Introduction to the Gospel of John

“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

The Gospel of John is unlike the other three Gospels. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptics) focus on the events of Jesus’ ministry, John emphasizes His identity — who He is, not just what He did. John’s purpose is crystal clear.

Authorship

• Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, the ‘disciple whom Jesus loved’.

• Early church tradition strongly supports his authorship.

• John writes with intimacy, depth, and an eyewitness perspective.

Distinctives of John’s Gospel

• Emphasis on Jesus’ divine identity

• Rich theological language: Word, Light, Life, Truth

• Seven ‘I AM’ statements

• Seven signs/miracles

• Long discourses, fewer parables

Overview of John 1:1–18

The prologue introduces the themes that run through the entire Gospel.

Vv. 1–5: The Word and Creation

• Jesus (the Word, Logos) is eternal, uncreated, and divine.

• He is both in relationship with God and fully God Himself.

• All things were created through Him.

• He is the source of life and light that darkness cannot overcome.

Vv. 6–8: The Witness of John the Baptist

• John was sent by God to point people to the Light.

• He was not the Light but faithfully testified about Jesus.

Vv. 9–13: The True Light and Human Response

• Jesus is the true Light, shining for everyone.

• Many did not recognize or receive Him — including His own people.

• Those who do believe are given the right to become children of God.

• This new birth is not by bloodline or human effort, but by God’s will.

V. 14: The Word Became Flesh

• The eternal Word became human and dwelled among us.

• ‘Dwelt’ (Greek skēnoō) means ‘pitched His tent/tabernacled.’

• In Jesus, we see God’s glory, full of grace and truth.

✨ Logos and Rhema in John’s Gospel

John presents Jesus as the eternal Logos—the Word who was with God and who was God (John 1:1). Logos is not just a title; it’s His identity as the divine self-expression of God. Jesus is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14), the source of life and truth.

But as the Logos took on flesh, His spoken words became Rhema—specific, Spirit-filled utterances that meet people in their moment of need. When Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7), or when He offered the Samaritan woman “living water” (John 4:14), those were rhema words—living, active, and personal.

John captures both truths: – Jesus is Logos in His essence — the eternal Word, unchanging and divine. – Jesus speaks Rhema in His ministry — Spirit-charged words that transform lives.

That’s why Peter later confessed, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words (rhemata) of eternal life” (John 6:68).

👉 In John’s Gospel, when you hear the rhema of Jesus, you are encountering the Logos Himself.

V. 15–18: Grace Upon Grace

• John the Baptist testified that Jesus is greater.

• The Law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

• Jesus reveals the Father perfectly, making Him known to us.

Major Themes in John

• Word (Logos): Eternal, divine Creator — Jesus Christ
• Light versus Darkness: Truth against sin and ignorance
• Witness: John the Baptist pointing to Jesus
• Rejection and Acceptance: Many reject Christ… but believers become children of God
• Incarnation: God took on flesh and lived among us
• Revelation: Jesus reveals the Father fully
• Grace and Truth: God’s love and faithfulness embodied in Christ

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Application Points

Believe that Jesus is both eternal God and personal Savior.

1. Follow John the Baptist’s example — point others to Christ, not yourself.
2. Receive your identity as a child of God through faith.
3. Embrace the incarnation — God is not distant but close.
4. Walk daily in the fullness of grace and truth.

May we have a closing prayer:

“Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the eternal Word, to live among us and reveal who You are. Help me to believe deeply, live as Your child, and walk in grace and truth each day. In Jesus’ most excellent name Amen.”