The Message of the Book of John
The Gospel of John, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, differs in style and content from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The message of the Gospel of John can be summarized in several central themes:
1.The Divinity of Jesus Christ
The Gospel of John strongly emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus. From the beginning (John 1:1-14), Jesus is depicted as the “Word” (Logos) who was with God and is God Himself. This emphasis underscores that Jesus is not only a human being but also divine.
2.Faith and Eternal Life
A central theme is the belief in Jesus as the Son of God who brings eternal life. The Gospel emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ is the path to salvation and eternal life (John 3:16). The idea that faith in Jesus is directly connected to access to God is highlighted repeatedly.
3.Light and Darkness
John uses the metaphor of light and darkness to represent the contrast between good and evil, truth and falsehood, as well as knowledge and ignorance. Jesus is described as the light of the world that comes into darkness to illuminate it (John 1:4-5).
4.Miracles and Signs
The Gospel of John presents various miracles, also referred to as “signs,” that testify to Jesus’ divine authority. These signs are meant to inspire people to believe in Jesus and recognize His divine mission (e.g., the turning of water into wine, the healing of the man born blind).
5.God’s Love
Another central theme is the love of God, which is manifested in Jesus’ life and teachings. Particularly noteworthy is the command to love one another as Jesus has loved us (John 13:34-35). This love is a hallmark of Jesus’ followers and is meant to show the world that they are His disciples.
6.Jesus’ Farewell Discourses and Teachings
The Gospel of John includes detailed farewell discourses by Jesus to His disciples, in which He gives them instructions, offers comfort, and announces His future return. These passages emphasize the spiritual unity and eternal bond between Jesus and His followers (John 14-17).
7.The New Commandment
Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: “That you love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This commandment underscores the importance of love as a fundamental principle of Christian life.
8.The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Gospel also speaks about the Holy Spirit as a Comforter and Helper who will guide and empower believers (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit is an essential part of God’s plan to support believers.
Summary
The Gospel of John conveys the message that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God who came to redeem humanity through His death and resurrection. It emphasizes the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life, the central role of love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Through its unique teachings and signs, the Gospel invites believers to cultivate a personal and profound relationship with Jesus Christ.
October 7, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
John Chapter 1 is a fundamental section in the Gospel of John that highlights the preexistent nature of Jesus Christ as well as His incarnation into the world. This chapter lays the foundation for understanding Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos), who was with God and is God Himself. It introduces central themes such as light and darkness, testimony and faith, as well as the calling of the first disciples. Through its poetic and theologically profound language, the Gospel of John distinguishes itself from the Synoptic Gospels and offers a unique perspective on the nature and mission of Jesus.
Commentary:
1.The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-14):
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Preexistence of the Word: John begins with a majestic statement about the Word (Logos), who was in the beginning with God and is God Himself. This emphasizes the eternal existence of Jesus and His divine nature.
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Creation through the Word: All things were made through the Word, highlighting Jesus’ all-encompassing power as Creator.
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Life and Light: In Jesus was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Light and darkness serve as metaphors for good and evil, truth and error.
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Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (v.14) emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, which is a central theme in Christian belief. Jesus is described as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
2.The Testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:15-34):
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John the Baptist: John bears witness to Jesus, identifying Him as the true Light that enlightens the world. He makes it clear that he is not the Light himself but only a witness to it.
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Preparation for Jesus’ Coming: John describes Jesus as the one who comes after him and is greater than him. This highlights Jesus’ superiority and prepares the listeners for Jesus to take on the divine mission.
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The Image of the Father: John sees the Spirit come down like a dove upon Jesus and recognizes Him as the Son of God. This confirms Jesus’ divine authority and His role as the mediator between God and humanity.
3.The First Disciples (John 1:35-51):
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Calling of the First Disciples: The first two disciples follow John and are then called by Jesus to follow Him. This shows the transformative impact of Jesus’ testimony and His attracting power.
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Recognition of Jesus as the Messiah: Andrew brings his brother Simon Peter to Jesus, and Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the “King of Israel” and the “Son of God.” This recognition is crucial for the spread of the early Church.
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Promise of Greater Revelations: Jesus promises Nathanael that he will see greater things, indicating future revelations and miracles that further confirm Jesus’ divine nature.
Summary:
John Chapter 1 serves as the prologue of the Gospel of John and introduces central theological concepts that shape the entire Gospel text. It emphasizes the preexistence and divinity of Jesus Christ as the eternal Word who became flesh to dwell among humans. Through the testimony of John the Baptist, Jesus’ divine mission is affirmed, and the calling of the first disciples demonstrates the immediate impact of Jesus’ words and actions. The chapter lays the foundation for understanding light and darkness, grace and truth, and redemption through faith in Jesus. Overall, John Chapter 1 presents Jesus as the divine Messiah who came to redeem humanity and enable a personal relationship between God and people.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 68 is based on John 12:20-43 and deals with a pivotal event in Jesus’ life, when Greeks expressed the desire to see him. This chapter highlights the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to his impending sacrificial death on the cross, which would hold significance not only for the Jews but for all humanity. The desire of the Greeks to see Jesus symbolizes the universal appeal of his sacrifice and the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the Greeks’ request to see Jesus, which Jesus interprets as a sign of his imminent glorification through his death on the cross. This encounter is reminiscent of the Magi who came at Jesus’ birth, signaling that Jesus’ mission is now extending beyond the borders of Israel. Jesus seizes the moment to compare his death to a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, emphasizing the necessity of his sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
The chapter underscores the importance of self-sacrifice, both in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. Jesus speaks of his coming exaltation on the cross as the moment when he will draw all people to himself. Despite these revelations, many remain in disbelief, and even some of the leaders are afraid to publicly confess their faith.
Summary
Chapter 68 describes the final moments of Jesus before his crucifixion, interpreting the Greeks’ desire to see him as a sign of the expansion of his mission. Jesus explains that his death, like the death of a grain of wheat, is necessary to bring forth new life. The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the spread of the Gospel beyond Israel. It calls for self-sacrifice, both for Christ and his followers, while reflecting the deep sorrow over the continued disbelief of many.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 69—On the Mount of Olives
This chapter is based on Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 69 is based on the writings of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:5-38. It addresses Jesus’ prophetic announcements regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. This discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives, provides the disciples and future generations with guidance and warnings about upcoming trials and God’s ultimate triumph. Jesus instructs His disciples on the signs of the times and calls for vigilance and faithfulness in light of the forthcoming events.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus warns His disciples about the impending destruction of Jerusalem while simultaneously alluding to His second coming. He intertwines these two events in His prophetic announcements, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance. The signs that indicate the destruction of Jerusalem also serve as harbingers of the end times. Jesus speaks of false prophets, wars, famines, and persecutions that will precede the final judgment. He reminds His disciples not to be deceived and to maintain their faithfulness to God, even in the face of persecution. Finally, He points to the inevitable coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and in anticipation of His return.
Summary
Chapter 69 describes Jesus’ significant sermon on the Mount of Olives, in which He prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. He provides the disciples with signs of the impending events and calls for constant vigilance. By linking the fall of Jerusalem with the end times, Jesus urges believers to examine their hearts, avoid deception, and faithfully await His return. The chapter underscores that both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ are part of the divine plan and that God will ultimately save His believers.
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