1. Introducing John's Gospel
You should have a chance to form first impressions of a book before someone tells you what you should see. The best way to do this is to read John’s gospel through, in one sitting if possible. Read quickly for an overall view, not stopping to ponder the details.
Before you begin reading, look over questions 1 through 7. Keep them in mind as you go through the gospel. You can list repeated words as you read, or underline them in your Bible. You can also jot notes about your first impressions in this study guide, a notebook, or the margin of your Bible.
The Navigators. (2010). LifeChange: John (K. Lee-Thorp, Ed.; p. 10). NavPress.
1. What are your first impressions of this book? (For example, what is it about? What overall impression does it give you of Jesus? What do you notice about the way the author writes? Is there a lot of action, description, dialogue, doctrinal teaching, instructions for behavior, or what? Is it easy or hard to follow?)
2. What key words and phrases appear over and over?
The Navigators. (2010). LifeChange: John (K. Lee-Thorp, Ed.; p. 10). NavPress.
Give a title to each of the following sections:
1:1–18
1:19–51
2:1–11
2:12–25
3:1–21
3:22–36
4:1–42
4:43–54
5:1–47
6:1–71
7:1–53
8:1–59
9:1–41
10:1–21
10:22–42
11:1–57
12:1–11
12:12–50
13:1–38
14:1–31
15:1–27
16:1–33
17:1–26
18:1–19:42
20:1–31
21:1–25
5. What do. you learn about John’s purpose from 20:31-31?
7. Did this overview suggest questions you would like answered and topics you would like to pursue further as you study the book? If so, jot them down to serve as personal objectives for your study
8 Look over your notes so far, and ask the Lord to help you see one or two areas He wants to focus on in affecting your life. Write down those general areas or specific ways in which you want to change and grow.
Misunderstandings
This fact and 20:31 suggest to some scholars that John wanted to clear up misunderstandings of what “the Christ” and “the Son of God” meant. The Jews had a distorted idea of the Messiah, so they were confused about Jesus’ identity and mission. Even the disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ words and deeds until after the Resurrection
A pattern occurs over and over in John’s gospel. Jesus reveals something about Himself through a sign or some teaching, and people react in mixed ways. Some accept the revelation—these receive further revelation and have their misunderstandings clarified. Others reject the revelation, and their misunderstanding deepens. John 9:39 is Jesus’ own statement on this pattern. As you study this gospel, think about why John may have emphasized this pattern and what its implications are for you today.