The Gospel of John: A Study in Jesus’ Deity and Mission
Lesson 1
This comprehensive study explores the Fourth Gospel, a profound account of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, and divine nature. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels) share many similar narratives, John’s Gospel stands apart through its deeply theological perspective and unique focus on establishing Jesus’ divine identity.
The very opening of John’s Gospel immediately declares Christ’s eternal nature and divine essence:
*”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”* John 1:1-5 NASB
These powerful verses establish that Jesus Christ existed before creation itself and was an active participant in the creation process, confirming His divine nature.
Purpose and Authorship
The Gospel’s purpose is clearly stated in John 20:30-31: *”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 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.”*
Written by the Apostle John around 85-95 AD, likely from Ephesus, this Gospel provides both internal and external evidence of its apostolic authorship. As an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, John brings a unique perspective that complements the other Gospel accounts.
Key Themes and Structure
The Gospel develops several major themes:
- The Deity of Christ – Through Jesus’ words, actions, and signs
- Divine Revelation and Salvation – How God makes Himself known through Christ
- The Holy Spirit’s Role – In believers’ lives and in revealing truth
John organizes his Gospel around:
– Seven miraculous signs demonstrating Jesus’ power and identity
– Seven “I Am” statements connecting Jesus to Old Testament divine revelation
– Contrasting themes: light/darkness, truth/falsehood, life/death, spirit/flesh
Central Concepts
John employs rich theological vocabulary to convey deep spiritual truths:
– The Word (Logos) – God’s perfect self-expression in Christ
– Light – Divine truth illuminating humanity’s spiritual darkness
– Life – Both physical and eternal spiritual existence through Christ
– Glory – The manifestation of God’s presence and character
– Truth – Ultimate reality as revealed in Jesus Christ
– Testimony – Evidence supporting faith in Christ
For Personal Reflection:
– How does Jesus reveal His divine nature in this Gospel?
– What role does believing play in experiencing eternal life?
– How does John’s unique presentation of Jesus deepen our understanding of His identity and mission?
– What evidence most strengthens your faith in Christ?
This study aims to deepen your understanding of Jesus’ divine nature and mission while strengthening your faith through John’s carefully crafted testimony.
*[Note: This material draws from teachings presented by Peter Grant and Ben Flegal at Lakewood Baptist Church, Pewaukee, Wisconsin]*Presented by
Peter Grant https://lakewoodbaptist.church/leadership/
Ben Flegal https://www.mbu.edu/faculty/ben-flegal/
Lakewood Baptist Church Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Author:
- Apostle John
- Internal evidence
- External evidence
- Apostolic/Eyewitness authorship
Background and Purpose:
John 20:30 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 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.”
- Jewish context
- Temple destruction/rising conflict with religious authorities
- Kinds of belief
- Evangelistic nuance?
Theological Themes:
- Christology
- Revelation/Salvation
- The Spirit
QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION:
How does our thinking about John’s purpose for writing affect the way we read and share his Gospel?
Detailed Study Notes
Historical Context
- Written approximately 85-95 AD
- Location likely Ephesus
- Written to both Jewish and Gentile audiences
- Addressing specific challenges to early Christian faith
- Complementary to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke)
Literary Features
- Signs (σημεῖα)
- Seven major miraculous signs
- Each revealing specific aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission
- Progressive revelation through actions and teaching
- “I Am” Statements
- Seven key declarations
- Connection to Old Testament revelation
- Theological significance in Jewish context
- Dualistic Themes
- Light and darkness
- Truth and falsehood
- Life and death
- Above and below
- Spirit and flesh
Key Vocabulary and Concepts
- Word (Logos): Divine self-expression
- Life: Both physical and spiritual significance
- Light: Divine revelation and truth
- Glory: Divine nature revealed
- Truth: Reality as revealed by God
- Witness/Testimony: Evidence for belief
Study Questions for Personal Reflection
- What evidence does John provide for Jesus’ identity?
- How does John’s purpose statement shape our reading of the miraculous signs?
- What role does “believing” play in John’s narrative?
- How does John’s presentation of Jesus differ from the Synoptic Gospels?
- What challenges to faith does John address in his Gospel?
Application Points
- Personal response to Jesus’ identity claims
- Role of evidence in Christian faith
- Relationship between seeing and believing
- Importance of testimony in sharing faith
- Connection between belief and life