JOHN

JOHN 1

JESUS IS THE WORD BECOME FLESH, BOTH FULLY GOD + FULLY MAN

While the other accounts of Jesus begin with Abraham, David, or Mary, John starts with the beginning of creation, knowing Jesus is eternally present with God the Father. John explains that Jesus has been with God from the beginning and that all things were made through Him. Genesis 1:27 says that man was made in the image of God and uses the plural, saying “our image,” also pointing to the presence of Jesus at creation. John describes Him as light and life.

John tells of the coming of another man named John, commonly referred to as John the Baptist. His title, John the Baptist, comes from his role as the baptizer of people who expressed faith in God’s coming Messiah.

John the Baptist is not the savior, but will point people towards Jesus, who is the Savior! Jesus will be rejected by His own people, but anyone who believes that He is the Son of God will become one of God’s people. Because God promised to send a Savior, John calls Jesus the Word of God become flesh.

John the Baptist is questioned by the priests and the Levites who are unsure of his identity. John the Baptist states that he is not the savior, but that he is the forerunner preparing the way for the Messiah. Quoting Isaiah 40:3, John the Baptist says that he is making straight the way of the Lord. Before ever knowing Jesus, John the Baptist shows reverence by describing himself as unworthy to even untie the sandals of Jesus.

When Jesus appears before John the Baptist, John calls out saying “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John the Baptist knows that Jesus will give His life to save humanity and uses the lamb as a reference to God’s salvation of the firstborn sons during Passover (Exodus 12). John the Baptist sees God’s Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and knows instantly that Jesus is the Son of God.

After John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God, two men started to follow Jesus as His disciples. These two men see Him as a teacher and call Him Rabbi. Andrew, one of the first disciples, brought his brother Simon to Jesus. When he arrives before Jesus, Jesus changes his name to Peter. Throughout the Gospels, he is commonly referred to as Simon Peter. Next, Phillip and Nathanael become followers of Jesus. Nathanael is skeptical at first, not thinking that anything good could come from Nazareth, where Jesus was raised. Nathanael recognizes that Jesus is the Son of God because He knows the intimate details of his conversation with Phillip. Jesus promises Nathanael he will see much greater miracles following Him!

Throughout the chapter, Jesus is referred to by seven different names (Lamb of God, Son of God, Son of Man, Rabbi, Messiah, King of Israel, and Jesus of Nazareth) highlighting how He is both fully human and fully divine.

JOHN 2

JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE + FLIPS TABLES AT THE TEMPLE

Along with His mother and disciples, Jesus attends a wedding in Galilee. During the celebration, the wine runs out. Mary, knowing what Jesus was capable of, encourages Jesus to fix the problem of the wine. Until this point, Jesus has been private about performing miracles. Being cautious of God’s timing for Jesus’ ministry, He tells Mary that the time has not yet come. Mary persists and tells the servants to follow whatever Jesus tells them.

Jesus requests that the six large jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, be filled with water. When the water is drawn out of the jars, it is miraculously turned into fine wine. Typically, the best wine was served first, but in this case, the best wine was served last. This is the first public sign of Jesus as God in person. The disciples marvel at His glory and believe that He is the Son of God.

The symbolism of this event is not lost on the Israelite people. Isaiah foretold that Jesus would make for all people a rich feast and well-aged wine (Isaiah 25:6). The first miracle of Moses was turning water into blood (Exodus 7), and now Jesus is turning water into wine! Moses offered a new law, but Jesus offers a new life.

Later on, Jesus travels to Jerusalem for the annual Passover festival. He sees people selling animals for sacrifice inside the temple groups, profiting off of the travelers coming to give generously to God. Righteously angry that God’s temple is being used for trade, Jesus makes a whip and drives the people out of the temple, flipping over the tables of the sellers and pouring out their coins. It is not implied that Jesus is promoting violence or hurting anyone with the whip, but simply causing a stir and bringing an end to the selling of animal sacrifices.

Jesus, comparing Himself to the temple, says that if it is destroyed, He will raise it again three days later. The actions of Jesus remind the disciples of Psalm 69:6 which says, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Jesus’ comparing Himself to the temple stakes His claim that He is a place where God dwells on Earth.

JOHN 3

JESUS SPEAKS WITH NICODEMUS + JOHN THE BAPTIST EXPLAINS HIS ROLE

Jesus meets with a man named Nicodemus who is a Pharisee, a religious leader who strictly follows and teaches Jewish laws and traditions. Nicodemus acknowledges that God is with Jesus, because no one could do what He has done without the presence of God.

