Book Study: John

Book Overview

The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the eternal Son of God who became flesh to reveal the Father and bring eternal life to all who believe. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity through signs, profound teachings, and intimate conversations. John highlights themes of light and darkness, belief and unbelief, life and judgment, and the love of God displayed in Christ. The book includes unique material such as the “I AM” statements, the raising of Lazarus, and Jesus’ extended farewell discourse. His Divinity of unique emphasis. John’s purpose is explicitly evangelistic: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in His name. The Gospel culminates in Jesus’ death, resurrection, and restoration of His disciples, showing that He is both Savior and Lord.

Brief Chapter Summaries

John 1

John introduces Jesus as the eternal Word who became flesh. John the Baptist testifies about Him, and Jesus begins calling His first disciples. The chapter emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and mission to reveal the Father.

John 2

Jesus performs His first miracle at Cana, turning water into wine. He cleanses the temple, demonstrating His authority and foreshadowing His resurrection by speaking of the temple of His body.

John 3

Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again. John the Baptist exalts Jesus, and the chapter highlights God’s love in giving His Son so that believers may have eternal life.

John 4

Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing Himself as the Messiah. Many Samaritans believe. Jesus heals a nobleman’s son, demonstrating the power of His word.

John 5

Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda and defends His authority as the Son of God. He teaches about judgment, resurrection, and the witnesses that testify to Him.

John 6

Jesus feeds five thousand and walks on water. He teaches that He is the Bread of Life, calling people to believe in Him. Many disciples turn away because of His hard sayings.

John 7

Jesus teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles, causing division among the crowds. He speaks of living water and exposes the leaders’ unbelief and hypocrisy.

John 8

Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery and declares Himself the Light of the World. He confronts the Pharisees and reveals His eternal identity, saying, “Before Abraham was, I am.”

John 9

Jesus heals a man born blind, leading to conflict with the Pharisees. The healed man boldly testifies, while the leaders reject Jesus. The chapter contrasts spiritual sight and blindness.

John 10

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He teaches about His unity with the Father, provoking attempts to stone Him.

John 11

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, revealing His power over death. This miracle intensifies the leaders’ plot to kill Him. Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.

John 12

Mary anoints Jesus, and He enters Jerusalem triumphantly. Jesus predicts His death and calls people to walk in the light. Many still refuse to believe despite His signs.

John 13

Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, demonstrating humble love. He predicts Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial, and gives the new commandment to love one another.

John 14

Jesus comforts His disciples, promising the Holy Spirit and preparing a place for them. He declares Himself the way, the truth, and the life.

John 15

Jesus teaches about abiding in Him as the true vine. He calls His disciples to love one another and warns them of the world’s hatred.

John 16

Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the Spirit’s guidance. He speaks of sorrow turning to joy and assures them of His victory.

John 17

Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and future believers. He asks the Father to glorify Him, protect His followers, and unite them in truth and love.

John 18

Jesus is arrested, tried before Jewish leaders, and questioned by Pilate. Peter denies Him three times. Jesus affirms His kingship and truth.

John 19

Jesus is condemned, crucified, and buried. He fulfills Scripture, entrusts His mother to John, and declares “It is finished” before dying.

John 20

Jesus rises from the dead and appears to Mary Magdalene and His disciples. Thomas believes after seeing Him. John states his purpose: that readers may believe and have life.

John 21

Jesus appears by the Sea of Galilee, restores Peter, and commissions him to shepherd His people. The Gospel ends affirming the truth of John’s testimony.

Key Verses

John 1:14

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 4:24

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

John 8:12

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

John 11:25

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 20:31

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”