Gospel of John – Two Major Themes
Can you know you have eternal life?
The Gospel of John says, “Yes!” The primary purpose of this book is to persuade those who have not yet believed to receive the free gift of eternal life God offers to all who will believe in His Son (John 20:31). In fact, Jesus Himself said that it is His Father’s will that all believers in Him would go to heaven: “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40 [1]
20:30-31 Purpose Statement
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
1:1-18 Prologue [some highlights 1:1-3, 14, 18]
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1: 12-13).
1:19-51 Snapshots of Four days in the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus
Day 2: John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John the Baptist, a prophet from God, proclaims Jesus to be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This refers to Jesus’ mission from God the Father. Jesus came to earth to die on the Cross for the sins of the entire world so that believers in Him could obtain eternal life. By dying on the Cross Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves: He solved our sin problem. [1] Christ “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).
2:1-12:50 Public Ministry of Jesus Christ [provides the evidence to convince people that Jesus is the Son of God and that He has the power to give eternal life to those who believe in Him, and therefore believe His message.]
Seven Miraculous Signs – “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
The Father sent the Son
11:25-27 Whoever believes in Jesus (the man and His message) has eternal life.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
18:1-20:31 Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Eighth Miraculous Sign
Can you also enjoy friendship with the Son of God?
Yes! Once you have received the free gift of eternal life Jesus invites you to abide or live in His love by keeping His commandments: Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love… You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:10, 14 [1]
13:1-17:26 Upper Room Discourse
If you have received eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ and you desire this friendship Jesus offers, read chapters 13-17 carefully. As your love for Him draws you nearer to Him you will know the joy and fruitfulness a close personal relationship with your Savior brings. [1]
13:34-35 New Commandment from Jesus
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
15:14-17 Jesus Instructing His Disciples
“You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. … I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.” Then He said, “These things I command you: that you love one another.”
16:5-15 The Son will Send the Holy Spirit
21:1-21:25 Epilogue
Footnote:
1. Living Water notes, Copyright © 1996 by Absolutely Free Incorporated
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