Jesus explains to Nicodemus that to see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again. After a literal birth, there must also be a spiritual birth. Jesus compares this transformation to a rushing wind, showing how it is something felt but not seen. He says that what is born of the flesh is flesh, what is born of the spirit is spirit, pointing to the need for a new heart within the Israelite people.

In John 3:14-15, Jesus says that just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent, the Son of Man must be lifted up, referencing both the miraculous acts of Moses and Jesus’ impending death on the cross (Numbers 21).

Jesus explains that God loves the world so much that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send Him to condemn the world, but to save the world and bring light to darkness.

After speaking with Nicodemus, Jesus goes with John the Baptist and His disciples to baptize more people. During this time, the disciples ask John the Baptist about the authority of Jesus, wondering why more people were following Him than John. John explains that he came to prepare the way for Jesus as an earthly messenger, but that Jesus is the one who comes from heaven and speaks God's word. John the Baptist humbly explains that Jesus must increase, and he must decrease in influence. God has given all things over to Jesus and whoever believes that He is the Son of God will inherit eternal life.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

JOHN 4

JESUS SPEAKS WITH A SAMARITAN WOMAN AT THE WELL 

Jesus leaves Judea and travels towards Samaria. The Israelites and the Samaritans had a previous history of dispute and animosity. Jesus willingly enters Samaria and speaks kindly towards the Samarian people. Specifically, a woman alone at a well.

Jesus asks the woman at the well for some water and she is surprised that a Jewish man would speak to her. He explains that the water from the well will always leave her thirsty, but that He could provide her with living water that never runs dry.

When the woman asks for this water that Jesus offered, He asks her to call her husband to the well. The woman explains that she does not have a husband. Jesus knows that she had previously had five husbands, and the man she is currently with is not one of them. Because Jesus knows the intimate details of her life, the woman believes that He is a prophet or someone with incredible abilities. Jesus tells the woman that He is the Savior, and she believes Him. She then goes to tell others the good news.

During this time, the disciples urge Jesus to eat. He responds that His focus is creating a harvest of eternal lives, showing His mission of sharing His message with all people. Jesus arrives in Cana in Galilee, the same place where He turned water into wine at the wedding, and performs His second sign or miracle. He heals the son of an official leader, simply by declaring he will live, causing his family to believe that Jesus is who He claims to be.

JOHN 5

JESUS HEALS A PARALYZED MAN + CLAIMS HIS AUTHORITY AS GOD’S SON

While Jesus is in Jerusalem for a feast, He visits a pool called Bethesda, known for its healing abilities. A multitude of people with various disabilities gather around the waters, hoping to enter the water and be healed of their blindness or paralysis.

Jesus sees a man that He knows has been unable to walk for thirty-eight years and asks the man if he wants to be healed. The sick man responds hopelessly by saying he has no one to lower him into the water and is unable to get in before the crowds of people. Jesus immediately heals the man, and he was able to stand, carry his mat, and walk! He later finds the man at the temple, wanting to praise and worship God for his healing.

Upon seeing the man at the temple, the Jewish men question him, asking who allowed him to take up his mat and walk. When the man explains that Jesus is the one who healed him, they are angry with Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, but He claims that He was doing the work of God. One of the reasons the Jewish people are skeptical of Jesus is His boldness in equating Himself as equal to God.

Jesus says to them that nothing He does is of His own accord, but the will of God. God has assigned all authority of judgment to Jesus, making Him as honorable as God. Boldly declaring that whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him, Jesus shows their oneness and unity. Speaking to His redemptive power, He says those who hear the voice of the Son will have a resurrection of life. He will personally defeat death, but also offers new life to all those who believe in Him.

Jesus confronts the beliefs of the Jewish people, accusing them of looking to the Scriptures for eternal life instead of acknowledging Him as the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Many of the Jewish people have elevated obedience over faithfulness, prioritizing the law over relationship with God.

God has promised to send a Savior, but because the people value rules and religion over relationship, they miss the Messiah standing before them. Jesus says that if the Jewish people believed in Moses, they would believe in Jesus because He is the one Moses wrote about.

JOHN 6

JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE, FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND

Jesus travels across the Sea of Galilee and great crowds of people follow Him to the shore. Knowing that it is time for the Passover feast, the disciples are concerned about feeding the large crowd that gathered around Jesus. Instead of dismissing the people, He miraculously feeds them. Using only five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus blesses the food and there is an abundant amount able to feed over five thousand! Not only was there enough food to fill everyone, but there were also twelve baskets leftover, to sustain the disciples on their journey.

After feeding the many, Jesus sends His disciples into their boat to continue with their travels. Instead of joining them on the boat, He spends time alone in prayer. Jesus, having authority over creation, walks upon the water, making His way towards the disciples. When they see Him, they are frightened. Jesus speaks to them, telling them not to be afraid. Once they realize it is Jesus, they are glad and take Him into the boat.

