In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1
The Identity of John
We often find ourselves wondering who John really was. He was a humble fisherman turned disciple, and his journey with Jesus transformed him into one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament. Throughout the scriptures, John is lovingly referred to as the “beloved disciple,” showcasing his close relationship with Christ. His writings reveal significant truths about Jesus, making him an essential figure for us to study and learn from. By exploring John’s identity and mission, we can enhance our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and to reflect on our own faith journey.
John 1:6
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. – John 1:6
John 1:15
John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” – John 1:15
John 1:30
This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ – John 1:30
John 3:28
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ – John 3:28
John 10:41
And many came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” – John 10:41
John’s Gospel
As we delve into John’s Gospel, we discover it’s uniquely crafted to inspire belief in Jesus as the Son of God. John’s focus is on the divinity of Christ, providing a deep spiritual perspective that encourages us to reflect on our relationship with Him. The Gospel continually showcases the importance of knowing Jesus personally and intimately. As we read through the verses, we can feel the heart and passion of John, urging us to investigate the profound love Jesus has for us and how we can respond to that love in our own lives.
John 20:31
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. – John 20:31
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10
John’s Teachings
John’s writings not only tell the story of Jesus but also convey essential teachings that we can apply to our lives. These teachings are timeless and challenge us to cultivate love, humility, and faithfulness. Through John’s teachings, we can learn about the importance of loving one another and the perfect example of love that Jesus set for us. Additionally, John encourages us to stay strong in our faith, highlighting the strength that comes from a relationship with Jesus. By embracing these teachings, we can shine a light in our own communities as followers of Christ.
John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34
John 15:12
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. – John 15:12
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27
John 5:24
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. – John 5:24
John and Baptism
In his role as a forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist embodied the call to repentance and transformation. His humility and commitment to God’s purpose inspired countless individuals. John’s act of baptizing in water serves as a beautiful symbol of the new life that Jesus would offer. It reminds us of the importance of repentance in our journey with God. Reflecting upon John’s dedication to preparing the way for Jesus can help us to consider our own lives and how we can share the message of hope and redemption with others in our communities.
John 1:26
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know.” – John 1:26
John 1:33
I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” – John 1:33
John 3:30
He must become greater; I must become less. – John 3:30
John 5:35
John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. – John 5:35
John 7:18
Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. – John 7:18
John and Jesus’ Miracles
The account of Jesus’ miracles in John’s Gospel reveals his power and compassion. These miracles served to demonstrate Jesus’ divine authority, yet they were also acts of love towards people in need. By pondering these miraculous events, we can see how Jesus constantly reached out to the hurting and marginalized. John’s writings encourage us to deepen our faith and recognize that miracles are not restricted to ancient times. Through prayer and trust in God, we can still experience His extraordinary power in our own lives today.
John 2:11
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. – John 2:11
John 4:54
This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee. – John 4:54
John 6:14
After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” – John 6:14
John 9:16
Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. – John 9:16
John 11:47
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs.” – John 11:47
John’s Vision of the Future
John’s prophetic visions, especially in Revelation, guide us to understand the end times and God’s ultimate plan for humanity. His insights reassure us that God is still on the throne, and He is in control of all things. They encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the trials of life come our way. By embracing John’s revelations, we can find hope for the future. They remind us that our hope rests in Jesus, who will return one day to fulfill His promises. Let’s hold onto these truths as we live out our faith in anticipation of His glorious return.
Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. – Revelation 1:3
Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ – Revelation 21:4
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12
Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. – Revelation 21:2
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored the life and teachings of John, we realize the profound impact his writings have on our faith. His identity as a disciple teaches us humility and wisdom, while his Gospel leads us to a deeper understanding of Jesus. The love John shared, meant to be reflected in our own lives, transforms the way we interact with others. The baptisms and miracles he witnessed invite us to believe in Jesus more fully and expect miracles in our own lives.
Learning from John’s vision of the future reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who holds all things in His hands. We should celebrate the journey of faith, learning from one another, sharing love, and supporting those in need. Our shared experiences and knowledge give us strength as we follow Christ.
Let us continue cultivating our relationship with God. Visit Bible Repository for more valuable insights. Exploring other topics like God’s Word being true will deepen our understanding of His promises in our lives.