Ralph Porter
© 2003
AUTHOR AND DATE
External and internal evidence combine in support of John the apostle as author.
The date is considered by most commentators to have been well after the
synoptic
gospels.
John left Jerusalem during the revolt against Rome and arrived in Ephesus about A.D.
69-70.
It has been reported that he wrote the gospel while there.
It was probably written long enough after the destruction of Jerusalem that it was no
longer considered a major issue.
The date is thus assumed to be about A.D. 85-90.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Little is known about the circumstances leading to the writing of the gospel.
Clement reports that he was moved by friends and by the Spirit to write a "spiritual
gospel."
The other gospels with their emphasis on Jesus' Messianic ministry had already been
written.
The content and stated purpose of the book show that John was concerned to
write a
gospel to a more general audience concerning the deity of Christ so that others might
learn the truth about who Jesus is and trust Him.
PURPOSE AND THEME
The purpose statement found in John 20:30-31 clearly defines what John wanted
to
accomplish.
That purpose is revealed on three levels:
1)
To demonstrate that Jesus is the Son of God, that is, He is God Himself
(5:18)
2)
That the reader might trust Jesus personally.
This trust in the One who is the Son of God would produce the third purpose:
3)
That the reader might have life.
In agreement with John's three level purpose, his theme also develops on three
levels:
1)
The central theme of the entire book is that Jesus is God's Son and
therefore makes a
legitimate claim to be God Himself.
2)
The same evidence produces two responses, some trust Him while
others refuse to
trust Him.
The reader is thus warned that he too must choose one of these two
alternatives. (1:12; 3:16)
3)
Those who trust Jesus receive life.
John observes Jesus' teachings about life.
* He has come to offer them life.
* The life He offers is a satisfying abundant life.
* It is also a life that does not end at death; it is eternal.
That you might believe: Jesus is the Son of God
Ralph Porter
|
Incarnation of the Son of God 1:1-18 |
Presentation of the Son of God 1:19-4:54 |
Opposition to the Son of God 5-12 |
Instruction by the Son of God 13-16 |
Intercession of the Son of God 17 |
Crucifixion of the Son of God 18-19 |
Resurrection of the Son of God 20-21 |
|
His identifi- cation as God 1:1-3
and Life 1:4-9
tionship to those who believe 1:10-13
tion of the Father 1:14-18 |
Witness of John the Baptist 1:19-34
of the disciples 1:35-51
the wine at the wedding 2:1-11
Jesus Himself concerning His authority 2:12-25
the new birth 3:1-21
John the Baptist repeated 3:22-36
to the Samaritan woman concerning the Water of Life 4:1-42
through healing the official's son 4:43-54
|
Opposition over healing a paralytic 5
Opposition concerning the Bread of Life 6
and unbelief 7
trap Him 8:1-11
of His words and works 8:12-22
of His death 12:23-36
of their unbelief 12:37-50 |
Washing of the disciples' feet 13:1-20
of His betrayal 13:21-30
for His death 13:31-38
Promise of His return 14:1-14
of the Holy Spirit 14:15-31
living 15:1-17
from the world 15:18-16:4
of the Holy Spirit 16:5-15
His death 16:16-33 |
Prayer for His glorification 17:1-5
His followers 17:6-26
tion for the disciples 17:6-19
of all believers 17:20-23
sence of all belie- vers with Him 17:24
presence in all believers 17:25-26 |
His arrest 18:1-14
18:15- 19:16
the High Priest 18:15-27
Pilate 18:28- 19:16
19:17-37
19:38-42 |
Discovery of the resurrection 20:1-10
of the risen Lord 20:11-31
from the risen Lord 21:1-24
The untold part of the story 21:25 |
Ralph Porter
AUTHOR AND DATE
External and internal evidence combine in support of John the apostle as author.
The date is considered by most commentators to have been well after the
synoptic
gospels.
John left Jerusalem during the revolt against Rome and arrived in Ephesus
about A.D.