When the crowds of people realize that Jesus left, they go to Capernaum to look for Him. Once they find Him, Jesus confronts them, saying they are only following Him for what He can do for them. In his typical teaching fashion, Jesus tells them not to work for food that perishes, but to receive the food that provides eternal life. He refers to Himself as the bread of life, promising that those who come to Him will not hunger or thirst and comparing God’s provision of Jesus to God's provision of bread for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

When asked what the people must do to follow God, Jesus says that they must believe in the one whom God has sent. He emphasizes that faith, not works, is all that God requires. Throughout His message, Jesus is clear that the only way to God is through Him.

Telling the crowds of His divinity, Jesus says that those who believe Him will inherit eternal life. He came, not to fulfill His own will, but to do the will of the Father. He claims to be the living bread, sent by God from heaven and tells the people that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will abide in Him. Later, Jesus will explain this practice as communion, breaking bread and drinking wine in remembrance of Him, but at the time, this message was alarming and graphic.

After this disturbing message, many of the people who came to see Jesus abandon Him. Jesus encourages His disciples, telling them that His words are true words, which give spirit and life. Once Jesus sees the crowds leave, He asks His disciples if they too will leave. Peter responds, “Where else would we go? You have the words that offer eternal life, and we believe that you are the Son of God.” Jesus responds to Peter’s faithful claim, telling them that one of the twelve disciples would eventually betray Him.

JOHN 7

THE PEOPLE ARE DIVIDED, UNSURE IF JESUS IS THE SAVIOR

One of the annual celebrations, the Feast of Booths, takes place in Jerusalem. Among the Jewish people at the feast, there are many different opinions of Jesus. Some think that He is a good man, but others believe that He is leading them astray. Jesus enters the feast privately, keeping a low profile, since the time had not yet come for His arrest.

During the feast, Jesus goes to the temple to teach. The Jewish people who encounter Jesus are very impressed by His knowledge, but confused by the source of His wisdom. Jesus responds, telling the people that His teaching is not His own, but comes from God who sent Him. He explains that whoever speaks of their own authority is seeking glory for themselves, but whoever seeks glory for God is speaking truth.

Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the people, asking why it is wrong for Him to heal on the Sabbath day when they practice circumcision on the Sabbath day. Jewish leaders considered circumcision on the Sabbath to be lawful because it was an act of redemption, so Jesus challenges them by saying isn’t healing the whole body also an act of redemption? He states that the people want to kill Him, but they respond with confusion. The audience is unaware that the very people who Jesus came to save will soon reject Him, leading to His arrest and death.

Some of the people in Jerusalem wonder if the authorities believe that Jesus is the Savior. Talking amongst themselves, they argue that no one knows where the Savior will come from. These people are not familiar with the teaching of the prophet Micah, who foretold that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born (Micah 5:2). Because they are unfamiliar with God’s Word, they make incorrect assumptions about Jesus.

Jesus teaches that He has not come on His own accord, He follows the will of God who sent Him. Because many people do not believe Him, He tells them that they do not know God, the one who sent Him. Although Jesus has many skeptics, there are many who believe He is the Savior and trust in the miracles He provided as signs.

The Pharisees send officials, hoping to arrest Jesus. Jesus tells the people that He will be with them a little longer before returning to God who sent Him and tells them that they will not be able to go where He goes, and many are confused.

On the last day of the feast, Jesus proclaims that whoever believes in Him will be given a heart flowing with living water. He is referring to the Holy Spirit, which will come to live within believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Because this has not occurred yet, the people are perplexed by this message.

Because the consensus of the people is so divided, the Pharisees do not arrest Jesus. Remembering the Scriptures, some of the men realize that the Savior will come from the line of David and be born in Bethlehem, two qualities true of Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee who knew Jesus, advocates for Him, saying He should not be arrested without a fair hearing.

JOHN 8

WHOEVER KNOWS JESUS, KNOWS GOD

When Jesus is teaching at the temple, a woman who was caught in adultery is brought to the temple by the Pharisees. Testing Jesus to see if He would follow the law, they ask if the woman should be stoned. Jesus, showing compassion on the woman and displaying His authority, states that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone. Knowing they had all fallen short and broken the law, the people leave and do not stone the woman. Jesus, the only one qualified to stone the woman, does not condemn her. He lets the woman live, but challenges her to sin no more.

Jesus boldly declares that He is the light of the world, promising that whoever follows Him would never walk in darkness, but would have the light of life. The Pharisees question Jesus, but He responds confidently, saying that God has sent Him and affirms His testimony. He tells the Pharisees that they cannot know God without knowing Him.

