LESSON FOUR
John
Called “The Gospel of Love,” John has won the affection of Christians who turn to it first for inspiration. Because of its universal appeal, this Gospel is the first to be translated into a foreign language or dialect, and it is the most widely distributed of the Gospels.
John seeks to prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in him will have eternal life. John focused on the uniqueness of Jesus, portraying him as the Creator who became flesh and dwelt among men as the Lamb of God “who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
As we view the Gospels together, we see a progression of teaching in each book. Matthew, for example, ends with the Resurrection, Mark closes with the Ascension, Luke gives the promise of the Holy Spirit, and in John our Lord breathes the Holy Spirit upon his disciples and speaks of his return.
Lesson Objective: To see Jesus as the Son of God
BIBLE STUDY
Read John 1
Before you consider the many verses below, be sure to read the Bible passage listed above.
If you click on the verses in the study below you can see the entire verse! If you are not on-the-go, consider opening a physical Bible and looking up the passages.
Titles for Jesus
Read John 1:1–18.
- Why is Jesus called the Word?
Why is he called the light?
Why is he called the Son? - John also gave other names for Jesus. Write each and a short explanation of what it means.
John 6:35
John 8:12
John 11:25
John 14:6
Miracles of Christ
- Why did John take the trouble to relate the various signs, or miracles, found in his Gospel (John 20:30, 31)?
- Skim through this Gospel and see if you can list the seven miracles of Jesus that John recorded.
Representatives for Christ
Read John 13 and John 14.
- What attitude of the heart must you demonstrate if other people are to realize that you are Christ’s representative in the world (John 13:34, 35)?
- What is God’s provision for enabling Christians to be true representatives of Christ in the world (John 14:16–18)?
Christ’s Deity
- John quotes seven witnesses to the deity of Christ.
Who are they?
John 1:19, 34
John 1:49
John 6:68, 69
John 11:24–27
John 20:28
John 20:31
John 10:34–36 - Why was each person qualified to testify?
The Holy Spirit
- John also teaches us about the Holy Spirit. How does the work of the Holy Spirit affect your life and ministry?
John 3:5
John 4:14
John 7:38, 39
Chapters 14–16 - What is the promise given in John 14:15–31?
The Vine and the Branches
Read John 15:1–8.
- Describe the relationship between the vine and branches.
- How can you use this picture to have a more fruitful ministry?
LIFE APPLICATION
Questions
- According to John 15:16, 27, what was to be the disciples’ function after Jesus left the earth?
How are you obeying that command?
What promises can you claim from these verses that will help you bear fruit? - Read John 21. Summarize what these verses mean to your ministry for Jesus.
- Do you see Jesus as the Son of God?
Memory Verse: “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'” (John 7:37, 38 NLT)