69-70.
It has been reported that he wrote the gospel while there.
It was probably written long enough after the destruction of Jerusalem
that it was no
longer considered a major issue.
The date is thus assumed to be about A.D. 85-90.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Little is known about the circumstances leading to the writing of the gospel.
Clement reports that he was moved by friends and by the Spirit to write a
"spiritual
gospel."
The other gospels with their emphasis on Jesus' Messianic ministry had
already been
written.
The content and stated purpose of the book show that John was concerned to
write a
gospel to a more general audience concerning the deity of Christ so that others might
learn the truth about who Jesus is and trust Him.
PURPOSE AND THEME
The purpose statement found in John 20:30-31 clearly defines what John wanted
to
accomplish.
That purpose is revealed on three levels:
1)
To demonstrate that Jesus is the Son of God, that is, He is God
Himself (5:18)
2)
That the reader might trust Jesus personally.
This trust in the One who is the Son of God would produce the third purpose:
3)
That the reader might have life.
In agreement with John's three level purpose, his theme also develops on
three
levels:
1)
The central theme of the entire book is that
Jesus is God's Son and
therefore makes
a legitimate claim to be God Himself.
2)
The same evidence produces two responses, some trust Him while
others refuse to
trust Him.
The reader is thus warned that
we too must choose one of these two
alternatives. (1:12; 3:16)
3)
Those who trust Jesus receive life. John observes Jesus' teachings
about life.
*
He has come to offer us life.
* The life He offers is a satisfying abundant life.
* It is also a life that does not end at death; it is eternal.
ORGANIZATION
The book is logically organized into seven sections, which center around God's
Son:
1.
His incarnation
1:1-18
Jesus is God--made man--He reveals what God is like.
2.
His presentation to Israel
1:19-4:54
"He came unto His own."
3.
Opposition to Him from within Israel
5-12
"His own received Him not."
4.
His instruction to His followers
13-16
"As many as received Him."
5.
His intercession for His followers
17
6.
His crucifixion
18-19
7.
His resurrection
20-21
ARGUMENT
John begins his description of Jesus by telling us Who He is and what He came
to do.
In essence, he demonstrates that Jesus was God Himself who came to earth in
human form
to reveal to men what God is like.
Those who trust Him become God's children.
HIS IDENTIFICATION AS GOD
1:1-3
HE WAS GOD
Jesus is God Himself.
He was present in the beginning with God and participated in the creation of all
things.
HIS FUNCTION AS LIGHT AND LIFE
1:4-9
As God, He was the source of all life and light.
In spite of the light He revealed, men were not able to understand.
HIS RELATIONSHIP TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
1:10-13
IMPORTANCE OF TRUSTING HIM
While He was in the world, humanity did not recognize Him.
Even Israel, God's own people, did not receive Him.
Nevertheless, those who are willing to trust Him, become God's children.
HIS REVELATION OF THE FATHER
1:14-18
HE REVEALED GOD
In order that men might know God, this one, who was Himself God, came and
lived in the
presence of men, that we might see what God is like.
Although no one has been able to see God and live to tell others what He is like,
Jesus has
come to reveal His nature to all men.
When Jesus came to earth He presented Himself to Israel.
His words and works demonstrated that He was different from other men.
They should have taken notice and listened to His message.
Various evidences combined to witness concerning Him.
The evidence was sufficient.
Those who sought the truth were convinced.
Witnessing--telling others what you've seen:
1:35-37
1:40-42
1:45-46--No theological argument
4:28-30, 39
**
When people's hearts were ready to accept Him, it didn't take a lot of
theological
argument to convince them. **
When people weren't ready to accept Him, no amount of theological argument could
persuade them (5:37-42; 5:46-47)
THE WITNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
1:19-34
John the Baptist testified that He saw convincing evidence from the Holy
Spirit that
Jesus was God's Son.
He had given evidence of being a man controlled by the Spirit.