Jesus encourages the Jewish people who believe Him, explaining that abiding in the word of Jesus will make them disciples. Once they know the truth, the truth will set them free. The Jewish people respond, remembering their history from Abraham and the oppression of the Hebrew people. Because they are no longer enslaved, how can they be set free? Jesus explains that everyone who lives in sin is a slave to sin, but whoever trusts in Him to cover their sins will become forever free.

Jesus questions the Jewish people and tells them that if they are really the sons of Abraham, they would follow in Abraham’s righteousness. He protests their belief of the truth, claiming that they believe lies over the truth. Because they are rejecting the words of Jesus, they are rejecting the words of God.

Jesus tells of His promise for eternal life, claiming that whoever keeps His word will never see death. Confused by His teaching, the people question Jesus, referencing the death of Abraham and the prophets. Jesus explains that He was present before Abraham. Similar to God’s description of Himself to Moses in Exodus 3, Jesus calls Himself “I am,” noting His eternal existence. The people reject this message, finding it blasphemous and offensive, and throw rocks at Him.

JOHN 9

JESUS RESTORES THE SIGHT OF A MAN BLIND SINCE BIRTH

Jesus is with His disciples when they encounter a blind man. The disciples ask Jesus what caused the man to be born blind, believing it was his own sin or the sin of his parents. It was commonly believed that sickness or disability was a result of personal or generational sin.

Jesus responds to the question of the disciples and tells them that sin was not the cause of his blindness. Instead, the man was blind so that God’s glory would be displayed through his healing. Jesus spit onto the dirt, making mud with His saliva and put the mud on the man’s eyes, instructing him to go into the pool of Siloam, a popular gathering place.

When he washed his eyes of the mud, he was miraculously able to see! The people who witnessed his healing wanted to know who restored his sight. The man had never seen Jesus, but knew His name and told the people.

Because Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath day, the Pharisees were angry with His actions. Some of the Pharisees believe that Jesus could not be from God because of His disregard for the Sabbath, but others believe that no one besides God could perform these acts. When asked by the Pharisees who healed him, the man says that Jesus was a prophet who healed him.

Still in disbelief, the Jewish people call the parents of the blind man to confirm he was truly blind at birth. The parents confirm that he was their son and that he was born blind, but they did not cite Jesus as the source of his healing.

The man is frustrated by their continual questions and wonders why they are so interested in the works of Jesus. He asks if they want to become His disciples too, which offends those who did not believe Jesus. When the man affirms his belief and claims Jesus is a messenger from God, the people throw him out onto the streets.

Jesus finds the man and reveals Himself as the Son of God. The healed man believes and worships Him. Jesus proclaims that He came to bring light to the world and give sight to those who are blind. He also teaches that those who claim to see but do not recognize Him, will be exposed for their spiritual blindness.

JOHN 10

JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD + IS ONE WITH THE FATHER

Jesus teaches that whoever climbs over the gate of a sheep pen instead of using the gate clearly has poor motives or has come to steal the sheep. The disciples do not understand this figure of speech, so Jesus explains that they have an enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Just like a good shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus will lay down His life to bring full, abundant lives to His sheep.

Jesus claims to be the gate for the sheep, describing Himself as the source of entry to knowing God. He says that His role as the shepherd is greater than a hired hand. He doesn’t work to earn a living; He personally cares for the sheep and puts them before Himself. Jesus mentions that He has other sheep, not yet in this flock. He wants those who do not believe to become part of God’s family and recognize His voice.

The prophet Ezekiel previously compared the corrupt rules of Israel to bad shepherds and prophesied that God would one day send a good shepherd (Ezekiel 34). In John 10:14, Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd and explains that He will lay down His life on His own accord to fulfill God’s plan for salvation. After hearing this, the Pharisees were again divided, some believing in Jesus and others claiming He is possessed.

During the Feast of Dedication, commonly known as Hanukkah, the disciples ask how long they will be kept waiting in suspense. They want a direct answer from Jesus and confirmation that He is the Savior. Jesus has provided both verbal and physical signs that He is the Savior, showing them His authority from God with His teaching and miracles.

Jesus explains that His great works are witness to His relation to God. Continuing the message of the good shepherd, Jesus tells the disciples that those who follow Him will never perish and will be protected from their enemies. He confirms His identity to the disciples, saying that He and the Father are one.

Upon hearing this statement, many Jewish people are offended and throw rocks at Jesus, wanting to stone Him. Jesus questions the people and calls them to remember the good works He has done. The people are not outraged by His works, but that He has claimed to be the Son of God. He does not back down and continues to claim that He and the Father are one.

