Divine Intervention: Introduction to the Book of John

Gages Lake Bible Church—June 22, 2008

Key Facts in the Book of John

• “Believe” mentioned 100 times, more than any other gospel
• Was written by the Apostle John, the disciple who Jesus loved, at the end of his life and ministry.
• Often called “the Fourth Gospel” and differs greatly from the other three, which are often called the “synoptic” gospels
• Purpose of the Book of John:
  • John 20:31 (KJV) ³¹ But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
• Contains Seven “I Am” Statements
  • “I am the bread of life” (6:35)
  • “I am the light of the world” (8:12)
  • “I am the door for the sheep” (10:7; cf. v. 9)
  • “I am the good shepherd” (10:11, 14)
  • “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25)
  • “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (14:6)
  • “I am the true vine” (15:1; cf. v. 5)
• Contains Seven Witnesses to the Deity of Christ
  • John the Baptist “This is the Chosen One [literally, “Son”] of God” (1:34)
  • Nathaniel “You are the Son of God” (1:49)
  • Peter “You are the Holy One of God!” (6:69)
  • Martha “You are the Christ, the Son of God” (11:27)
  • Thomas “My Lord and my God!” (20:28)
  • John “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (20:31)
  • Jesus “I am the Son of God” (10:36; see also 4:26; 8:58)
• Contains Seven Sign Miracles
  • Turning water into wine (2:1–11)
  • Healing the royal official’s son (4:46–54)
  • Healing the lame man (5:1–18)
  • Feeding multitudes (6:1–15)
  • Walking on water (6:16–21)
  • Healing the blind man (9:1–41)
  • Raising Lazarus (11:1–45)
• Charles Ryrie’s Outline:
  • Incarnation of the Son of God (1:1–18)
  • Presentation of the Son of God (1:19 to 4:54)
  • Confrontation with the Son of God (5:1–12:50)
  • Instruction by the Son of God (13:1–16 to 16:33)
  • Intercession by the Son of God (17:1–26)
  • Crucifixion by the Son of God (18:1–19:42)
  • Resurrection of the Son of God (20:1–21)