John's function
1:19-28
He defined his purpose as one of preparation for the Lord's coming.
John's testimony
1:29-34
When Jesus came, John declared that God had shown him that Jesus was
His Son.
John was convinced.
THE WITNESS OF THE DISCIPLES
1:35-51
The disciples also were convinced and testified that Jesus was God's Son.
Two disciples of John convinced
1:35-42
Two of John's disciples were convinced and went to tell others about Him.
Nathanael convinced
1:43-51
When Philip told Nathanael about Jesus, he was skeptical.
When Christ reveals that He knows him, Nathanael is convinced.
THE WITNESS OF THE WINE AT THE WEDDING
2:1-11
An additional proof that Jesus is God is presented at the wedding in Cana.
Christ created
wine out of water.
The miracle presents various truths concerning Jesus:
It demonstrates His creative power as God.
It also shows His ability to satisfy His people and to meet their needs.
The frequent use of the wedding as a figure for the millennium suggests an
additional
meaning:
Christ is able to create blessing out of the empty ceremonial water pots
of Israel.
This may serve as a preliminary announcement that Jesus came to establish
the
kingdom and to bring the promised blessings to His people.
THE WITNESS OF JESUS HIMSELF CONCERNING HIS AUTHORITY
2:12-25
Jesus went to the temple where He demonstrated His claim to authority by
cleansing it.
The cleansing of the temple
2:12-17
Jesus identified Himself with God by calling it His Father's house.
The sign of His authority
2:18-22
The resurrection promised
When challenged for proof of His authority, Jesus responded by predicting
the ultimate
proof of His victory over them, the resurrection.
They understood Him to be claiming to be able to reconstruct the Jerusalem
temple.
Jesus was referring back to the original purpose of the temple, to provide a
place where
God might reveal Himself to men.
This function no longer resided in the temple; it was empty.
The function which once belonged to the temple resided in His person.
He would rise from the dead.
The confirmatory signs
2:23-25
He confirmed this claim by many miraculous signs.
The people, convinced by the signs, were following Him, though Jesus
recognized the
fickleness of such a group of followers.
THE WITNESS TO NICODEMUS CONCERNING THE NEW BIRTH
3:1-21
Nicodemus is convinced by the evidence that Jesus has come from God.
When he comes to Him, Jesus exposes his real need.
Recognition of His divine origin is not enough; he must be born again.
Since Nicodemus does not understand the message, Jesus explains that what he
needs is a
new birth.
To enter the kingdom one must be born both physically and spiritually.
Spiritual birth is a supernatural act of God's Spirit in the lives of those who trust
His Son.
Men reject Him because they prefer darkness to light. They don't want to come
to Him for
life.
THE WITNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST REPEATED
3:22-36
John's critics try to upset him with the report that Jesus has a bigger following
than he
does.
John replies that God had planned it that way.
Jesus should have a bigger following for He is the more important One.
John's ministry was to prepare the way for Jesus.
Now that He has come, John is glad.
John concludes with the testimony that Jesus is God's Son and those who believe
in Him
will have eternal life.
THE WITNESS TO A SAMARITAN WOMAN
CONCERNING THE WATER OF LIFE 4:1-42
Jesus' message was not limited to the religious leaders who trusted in Him.
He would also satisfy the worst sinners if they would come to Him.
The sinful Samaritan woman demonstrates how He could meet the sinner's
needs also.
As He deals with her, Jesus presents Himself as the water of life who could
satisfy her
thirst.
Growth of Jesus' disciples
4:1-3
Conversation with the Samaritan woman
4:4-27
Discussion concerning the living water
4:4-15
She recognized her thirst.
Confrontation concerning her need
4:16-18
She recognized her need.
Question concerning the place for worship
4:19-24
Identification of Jesus as Messiah
4:25-27
Testimony of the woman to the city
4:28-30
Explanation of Jesus' action
4:31-38
Testimony of many Samaritans
4:39-42
THE WITNESS THROUGH HEALING THE OFFICIAL'S SON
4:43-54
Further testimony that Jesus was God's Son was revealed by the healing of the
nobleman's
son.
