Introductory Notes to John

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the first three signs in John's Gospel?

They emphasize the miracles performed solely for the disciples.

They demonstrate how faith brings satisfaction to believers.

They show how Jesus excommunicated those who doubted Him.

They illustrate how salvation comes to the sinner. (correct)

Which sign is associated with the concept that salvation brings light?

Water into wine.

Feeding the 5,000.

Healing the blind man. (correct)

Healing the paralytic.

Which miracle led to the sermon on the Good Shepherd in John's Gospel?

Healing the nobleman's son.

Water into wine.

Healing the blind man. (correct)

Stilling the storm.

What major theme is prevalent throughout John's Gospel?

The conflict between faith and unbelief. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of most Jews to the miracles performed by Jesus?

They increasingly rejected and hardened in their unbelief. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signs does not demonstrate a physical aspect of healing?

Feeding the 5,000. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome when the multitudes wish to make Jesus King, according to John's Gospel?

Jesus separates Himself from the multitudes and they leave Him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme of the Gospel of John?

Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best compares John's Gospel to the Synoptic Gospels?

John goes deeper into the spiritual meanings of events. Signup and view all the answers

Which term does John prefer over 'miracle' to convey a deeper message?

Sign Signup and view all the answers

What are the repeated key words that summarize the message of John's Gospel?

Life, believe, light, darkness Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the seven I AM statements in John's Gospel?

They affirm Jesus' divine identity. Signup and view all the answers

Why does John use the term 'sign' to describe miracles performed by Jesus?

To highlight the underlying messages of the miracles. Signup and view all the answers

Which Gospel writer's perspective is described as viewing Christ as 'the Son of Man'?

Luke Signup and view all the answers

What does John want the readers to do in relation to Jesus Christ?

To believe in Him as Lord and receive new life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

John's Gospel Theme

John's gospel focuses on Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, emphasizing signs that prove his deity.
The signs were witnessed by dependable individuals, including the disciples, adding to their trustworthiness.
John desires to lead readers to believe in Jesus and receive new life through his name.

Comparing to Synoptic Gospels

Matthew, Mark, and Luke, known as the Synoptic Gospels, offer similar perspectives on Christ's life, each with unique emphases.
Matthew highlights Christ's role as King of the Jews.
Mark portrays Christ as the Servant, directed towards Roman audiences.
Luke focuses on Christ as the Son of Man, targeting Greek readers.
John presents Christ as the Son of God, speaking to the entire world.
John delves deeper into spiritual meanings of events, compared to the Synoptic Gospels.
John replaces "miracle" with "sign" to indicate a miracle carrying a message.

Key Words in John

Recurring keywords like "life," "believe," "light and darkness," "truth," "witness," "world," "glory," "receive," "Father," "come," "eternal," and "everlasting" encapsulate John's message.

Christ's I AM Statements

John highlights Christ's sermons about himself, emphasizing his divinity through "I AM" statements:
"I AM the Bread of Life" (6:35, 41, 48, 51)
"I AM the Light of the world" (8:12; 9:5)
"I AM the Door of the sheep" (10:7, 9)
"I AM the Good Shepherd" (10:11, 14)
"I AM the Resurrection and the Life—11:25"
"I AM the way, the truth, and the life—14:6"
"I AM the true Vine" (15:1, 5)

Signs in John's Gospel

John selects seven miracles to demonstrate Christ's deity.
An eighth miracle in chapter 21 serves as a postlude to the Gospel.
These signs are presented in a specific order, forming a picture of salvation.

Salvation Through Signs

The first three signs illustrate how salvation comes to the sinner:
Water into wine (2:1-11) - Salvation is by the Word
Healing the nobleman's son (4:46-54) - Salvation is by faith
Healing the paralytic (5:1-9) - Salvation is by grace

Salvation's Results

The last four signs demonstrate the outcomes of salvation in the believer:
Feeding the 5,000 (6:1-14) - Salvation brings satisfaction
Stilling the storm (6:16-21) - Salvation brings peace
Healing the blind man (9:1-7) - Salvation brings light
Raising of Lazarus (11:38-45) - Salvation brings life

The Conflict of Faith and Unbelief

A central theme of John's Gospel is the struggle between faith and unbelief.
John begins with Israel's rejection of Jesus (1:11) and culminates in his crucifixion.
Despite evidence, most Jews remained resistant to believing in Christ, hardening their hearts.
Conversely, a select group, including disciples, a nobleman, Samaritans, a paralytic, and a blind man, embraced Christ as the Son of God.

Three Crisis Events

The Gospel highlights three significant crisis events:
6:66-71: The crowds abandon Christ after desiring to make him king.
12:12-50: The people reject Christ, despite hailing him as king.
19:13-22: Christ is crucified as they declare "We have no King but Caesar."

Christ's Ministry Outline: The Year of Opening

This period marks the official start of Jesus' ministry.
Ministry of John the Baptist (1:1-8, 3:1-12, 1:19-36, 3:1-18)
Baptism of Jesus (1:9-11, 3:13-17, 3:21-22)
Temptation of Jesus (1:12-13, 4:1-11, 4:1-13)
Five disciples called (1:35-49)
Changes water into wine, the first miracle (2:1-11)
First Passover (2:13-17)
Temple cleansed (2:13-17)
Discourse on the new birth (3:1-21)

Christ's Ministry Outline: The Year of Ovation

This period represents a time of appreciation from the audience.
Rejected at Nazareth (4:28-30, Isaiah 53:3)
Withdraws to Capernaum (4:13-16, 4:31-32)
Four disciples called (4:18-22, 1:16-20, 5:8-11)
Miraculous catch of fish (5:4-9)
Demon-possessed man healed (1:23-28, 4:33-37)
Peter’s mother-in-law healed (8:14-15, 1:29-31, 4:38-39)
Later Galilean Ministry (4:23-25, 1:38-39, 4:43-44)
Leper cleansed (8:2-4, 1:40-42, 5:12-13)
Returns to Capernaum (2:1-2)
Paralytic healed (9:2-8, 2:2-12, 5:18-26)
Matthew called (9:9, 2:13-14, 5:27-28)
Second Passover (5:1)
Man at the pool healed (5:2-9)
Discourse on Jesus’ divinity (5:17-47)
Discourse on the Sabbath (5:17-47)

Christ's Ministry Outline: The Year of Opposition

This period signifies a time of conflict and resistance.
Rejected at Nazareth again (13:54-58, 6:1-6)
Disciples sent out (10:5-42, 6:7-13, 9:1-6)
Third Tour of Galilee (9:35-38, 6:6)
John the Baptist dies (14:1-2, 6-12, 6:14-16, 21-29, 9:7-9)
Vacation interrupted (14:13-14, 6:30-34, 9:10-11, 6:1-4)
Five thousand fed (14:15-21, 6:35-44, 9:12-17, 6:5-14)
Jesus walks on the sea (14:22-33, 6:45-52, 6:16-21)
Many miracles performed (14:34-36, 6:53-56)
Discourse on the bread of life (6:25-59)
Falling away of some disciples (6:60-71)
Pharisees rebuked (6:60-71)

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Description

Explore the major themes of John's Gospel, focusing on the divinity of Jesus Christ and the unique signs that affirm his identity. Compare John's perspective with the Synoptic Gospels to understand the distinct roles each Gospel plays in presenting Jesus to different audiences. This quiz will challenge your knowledge of key concepts and terminology within the text.