Central Themes in the Gospel of John
Introduction- As you read the Gospel of John with your Home Churches notice how the themes that the gospel writer John lays out in the Prologue John 1:1-18 are woven through the rest of the narrative. It gives us clues to a never ending treasure hunt discovering Jesus’ glory in this majestic masterpiece.
Writers Intent- It seems clear that John lays out his central purpose in John 20:30- “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.” God who has always been an eternal family and who made the world through the “Word” in the beginning is now remaking all things into a new creation through the “Word” who “became flesh”. This new Adam, Jesus of Nazareth, is God’s one and only unique Son who walks in intimacy and authority to restore the earth. He is welcoming us to behold his glory, believe in his name and become children of God. We are invited to intimately know him, live in loving union and join in his new creation mandate.
Prayer for the Journey- “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Eph. 1:17-19)
Themes (note: this is not a comprehensive list, but rather clear threads that form a beautiful tapestry for us to pay attention to.)
A New Genesis: A New Creation
Pay attention to the words in John 1; “in the beginning”, “word”, “with God”, “all things were made”, “with God”, “life”, “light”, “overcoming darkness”, “tabernacle” etc.
All things were made by the Word and now all things are being remade by the “word” who “became flesh”, Jesus the new Adam, God’s Son who walked in intimacy and authority in the Holy Spirit to restore the earth.
Behold God’s Glory in Jesus: The Son Reveals the Father
Throughout the gospel we are called to behold the glory of God in Jesus. The invitation over and over is “Come and see.” The question is will we have eyes to see glory in a way we never expected it? Many who are blind will find their sight.
See God’s desire to be intimately “known” through his Son Jesus
Key Verses:
“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (Jn. 1:18)
“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (Jn. 14:9)
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me…No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (Jn. 15:4)
“This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (Jn. 17:3)
See God’s Glory in Jesus
Glory will be radically redefined as we see the fullness of God’s eternal character revealed ultimately in suffering and death. The King will be enthroned and exalted upon a cross.
Key Verses:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn. 1:14)
“Behold the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29)
“...so the Son of Man must be lifted up…” (Jn. 3:14)
See Jesus’ Glory is “full of grace and truth”
A Few Examples:
Grace at a wedding, truth at the temple (Jn. 2)
Gace to the woman at the well then truth about her ungodly life. (Jn. 4)
Grace in healing the man with disability at the pool of Bethesda and then Jesus warns him with truth to “sin no more” (Jn. 5)
See Jesus’ Glory in Seven Signs
See Jesus’ Glory in Seven “I Am” statements
Believe in Jesus: Relational Trust
Almost every story reveals either a person deciding to trust in Jesus or not. Belief isn’t a once off experience but an ongoing relational journey with many twists and turns.
Key Verses:
“But all who did receive him, who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:12)
“For God so loved the world that he sent his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
“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.” (Jn 20:30)
A Few Examples:
Nathanael, Nicodemus, Woman at the Well, Man Born Blind, Peter, Thomas
Become God’s Children: The Transformation of Creation through the Holy Spirit
Key Verses:
“But al all who did receive him, who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:12)
“The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14)
“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you. (Jn. 20:21)
A Few Examples:
Water becomes wine (Jn 2), People born again (Jn 3) drink becomes a spring of living water inside (Jn 4), the Resurrection (Jn 20-21)