The nobleman trusted Christ enough to leave Him and to return home because
of His
word.
When He saw that His son was healed, he believed in Him and the rest of his
family also
trusted in Christ
The account demonstrates that the blessings of Messiah's reign are not
prerogatives of
Israel to be bestowed on the curious or on the powerful.
Only those who trust Him will receive the blessings which He came to give to
His people.
As the record of Jesus' words and deeds continues, He still demonstrates that He
is God's
Son.
However, instead of accepting the evidence and receiving Him, Israel rejects the
evidence
and the opposition begins to develop.
In spite of the evidence, the opposition develops.
4 principles seen throughout this section:
1.
In spite of abundant evidence, they reject Him.
There was no lack of evidence. Evidence wasn't the problem.
Healing 5 => 7:21-24
Bread 6:1-15
Water 6:16-20
7:31
They didn't believe because they didn't want to believe.
2.
In the midst of rejection, those who trust Him find life.
5:24 6:35 6:40 6:47-48 7:37-38
3.
Those who wanted to know God's will recognized the truth.
6:45 7:17 8:42 8:47 10:25-27
The key to understanding the conflict is stated by Christ Himself
(7:17).
Those who want to obey God will find the truth concerning Him because God
will reveal it to them.
The problem of their unbelief has arisen because they don't want to know the
truth.
Their unbelief is not based on the lack of evidence concerning Him.
They rejected Him because they did not want to trust Him.
12:37-43
The rejection was really a symptom of their rejection of God
Himself, whom they
claim to worship.
12:44-50
4.
The conflict between judging by the world's standards and listening
to the
Father's voice.
8:14-19, 25-29
6:26-27 30-31 32-33
The world seeks to satisfy the belly
The Spirit satisfies the hunger of the heart.
8:15, 31-32 36 37-38 40-41
Human
standards--produce slavery, rejection, lead to murder
God's standards--give freedom and life
Human standards will never bring you to God's truth, nor give you
His liberty!
OPPOSITION OVER HEALING OF A PARALYTIC
5:1-47
Jesus demonstrates His power over disease by curing the paralytic beside the
pool of
Bethesda (1-15).
Rather than provoke faith in Him, the incident produces a negative reaction
because the
healing was performed on the Sabbath (16-18).
Jesus' response angers the Jews for two reasons.
They were angry because He healed on the Sabbath.
They were even more angry because by His answer they understood Him to be
claiming equality with God.
In the light of the evidence, Jesus asks why they still refuse to trust Him.
The answer is clear.
They reject Him because they are not following the God who sent Him. (5:39-47)
Confirmation of Jesus' authority
5:1-15
Reaction by the Jews
5:16-18
Discourse concerning Jesus' equality with God
5:19-47
Imitation of the Father's works
5:19-30
Witnesses to His claims
5:31-47
OPPOSITION CONCERNING THE BREAD OF LIFE
6:1-71
Another confirmation of Jesus' claim to be God is given to the people when
He provides
their needs by multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand people.
This miracle leads to the discourse concerning the bread of life which stirs
additional
opposition.
Feeding of the five thousand
6:1-15
Jesus attracted a crowd because of His miracles but not because of His Person.
When Jesus saw the crowd coming and knew that they would need to eat, He
created
additional food and filled their need.
He demonstrated thereby His ability to meet the needs of His people.
The excess food demonstrates the abundance of the provision made but may
indicate
His ability to supply much more than they asked.
It may also demonstrate that by asking for signs they were not asking for
enough.
His presence was far more significant than that.
When they wanted to proclaim Him King, He withdrew because that was not
God's
plan.
Walking on the water
6:16-21
An additional confirmation of Jesus' Person is found in His ability to walk on
the water.