The people want to arrest Jesus, but He is able to leave and travel towards the Jordan River. Many of the people believe Him and reflect on the claims of John the Baptist that Jesus proved to be true.

John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

JOHN 11

JESUS RAISES LAZARUS FROM THE GRAVE

In the town of Bethany, a close friend of Jesus, Lazarus, falls seriously ill. Mary and Martha are his sisters. Jesus is sent a message, saying that “the one whom you love is ill.” He says that his sickness would not lead to death, but is intended to show God’s glory.

After hearing the news of Lazarus' illness, Jesus strangely chooses to stay where He is for two more days. His disciples, particularly Thomas, are apprehensive about returning to Judea, because people are plotting to kill Jesus for His claims of being the Christ.

When Jesus eventually arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha, one of Lazarus's sisters, expresses her belief that if Jesus had come earlier, Lazarus would not have died. Even still, she maintains her faith in Jesus' relation to God and His ability to perform miracles.

Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again, but she misunderstands His reference, thinking He is speaking of a spiritual resurrection, not a literal one. Jesus boldly declares, "I am the resurrection and the life," to which Martha affirms her faith in Him as the Savior.

Mary, the other sister, is called by Jesus while she is weeping. Upon seeing her sorrow, Jesus is deeply moved and weeps. Although He knows that Lazarus will be healed, He shows empathy and feels the emotion of the present moment.

Jesus proceeds to the tomb, where Lazarus was buried, and asks for the stone to be rolled away. Martha warns Him of the odor due to Lazarus having been in the tomb for four days. Jesus thanks God for always hearing His prayers and asks that this act serve as witness to the people, leading them to believe in Him as the one sent by God.

After thanking and praising God, Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the tomb, and miraculously, Lazarus emerges alive. Many who witnessed this extraordinary event come to believe in Jesus, just as He had requested of God.

Despite this miraculous act, some respond with offense instead of conviction. The Pharisees and religious leaders grow concerned about Jesus' growing influence and fear that His influence would upset the Roman authorities. Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesied that Jesus would die to gather God's children, leading to a sinister plot to kill Him.

To escape the threat of death, Jesus retreats with His disciples to the town of Ephraim, where He could evade the religious leaders' plans to capture and arrest Him.

JOHN 12

JESUS TRAVELS FROM BETHANY + ENTERS JERUSALEM

In the week before Passover, Jesus is in Bethany with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. As Lazarus dines with Jesus and Martha serves the meal, Mary takes an expensive balm and anoints the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair. Showing humility and sacrifice, Mary honors Him with this intimate and meaningful act.

Judas, one of the disciples who would later betray Jesus, questions why Mary did this. Instead of using the valuable ointment on Jesus, Judas would have sold the ointment, allegedly to give the money to the poor, but likely keeping it for himself. Jesus tells Judas to leave Mary alone and instructs her to keep the ointment for the day of His burial, which Jesus knows is quickly approaching. Jesus acknowledges that His time on earth is temporary and fleeting, telling Judas that He will not always be physically with them.

While He is in Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sends two of the disciples to bring Him a colt or young donkey. The disciples place their cloaks on the donkey for Jesus to sit on. As He rides the donkey down the Mount of Olives, He fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, who claims that the Savior would enter Jerusalem with humility, mounted on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

The crowd places branches and cloaks along the road, paving the way for His entrance. As Jesus draws near, the people rejoice and praise Him, saying “Hosanna,” a plea for salvation meaning “Save us.” Upon seeing Him glorified, the crowds continue to follow Him and serve as His witnesses.

Some Greek men, non-Hebrew followers of Jesus, want to see Him among the crowds. Jesus answers them, telling them it is time for the Son of Man to be lifted up, referencing His impending death. Heteaches that whoever gives their life to following God will gain their life in eternity, highlighting the importance of the eternal over the temporary.

Jesus declares that the purpose of His death would glorify God. God audibly responds to this claim, confirming that it has been glorified and would be glorified again! Jesus tells the people that God spoke for their sake, so they would believe. He is obedient to the will of God the Father and trusts that His death will draw people towards God.

After saying this, there are people who still do not believe Jesus. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus refers to the prophecy that God would reveal Himself to the people, but they would have blinded eyes and hardened hearts (Isaiah 53:1-3, Isaiah 44:18). He calls out the Pharisees for loving the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Jesus speaks not with His own authority, but with the authority of God. He did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. Whoever believes in Jesus believes in God who sent Him and will enter into eternal life.

JOHN 13

JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES FEET + SHARES THE NEW COMMAND

Jesus gathers the disciples to celebrate Passover, knowing the time of His death is near and loving the disciples until the end. Showing great humility, Jesus takes on the role of a servant or slave and washes the feet of the disciples.

