Introduction to the Gospel of John – Getting to Know Jesus

How much would you trust a friend who is willing to die for you? How much would you appreciate one who did? Jesus is that Friend.

The author of this gospel, John, was one of Jesus’ disciples and friends. He testifies that his Friend Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, and the Lamb of God, and he explains why these truths are important to our salvation. John reveals the powerful truth that Jesus is God and one with the Father, which explains why His sacrificial death could be used to pay for our sins. Jesus is the Son—the Son of God and the Son of Man—who gave His life to reconcile the two. 

And what about life after faith? John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” tells us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads us into an abundant life—a life of privilege, peace, and power. As our Teacher, Jesus explains that life to us, trains us for it, and equips us with what we will need. As our Lord, He sends us out in His name, and works with us as we go. He orchestrates opportunities for us to proclaim His gospel to people who don’t know Him, or to participate in the work of the church, His family and team.

Jesus, the Son of the living God, draws close to believers and stays. John tells us that He makes His home with us—He takes up permanent residence (John 14:23). The result is that His love and character shape who we are. A passion develops within us to be and to do good, just as Jesus is, and does. Jesus helps us to know right from wrong, and to help rather than harm. By an ongoing fellowship with our Lord and Savior, and by His teaching, training, and supply of power and graces, Jesus transforms our daily lives to soar above what they could ever be without Him.

Believe is the key repeated word in this gospel, which traces the life of faith from its beginning to its intended goal. The chapter titles and paragraph statements in this study answer the following questions.

1. Who is Jesus? Why did God send Him, and why do we need Him?

2. What is His role in salvation? What is our part?

3. What are Jesus’ roles in our daily Christian lives?

4. What does He want us to do with Him and for Him?

5. What are our privileges as believers?

6. Why is the Christian life difficult?

7. What does God do, and give us, to make it easier?

Eternal life is the result of believing in Jesus. So is a higher quality of life. John Chapter 1 begins “off planet,” before the creation of the world, when a plan was devised for the good of mankind.  – Beebe Kauffman, A Whole Lot of Wonderful: Application of the New Testament for Today