In this incident Jesus demonstrates His control over the elements and the
forces of
nature.
He also teaches the disciples His awareness of their needs and His presence
and ability
to deliver them from the storms they may face.
This message is especially important in the midst of the rejection that is
developing.
Discourse on the bread of life
6:22-40
The next day the same people Jesus fed are present again.
The miracle of the previous day is still on their mind.
Jesus refers back to the incident by directing their attention to an even
greater need.
More important than the physical bread they have come back for is the
spiritual
provision God wants to give them in Jesus, the bread of life.
In Him they will find the provision they need for eternal life.
Reactions of the listeners
6:41-71
Jews
6:41-59
The Jews react negatively to His claim to be the bread of life.
They complain about His claim to be from heaven because they know His
family.
Jesus responds that this is an obstacle to them because they don't want to obey God.
If they will seek to hear His voice, He will solve their problem concerning Him
(41-47).
An additional reaction comes when Jesus indicates that they must partake
of His flesh
to have life (48-59).
They have taken a literal view of Jesus' words and let that become an obstacle to
faith.
If they will trust Him, they will learn that life comes from identification with Him
in His death.
Eternal life is in the Son.
To have life they must have Him.
Offended disciples
6:60-66
Jesus' words were troublesome to many of His followers.
Jesus confronted the offended disciples, warning them of the danger of unbelief
even among them.
Many of the offended disciples left.
The twelve
6:67-71
In the light of the departure of the other disciples, Jesus confronted the
twelve also.
They were firm in their commitment to Him.
Even then Jesus knew about one of them who would eventually betray Him and
warned them.
TENSION BETWEEN EVIDENCE AND UNBELIEF
7:1-53
Unbelief of Jesus' brothers
7:1-9
Jesus' earthly brothers still did not trust Him.
They did not understand Him nor God's plan for Him.
They press Him to go to the feast in Jerusalem to present Himself publicly.
He refuses because His time to present Himself publicly has not yet come.
Tension among the people
7:10-44
When Jesus later went to the feast secretly, there was considerable discussion
concerning Him.
Fear of the Jews kept them from talking publicly about Him but many were
talking
about Him among themselves. 7:45
Some believed He was a good man because of His words and works.
7:12a
Others felt He must be bad because He was deceiving the people and
because they
knew where He was from. 7:12b-13
When He claims to have been sent by God, they seek to seize Him.
So the tension continues.
Some wonder whether He is indeed the Christ, while the leaders deny it and try to
arrest Him.
Rejection by the Pharisees
7:45-52
In spite of all the evidence, the leaders have made up their minds.
They want to stop Him.
The key to understanding the conflict is stated by Christ Himself (7:17).
Those who want to obey God will find the truth concerning Him because God
will
reveal it to them.
The problem of their unbelief has arisen because they don't want to know the
truth.
ATTEMPT TO TRAP HIM
8:1-11
In an attempt to trap Jesus, the leaders bring in a woman caught in the act of
adultery.
Their unjust principles are revealed by their failure to bring the man who was
also subject
to stoning.
They ask Him whether she should be stoned.
He commissions those who have not sinned, probably referring to the
same sin, to
throw the first stone.
When all the accusers leave, Jesus dismisses the woman, urging her to leave her
sinful
lifestyle.
REJECTION OF HIS WORDS AND WORKS
8:12-12:19
Following these introductory manifestations of opposition, Jesus continues
to
demonstrate that He is God by His words and works.
A series of His messages and miracles is described each of which meets
opposition from
Israel.
Discourse concerning the light of the world
8:12-30
The first account recorded in the series is Jesus' message in which He presents
Himself
as the light of the world.
This message contains several separate parts.
First Jesus claims to be the light of the world who delivers people from
walking in
darkness (8:12).
When the Pharisees challenge Him for bearing witness to Himself, Jesus
responds
that He is best qualified because He knows where He has come from while they
don't (8:13-14).
His witness is best because it is not based on human standards but on
God's
standards.