Influenced by Satan, Judas, one of the disciples, would soon betray Jesus (Psalm 41:9). Judas would soon turn over His location to the priests for the promise of money. Knowing this, Jesus still washes Judas’s feet.

Although they are confused at the time, Jesus tells the disciples that they will eventually understand His reason for washing their feet. He encourages them to wash one another’s feet, acting as humble servants. Jesus teaches the disciples that whoever receives Him as the Savior would also receive God, the one who sent Him.

During the meal, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them would betray him. Troubled by this, each disciple questions who would be the one to betray Him. Jesus gives Judas a portion of bread, indicating that he would be the betrayer. After Judas takes the morsel, Satan influences Judas to betray Jesus. Although Satan meant this for evil, God uses this betrayal to accomplish the payment for sin on the cross through the death of Jesus.

Jesus reminds the disciples of the most important commandment, to love one another the way that God has loved them. Although He has taught this before, He calls this command the “new” commandment, indicating the covenant between God and humanity after his fulfillment of the Law and Prophets on the cross.

After the Passover meal, Peter wants to follow Jesus wherever He is going, but Jesus says he cannot yet go where He is going. He foretells that Peter, His disciple, will deny knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter assures Him that he will not deny Him, even if it costs him his life.

JOHN 14

JESUS FORETELLS HIS DEPARTURE + THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus encourages His disciples not to be troubled and tells them that He is going before them and preparing a room in the Father’s house. At this time, when a son got married, the family would prepare a new room in the home for the son and his wife to start their own family. This phrase “prepare a room” points to their acceptance into God’s family.

Thomas asks Jesus how they will know the way to follow where He is going. Jesus teaches them that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one will come to the Father except through Him. Serving as both fully God and fully man, Jesus is the only bridge between humanity’s sinfulness and God’s perfection.

Phillip asks Jesus to show them the Father, wanting to see more revelation from God. As the Son of God, Jesus tells Phillip that whoever has seen Him has also seen the Father.

Jesus teaches that whoever loves Him will do His works and follow His teaching. Encouraging prayer, He promises the disciples that God will provide anything they ask in the name of Jesus that is according to His will.

Jesus promises the arrival of the Holy Spirit as a helper for the disciples. God the Father will send the Holy Spirit to dwell within His people so that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of the truth of Jesus. The arrival of the Holy Spirit will take place at Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2.

Jesus refers to Satan as the “ruler of this world,” showing the sinful state of humanity and the negative influence of sin on the world. Thankfully, Satan has no authority over Jesus, who encourages His disciples not to be troubled or afraid.

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

JOHN 15

JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES TO ABIDE IN THE TRUE VINE

Continuing His message to the disciples, Jesus teaches that He is the vine and God is the vinedresser or gardener. God will take away every branch that does not bear fruit and prune the ones that do produce fruit, allowing them to continue growing. Just as branches cannot grow fruit if they are not connected to the vine, the disciples will not be fruitful if they do not remain in Christ. Jesus instructs them to abide in Him, following His teaching and trusting His Word. Those who do not abide will be like branches that wither, unable to produce fruit.

Jesus teaches the disciples to abide in love and follow the commandments. Showing the disciples how to love well, He explains that there is no greater love than laying down his life for his friends, an act He would soon fulfill. Encouraging them to present their requests to God, Jesus reiterates that God will provide anything they ask in His name that is according to His will.

Jesus acknowledges the hatred that consumes the world. Because He does not have the same values as the world, He is hated by the world. He prepares the disciples, as they will also experience hate because of their loyalty to Him. Many people, especially religious people, hate Jesus without a cause. Whoever hates Him also hates the Father, one cannot love one without the other.

Once God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within followers of Jesus, they will be more equipped to serve as a witness to Him and spread the gospel message.

JOHN 16

JESUS FORETELLS HIS DEATH, FOR HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD

Jesus explains to the disciples that the people who will kill Him believe that they are serving God by killing a false prophet. Because the people do not know the Father, they will end up killing His Son and the Savior, thinking they are being righteous.

Jesus tells the disciples that He will soon leave to return to the Father. They are saddened by his eventual death and departure, but He tells the disciples that it is for their advantage. Once Jesus has gone, He will send the Holy Spirit to serve as a Helper, benefitting the disciples by bringing righteousness and judgment on sin. Although shame is not from God, the Holy Spirit allows conviction to help believers follow the teaching of Jesus and pursue holiness. The Holy Spirit will guide the disciples to speak in truth and glorify God.

The disciples will soon grieve over the death of Jesus but will be thrilled to see Him once again. Once Jesus has resurrected from the dead, their sorrow will turn into joy. Jesus continues to teach the disciples that they have the ability to ask and receive from God, who will bring them complete joy!

