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5 Things You’ve Just Got To Know About John’s Gospel

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5 Things You’ve Just Got To Know About John’s Gospel

After reading the ENTIRE Bible during the 40 days of Lent, I was left with many notes and question marks, reminding me to look up unfamiliar words, themes, or traditions. As we comb through the Gospel of John at a much slower pace during the Summer Bible Study, we have a chance to get our elbows dirty as we become familiar with John’s poetic and distinct Gospel. [Tweet this]

5 Things You’ve Just Got To Know About John’s Gospel

Will you read along and join us as we explore the depths of God’s beauty in Scripture this summer? (Click here for details).

As you read John 1-3 this week and interact with the 5 days of after hours personal studies in the Pursuing God’s Beauty: Stories from the Gospel of John workbook, here are five tidbits about John’s Gospel that may clear up questions you may have or may highlight unfamiliar passages:

1)     John was written significantly later than the other three Gospels (called the Synoptic Gospels). [Tweet this] Thus, the author of John’s Gospel would have been aware of the other Gospels (especially Mark), but pointedly chose specific instances and personal interactions with Jesus to express in his Gospel.

2)     Logos was a term used by ancient Greek philosophers to refer to a higher power. While these philosophers only theorized that God existed, the Gospel of John uses this term in John 1 to suggest that God isn’t a mere theory; God not only exists but is revealed in Jesus. [Tweet this] Modern translations use the translation “Word” for logos. (See John 1:1)

5 Things You’ve Just Got To Know About John’s Gospel

3)     John’s Gospel uses the term king sixteen times and almost always in reference to Jesus, suggesting the importance of his royalty. [Tweet this]

5 Things You’ve Just Got To Know About John’s Gospel

4)     Though debated, some scholars suggest that running out of wine at the wedding in Cana in John 2  may be symbolic of the barrenness of Judaism. They also believe the six ceremonial stone jars, rather than having the perfect number of seven, point to the imperfection and inadequacy of the Jewish law. Jesus’ provision of choice wine suggests that his provision is superior to the law. [Tweet this]

5)     The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins with the Passover meal and continues for seven days (Exodus 12:18-19). In order to prepare for this feast, Jews search their homes and remove any bits of leavened bread (bread containing yeast). This cleansing of the house is essential to preparing for the Passover. This same image of cleansing is demonstrated in Jesus’ actions in the temple in John 2:13-25. [Tweet this]

FOR DISCUSSION: Answer the following questions as a comment to this blog post. Feel free to ask questions, reply to others’ comments, and post prayer requests.

  • As you have been exploring John this week, what passage, verse, or story has stuck out to you?
  • Of all the images, titles, and roles for Jesus mentioned in the Bible, which one is most beautiful and meaningful to you? (Page 24)

**

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It’s not too late to join the online #SummerBibleStudy at MargaretFeinberg.com through John and Genesis. Click here to learn more.

76 Comments

  1. Lori
    Lori on June 4, 2013 at 5:27 am

    I received great comfort from John 3:32. Let me explain. For two years I had stepped out to encourage the people on my FB to know God as I used myself as an example of how God relates to me in our personal relationship. I have shared many of my experiences. Yet, I feel like my efforts were for nothing, and it has frustrated me. A very few responded. Some have come and gone. Some were helped in the moment and left. Others I think blocked me. Even other Christians felt scarcely by my side. A few “like’s” of my posts encouraged me to keep on though it seemed I was speaking to the wind. Toward the end, I feel I had to encourage myself continually to keep going. And now I am in a new season. What have I learned? That people don’t easily talk about God. That calling out to them to have a relationship with Him was not verifiable (perhaps it happened in secret). And that Jesus knows EXACTLY how it feels. John 3:31-32 I’d like to believe seeds were planted. Perhaps that is within my role as an encourager, to plant seeds for others to water. John 3:32 brought me such great relief. I did what I did for God, and so did Jesus, despite the results. I had successfully carried that cross.

  2. Margaret
    Margaret on June 4, 2013 at 10:02 am

    Thank you for your courage in sharing your heart for God with others– even if it felt futile at times. I do believe that you have planted seeds! I am blessed by your testimony and I know others will be, too.

    I’m so happy to have you here my brave sister! Keep shining for his glory!

  3. Margaret
    Margaret on June 4, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Every time I read John, I’m always struck by John 1. The cosmic poetry is breathtaking and mind-bending.

    I think the image of Jesus as King stands out to me. When I think about Christ, KING isn’t the first word that comes into mind, but it is such a beautiful picture of how powerful he is! Jesus as King also makes his willingness to lay down his life that much more beautiful. I’m so grateful that John chose to be intentional in making us aware of Christ’s royalty.

