– Who could make such declarations ...?– What will you do with the gift God offers you ...?

• If YES: the way you live uniquely shows you believe, for example...– U see the world as a field of people to reach 4:35– U try not to be judgmental or legalistic or judge by appearance 7:24– U have been forgiven of much sin, U try to sin no more 8:11– U regularly read the Word and seek to live consistent and true 8:31– U live an abundant life and are excited about each day 10:10– U try to put an eternal life perspective on your life decisions 10:28– U live knowing that you will die AND rise again!!! 11:25,26

• If you say ‘YES’ but don’t live uniquely– Remember Jesus said you must have a unique birth i.e.be born again to

enter the kingdom of heaven– It is not religion or church that gives you a unique life but a relationship

with Jesus Christ