Jesus explains that He has come into the world through the Father and the time has come for His return to the Father. Comforting the disciples, He tells them that they will have trouble in the world, but they can take heart because He has overcome the world. He never promises His disciples an easy life, instead, He encourages them to trust the help of the Holy Spirit and cling to the promises of eternal life.

John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

JOHN 17

JESUS PRAYS FOR SANCTIFICATION + UNITY AMONG BELIEVERS

After speaking with the disciples, Jesus prays for both Himself and His followers, asking God to make Himself glorified through His life and death on the cross. Imploring God to accomplish His will, He prays for the work God set out to do through Him, granting believers eternal life. Jesus has given the disciples the words God has given Him and followed God’s will for His life. Through Him, the disciples have come to know the truth and believe that God sent Him as the Savior.

Jesus asks God to guard the disciples after His return. He has led the disciples during His time on Earth, but must rely on the Holy Spirit to continue to guide them after His death. Because God does not have the same values as the world, the disciples will be hated by the world for trusting and following God’s word. Jesus asks God to protect the disciples against Satan, the evil one, and sanctify them in truth.

Jesus expands His prayer to cover not only the disciples, but include anyone who believes in Him as the Son of God. He desires for His followers to share the news of the Savior and spread the message of salvation throughout the world. Jesus asks God for unity among believers, so that they will not be divided and that their message will be loving and glorifying to God.

John 17:26 – I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.

JOHN 18

JESUS BETRAYED, ARRESTED, + QUESTIONED

While they are in the garden, Judas arrives with a great crowd of priests and religious leaders seeking to arrest Jesus. Jesus identifies Himself, saying that He is Jesus of Nazareth, the one they are seeking. Peter, wanting to protect Him, strikes one of the men, cutting off his ear. Jesus instructs Peter to stop, stating that He is following God’s will and drinking the cup that was given to Him.

Jesus is bound and questioned by the high priest, Caiaphas, and his father-in-law, Annas. He refutes their claims of dishonesty and shares that His ministry has remained public. The claims that Jesus made, to be the Son of God, were not made in private, but boldly.

Just as Jesus said, Peter is approached three times and questioned about his relationship to Jesus. Three times, Peter denies knowing Him.

While in captivity, Jesus is handed over to the Roman Governor, Pilate. Pilate does not see the accusations of Jesus as a serious problem and wants the Jewish people to deal with Him on their own terms. Knowing they could not put someone to death, the Jewish leaders convinced Pilate to question Him.

Pilate asks Jesus of His identity, and Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, the Jewish Messiah. He explains that His kingdom is not of this world and that He was sent to bear witness to the truth. Profound and simple, Pilate asks the question “What is truth?”

Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus and does not understand the reason for His arrest. Attempting to spare Him, Pilate recalls that during Passover, one prisoner is allowed to be freed. Instead of freeing the innocent Messiah, the crowd cheers to free Barabbas, a criminal guilty of acts of heinous violence and corruption.

JOHN 19

THE CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF CHRIST

Before being crucified, Jesus is brutally beaten and whipped. Pilate’s soldiers take Him and clothe Him in purple robes and a crown of thorns, mocking His alleged identity as King of the Jews. When Jesus goes before the chief priest and officers, they cry out “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Despite Pilate finding Him innocent, the crowd wants Jesus killed over His claims to be the Son of God.

Pilate continues to question Jesus, fearful of what will happen. At first, Jesus does not respond. Confused and frustrated by this, Pilate reminds Him of the great authority he holds. Jesus refutes Pilate’s statement, telling him he had no authority over Him unless it had been given to him from above. In the moments before His death, Jesus remains confident in God’s sovereignty and power.

Pilate, realizing Jesus’ innocence, wants to release Him, but is influenced by the crowds who want Him killed. When asked if they wanted to save their king, the crowd replies that the only king they acknowledge is Caesar. Reluctant, Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified.

Bearing His own cross, Jesus is taken to “the place of the skull,” called Golgotha. Two other men were crucified next to Him, one on either side of Him. Above His head was placed a wooden sign with “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” written in Greek, Latin, and Aramaic for all to read. The soldiers threw dice to divide His clothing between them (Psalm 22:18).

Standing by the cross, remaining with Jesus until His death, is Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus’ mother. When He sees His mother with His disciples, He calls out to her, saying “Behold, your son!” He calls out to the disciples, “Behold, your mother!” indicating that His disciples are to care for His mother after His death. In His last moments, He expresses His care for Mary and His disciples.