    Blown away by his goodness and humbled by his love.

  4. Susan Stilwell
    Susan Stilwell on June 4, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    I’m a little late, but so glad to be here, Margaret! I just saw our fall curriculum and realized I’ll be spending the fall AND winter in John. So excited for what you have to share about this unique gospel!

  5. Margaret
    Margaret on June 4, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Susan, you’re not too late! I’m so happy you’re here. Wow! What an AWESOME gospel to spend so much time in.

    How did you first encounter Jesus, Susan?

  6. Danielle Neal
    Danielle Neal on June 4, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    I can answer the questions with one answer: John 1:14 Jesus humbling himself and becoming as His own creation leaves me breathless every time I think of it. How loving…to know that we would never know what God is like unless He came down to our level and demonstrated His joy, healing, kindness, fury and compassion. It is why I keep at least one Nativity scene up year round…to remind me that God, the Creator of the Universe, Majestic and Holy became a human being – one of us! And He IS glorious – full of grace and truth. Praise Him! ( I am about to burst out in song here.)

  7. Margaret
    Margaret on June 4, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Ooh– I love The Message’s translation of that verse: the Word “moved into the neighborhood.”

    What a great idea, to leave a nativity scene out each year. A beautiful and humbling reminder of the Immanuel, God with us, each day. Love it! Take a picture of your nativity scene. I want to see!

  8. Danielle Neal
    Danielle Neal on June 4, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    Yes! This is great. Jesus certainly is King, and I generally don’t think of Him that way, either, but He is certainly majestic and worthy of honor and glory. This brought to mind Jesus in Revelation 19, also written by John, described as riding a white horse and crowned with many crowns, the King of Kings. Awe!

    I love your enthusiasm and sharing of your passion for our Lord!!

  9. Kimberly
    Kimberly on June 4, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    I have to agree that John 1 is nicely written but when reading straight from John 1-3 and stopping at 3:36 makes it a,point but John 3:34 …..gives the Spirit with no limit makes me smile 🙂

  10. Susan Stilwell
    Susan Stilwell on June 5, 2013 at 5:49 am

    I encountered Jesus through my parents! Raised in a Christian home (dad is a bi-voc minister), there wasn’t a time I didn’t know who Jesus was. When I share my testimony I say, “I met Jesus when I was 5, but trusted Him when I was 12” because that’s when I fully understood my sin problem and knew I needed a Savior.

    Don’t we all have such interesting “Jesus Encounters,” Margaret?

  11. Margaret
    Margaret on June 5, 2013 at 10:36 am

    You are right, Kim. Reading through John 1-3 isn’t something I do often. Normally just chapter-by-chapter. It really makes the whole conversation with Nicodemus come to life!

    How did you first encounter Jesus, Kim?

  12. Margaret
    Margaret on June 5, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Yes, we do! God uses them all to paint this beautiful portrait of His unending work in our lives. He is so committed to restoration and redemption and I am grateful!

  13. Margaret
    Margaret on June 5, 2013 at 10:46 am

    John certainly was committed to getting that message across, Danielle. You’re so right! Thanks for reminding me of the image in Revelation 19. Wonderstruck, indeed.

  14. Laurie Witthoff
    Laurie Witthoff on June 5, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    Danielle, I love that you keep a Nativity scene up year round! It IS a beautiful reminder year round. I always feel sad putting it away after Christmas. I believe I’m going to follow your example from now on. Thank you for sharing this!

  15. Margaret
    Margaret on June 6, 2013 at 9:41 am

    I know! I just love that idea. I may have to borrow!

  16. Laura Reifschlager
    Laura Reifschlager on June 6, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    After all the years of being able to recite John 3:16, I only just now realized it was part of the conversation with Nicodemus.

    When I think of Jesus, I think of how the word compassion is used so frequently about him. He looked on all the people with compassion. I wish I could always embody the compassion he has for people.

  17. Margaret
    Margaret on June 7, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Isn’t it funny that even the most-beloved verses are forgotten in context? I found myself skimming over John 3:16, and having to go back through and re-read because the surrounding context is so important.

  18. TJ
    TJ on March 31, 2014 at 2:29 am

    I just stumbled across this item on the web as I searched for “what’s so exciting about John? [John’s gospel]”. I’m writing a piece to accompany the next sermon series (21 weeks) our pastor is preparing. I’m an intern and so not so knowledgable and need all the help I can get. ThanQ for your contribution Margaret. I never cease to be amazed that things written on the internet are the same as those written yesterday in terms of their impact, relevance and connection to the people they are aimed at. Hope your own marathon study of John was all you hoped it would and could be.

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