Study Notes on the Gospel According to John

Introduction to the Gospel According to John

  • The Gospel according to John is one of the earliest accounts of Jesus' life.
  • It is believed to come from a close follower of Jesus, referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved."
  • There is debate about whether this disciple is John, the son of Zebedee (one of the twelve apostles), or another John known as John the elder.
  • Regardless of which John, the book represents his eyewitness testimony.
  • The purpose of the Gospel is explicitly stated near the end:
    • John states that the story is written so that the reader may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
    • By believing, one may have life in his name.
  • John's belief:
    • The portrayal of Jesus in this Gospel is intended to show that he is alive, real, and capable of transforming lives.

Structure of the Book

  • The Gospel is notably structured into two halves:
    1. The first half centers on Jesus' miraculous signs generating controversy.
    2. The second half focuses on Jesus' final days, including his last words, arrest, trial, death, and resurrection.

First Half Overview

  • The opening includes an introductory poem followed by stories of miraculous signs.
  • The climax of this section is the raising of Lazarus, prompting the leaders to plot Jesus' death.

Introduction Poem

  • The book begins with a poem referencing Genesis 1:
    • "In the beginning was the word."
    • This asserts God's word being the instrument of creation.
  • Key points of the poem:
    • A person's words embody their mind and will; thus, God's word was both with God and was God (implying his divine nature).
    • The divine word became human in Jesus, emphasizing the incarnation.
    • Jesus is portrayed as God's tabernacle, the manifestation of divine presence among humanity.
  • The relationship between God the Father and the Son is emphasized:
    • The one true God of Israel consists of both God the Father and Jesus as Son.

Encounter with John the Baptist

  • John's narrative includes the initial meeting between John the Baptist and Jesus.
  • John the Baptist leads others to meet Jesus, resulting in the formation of Jesus' disciples.
  • Notable titles ascribed to Jesus:
    • In one chapter, Jesus receives seven titles, demonstrating John's affinity for the number seven.
    • These titles collectively affirm Jesus as the messianic king, a teacher of Israel, and the Son of God who will bear the sins of the world.

Miraculous Signs and Controversy

  • Chapters 2 through 12 present a pattern:
    • Jesus performs a sign or makes a claim, which often leads to misunderstanding or controversy.
    • In each case, individuals are compelled to decide on Jesus' true identity.
  • Significant Jewish institutions are explored:
    1. Wedding at Cana:
    • Jesus turns water into wine (about 120 gallons in total).
    • This miracle is John's first sign, symbolizing the generosity of Jesus' messianic kingdom.
    1. Jerusalem Temple:
    • Jesus clears the temple, asserting his authority as God's presence.
    • His declaration to "destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days" correlates his coming death with the temple's significance.
    1. Conversation with Nicodemus:
    • Jesus explains that merely being a teacher is insufficient; Israel needs spiritual rebirth.
    • He introduces the concept of being "born again" to access God's kingdom.
    • He emphasizes God's love for the world and offers a new life.
    1. Encounter at the Sacred Well:
    • Jesus converses with a Samaritan woman about water, which he metaphorically associates with himself as "living water" signifying eternal life.
    • This new quality of life is marked by God's eternal love and begins in the present.

Collection of Stories during Jewish Feasts

  • John groups several stories that coincide with Jewish sacred days:
    1. Sabbath Healing:
    • Jesus heals a paralyzed man on the Sabbath, which causes controversy regarding the nature of work on the holy day.
    • His claim that both he and the Father work on the Sabbath leads to accusations of blasphemy.
    1. Passover Provision:
    • At Passover, Jesus provides bread for thousands and claims to be the "true bread" for eternal life.
    • This claim results in many disciples turning away due to offense.
    1. Feast of Tabernacles:
    • In the temple, Jesus declares anyone who is thirsty should come to him to drink, claiming he is "the light of the world."
    • This claim alludes to God’s guidance of Israel through wilderness wanderings.
    1. Hanukkah:
    • During the Feast of Dedication, Jesus proclaims that he is the Holy One set apart by God and identifies himself with the temple’s sanctity.
    • His declaration that "I and the Father are one" incites angry reactions from Jerusalem's leaders.

Raising of Lazarus

  • The climax of the first half occurs when Jesus learns that his friend Lazarus is sick.
  • Choosing to go to Lazarus despite the dangers (near Jerusalem) exemplifies his devotion, knowingly risking his life.
  • Upon Lazarus' death, Jesus raises him from the dead, performing one of his most significant miracles.
  • News of this event accelerates the plot against Jesus by Jerusalem's leaders, formally positioning him as the rejected king.

Conclusion of First Half

  • The first half of John's Gospel serves to highlight Jesus' identity and mission through miraculous signs and profound teachings.
  • The overarching narrative emphasizes belief in Jesus for eternal life and challenges the notion of traditional Jewish understandings of authority, identity, and sacredness.