John 1

Gospel of John

OBSERVATION

I. The Revelation of The Christ By His Incarnation and Mission (1:1 – 4:54)

II. The Revelation of The Christ By His Conflict (5:1-12:50)

III. The Revelation of The Christ By His Teaching (13:1-16:33)

IV. The Revelation of The Christ By His Passion (17:1-19:42)

V. The Revelation of The Christ By His Resurrection (20:1-21:25)

Section I introduces the reader to The Christ and to John. Christ was the “Word” who is

God (1:1), is from the beginning (1:2), who is Creator (1:3-5); and, who is “manifest in flesh”

and “dwelling among us” (1:14). John is introduced as the one who came as a “witness to

testify” (1:6-9) about the Christ whom the “world” did not know but who would provide the

opportunity to become the “children of God” (1:12). In these few short paragraphs the reader is

made privy to the intricacies of the incarnation and the means by which the incarnate Christ

would be first announced to the world, that is, through John (the Baptizer).

This section further introduces Christ’s mission to the reader by a series interrogative

events. The first of these events is found in Jesus calling the first disciples (1:35-51). Jesus asks

two of John’s disciples, “What do you want” (1:38). The ensuing conversation includes these

disciples following Jesus, the calling of Andrew, Simon and eventually Nathanael. The reader is

then given insight into another interrogative conversation between Jesus and Nathanael (1:46-

49). This conversation leads to revelation wherein Nathanael declares his belief that Jesus is both

“Son of God” and “King of Israel” (1:49). The remainder of the section contains numerous

interrogative events (i.e. Nicodemus, The Woman at the Well). The purpose of these

conversations might be seen as tools of recurring instrumentation leading the reader to the
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revelation of Christ as Son of God.

John also makes use of comparison and contrasting elements in his writing to reveal

Christ both in the incarnation and in his mission. The obvious contrast is found in John’s use of

the terms light and darkness and its implications on the incarnate Christ not being recognized.

However, we also see the comparative use of “water” and “living water” (4:9-10), the

contrasting knowledge of those “from above” and those belonging “to the earth” (4:31-32); and,

comparisons between Moses/Law and Christ/Grace and truth (1:17).

The entire section serves to introduce to the reader, by various means, the reasons for the

incarnation of Christ. That is, Christ the Son of God who came to open the door to all who would

believe to become the “children of God.” This, however, would lead Christ into great conflict

with the established religious leaders.

Section II seems to assume the reader has been convinced of the claims of Christ to be

the Son of God but demonstrates the resistance found in religious society to this great revelation.

One such account of conflict is found in Chapter Six. In 6:1-21 Jesus performs the miracle of

feeding 5000 and walking on water. These miracles serve as instrumentation whereby the crowds

gather to see the miracles but instead hear Jesus teach that He is the “bread of Heaven” (6:22-

40). The miracles and the teaching together form a causational/substantiational relationship

where the hearers are forced to make a decision concerning the Christ. The miracles and teaching

cause the hearer to choose; the choice of the hearer then leads to either abandonment or

acceptance of Christ’s claims. This structure seems to dominate and recur throughout this section

challenging the reader to consider Christ’s claims and make a decision for him or herself.

We should also not this section seems to revolve around the Jewish feasts. Within this

portion we see Christ in conflict at the Feast in Jerusalem (5:1-47), at the time of Passover (6:1-
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71), the Feast of Tabernacles (7:1-10:21); and the Feast of Dedication (10:22-42).

Section III opens with these words, “he now showed them the full extent of his love”

(13:1b). This love is revealed in Jesus’ extensive teaching to his disciples because He is

preparing for His departure from this earth. This section may be seen as a pivot point wherein

Christ turns away from attempting to convince unbelieving Jews and focuses primarily on those

who have decided to follow him. His teachings might be viewed as a summarization of all the

doctrines necessary for Kingdom life. However, this summary seeks not only to inform but also

prepare the believers for what lies ahead: the Passion.

Section IV moves into somewhat of an historical narrative whereby the reader is drawn

into the events leading up to and including the murder of Christ. John compares the meek Jesus

to the rebellious Barabbas (18:38-40). The reader is also introduced to the recurring word “truth”

as it relates to Jesus and the questioning Pilate. This section rapidly moves the reader from one

event to another showing how each is the cause for decision. For example, Peter denies Christ

(18:25-27) but the crowing of the rooster reminds Peter of Jesus’ prophecy (13:38). This event

causes Peter to repent and renew his devotion to his Christ. The climax of this section comes in

Christ’s willingness to be obedient to the death of the Cross and how it fulfills Old Testament

prophecy.

Section V can also be viewed as historical narrative as John attempts to describe the

post-resurrection actions of the disciples and Christ. Like Section IV the reader is rapidly

brought to the conclusion that Christ is raised, He is the Son of God, you can believe in Him and

have life in His name (20:21).