After saying “I thirst,” Jesus is given sour wine or vinegar, held up to His mouth on a sponge (Psalm 69:21). Before taking His final breath, bowing His head, and giving over His spirit, Jesus says “It is finished,” showing His completion of the fulfillment of Scripture and atonement for sin.

Wanting to conclude the crucifixions before the Sabbath day, the soldiers break the legs of the men on the crosses next to Jesus, speeding up their deaths. Realizing that Jesus had already died, they did not break any of his bones (​​Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12). Instead, one of the soldiers pierces His side with a spear, causing blood and water to leave His body (Zechariah 12:10).

Joseph, one of Jesus’ followers, asks Pilate for Jesus’ body, wanting to properly bury Him before the Sabbath. Joseph takes the body and wraps it in linen clothing. Nicodemus, who had earlier met with Jesus, brought myrrh and ointments to embalm His body before He was placed in a tomb protected by a large stone.

JOHN 20

JESUS RESURRECTS + APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb and sees that the stone has been rolled away. Mary runs to tell Simon Peter and John that Jesus was removed from the tomb. When they arrive at the tomb, they are confused by the sight of an empty tomb, containing only the folded linen clothes that previously covered Jesus.

Standing outside the tomb and weeping over the loss of Jesus, Mary is met by two angels. When asked what was wrong, Mary responds that the Lord has been taken away and she did not know where He laid. Jesus appears to Mary, but she is unable to recognize Him at first and assumes that He is a gardener. He calls Mary by name, and upon hearing “Mary,” she recognizes Him and calls Him teacher. Jesus explains that He would not be present long and that He would soon ascend to heaven to be with the Father. Mary goes to tell the disciples the good news of His resurrection.

Mary’s assumption that the resurrected Jesus was a gardener subtly points to Jesus’ cultivation of new life. Standing in between the perfect garden of Eden and the perfect garden of eternity, He provides an invitation to enter into God’s kingdom. In Eden, sin entered the world (Genesis 3), but through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin. Jesus imagined as a gardener shows the reversal of Eden and the inauguration of the new creation.

Jesus goes to visit the disciples, saying “Peace be with you!” as He enters the room they are in. He shows the disciples where He was pierced on His hands and His side. As the Father sent Him, Jesus sends the disciples to share the news of His resurrection. Jesus gives hope to the disciples of the Holy Spirit, coming to their aid as a helper.

When Jesus appears to the disciples, Thomas was not among them. When the disciples tell Thomas that they had seen Jesus, Thomas did not believe them. Thomas needed to see and feel the scars on Jesus’ hands from the nails of the cross. Eight days later, Jesus appears to Thomas and shows him what he needed for belief, the scars on His hands and side. Upon seeing this, Thomas believes and proclaims He is the Lord God. Jesus does not rebuke or correct Thomas for his disbelief but meets him in his doubts and provides reason for faith. Jesus showed Thomas His scars but says that those who believe without seeing are blessed.

John states that many other miracles and signs occurred in the presence of the disciples that were not recorded in this book. John wrote so that those who read this account will​​ trust that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in His name.

John 20:31 – but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

JOHN 21

JESUS VISITS HIS DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF GALILEE

Jesus appears again to the disciples, this time while they are fishing. Peter, Thomas, and Nathanael go out on their boat, but catch nothing. The disciples do not recognize Him at first, as He calls out to them asking if they had caught any fish. Jesus instructs them to cast their net onto the other side of their boat, similar to his first interaction with Peter in Luke 5. After following His direction, they are overwhelmed with the amount of fish in their nets.

Upon realizing that the man is Jesus, Peter jumps into the sea, making his way towards Him! The other disciples bring the boat to the shore to see Jesus, marveling at their catch. On the beach, Jesus has prepared a fire, bread, and fish to share with the disciples.

John specifically mentions that the disciples caught 153 fish, an oddly specific number. Some scholars believe that 153 species of fish existed in the Sea of Galilee, showing that the disciples caught every type of fish and alluding to the idea that God’s kingdom will include people from all nations (Isaiah 52:10, Jeremiah 3:17, Revelation 7:9).

Jesus speaks with Peter, who previously denied his relationship with Jesus. Three times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him and three times, Peter responds yes. Jesus allows Peter to confess his love for Christ as many times as he had previously denied Him, showing the merciful and redemptive nature of Christ. He encourages Peter to feed His sheep, an image for sharing the gospel, and follow Him. Jesus speaks of Peter's eventual death, saying he will be stretched out by his hands, alluding to a crucifixion. Peter asks Jesus how John would die, but He does not answer directly.

John concludes the gospel account by affirming the other gospel writers, saying that there are many other acts of Jesus not included in this account. John believes that the world itself could not contain the books that could be filled about the miraculous acts of Christ.