God Himself confirms the witness which Jesus gives to those who
really want to
know the truth (8:15-18).
When they question Him concerning where He has come from, He
declares that they
have not known His Father (8:19-20).
In spite of His attack on them, they are not able to harm Him.
In an additional segment of the message Jesus informs them that He is
going to leave
them and go to a place where they will not be able to go (8:21-30).
He clarifies that the place is not in this world but above.
Unless they trust Him, they will die in their sins and never be able
to go where
He is.
This message causes the hearers to ask who He is.
In response to their question, Jesus again indicates that He is the Son of
God, the
One who will later be their Judge.
While many do not understand His message, many others trust Him.
Debate concerning the children of Abraham
8:31-59
Jesus then turns to instruct those who have followed Him.
He promises them knowledge of the truth that will set them free.
This discussion provokes the debate concerning Abraham's children that
leads to
another rejection of Him and His message.
Claiming to be Abraham's children, they respond that they have never
been slaves
to anyone.
Jesus clarifies that He was referring to the bondage to sin (8:31-38).
He then challenges their claim to be the children of Abraham (8:39-59).
If they were Abraham's children, they would accept Him as Abraham did.
They reject Him because they are the children of Satan, no t of Abraham.
When Christ makes a claim to eternality, which presupposes His deity, the
people tried
to stone Him.
Healing of a man born blind
9:1-41
Miracle performed
9:1-12
Miracle investigated
9:13-33
Miracle rejected 9:34-41
Discourse concerning the good shepherd
10:1-30
Debate concerning claim to be God
10:31-42
Resurrection of Lazarus
11:1-44
The final sign recorded in the book should have been a conclusive proof
that Jesus
was God's Son.
He was able to raise Lazarus from the dead.
The conclusive sign becomes the cause to try to kill Lazarus and destroy
the
evidence.
11:45-46 11:48 12:9-11 12:37-40, 43
His words and works combine to testify that in Him is life.
Those who believe in Him will never die.
Delay and explanation
11:1-16
Encouragement of the sisters
11:17-37
Resurrection of Lazarus
11:38-44
Plot to kill Him
11:45-57
The sign which should have been conclusive to show the religious leaders of
Israel that
Jesus was Messiah and they should listen to Him, became the basis for the decision
that they must do something now.
If they leave him alone everyone will trust Him.
The longer they wait, the greater the threat becomes.
Therefore, they make plans to eliminate Him.
Jesus withdrew because the time had not yet come.
Even in His death, Jesus controlled the timing.
Preparation for death
12:1-22
As the hour for His death drew near, Jesus began to prepare for the final
climactic
events.
Anointing for death
12:1-11
In Bethany, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with very expensive perfume.
In contrast to Mary's act of worship, Judas complained about the wasted
money.
Jesus defended her, since she was motivated by love to prepare for His
burial.
Another contrast is presented by the Jews who planned to kill Lazarus
also, since
people were trusting Christ because of Him (12:9-11).
Triumphal entry
12:12-16
The next day Jesus entered Jerusalem, officially presenting Himself as
Messiah
(12:12-19).
Mixed reaction
12:17-22
The people
12:17-18
The people praised God and rejoiced.
The Pharisees 12:19
The popular response frightened the Pharisees even more.
They had to do something!
Some Greeks
12:20-22
In contrast to the Jewish rejection of Jesus, some Greeks came looking
for Him.
PREDICTION OF HIS DEATH
12:23-36
Of course, the leaders' plot to kill Him was no surprise to Jesus.
He predicted it in advance to His followers so that they would not be
surprised nor
defeated by it.
Rather than seek to escape this hour, Jesus had come to fulfill it and was willing
to die.
Jesus' prayer was that God would be glorified through it.
God confirmed the disciples' faith by answering that He had been and would
be
glorified through Jesus.
Jesus concludes with a final warning to the crowd to trust Him while He is still
present
with them.
EXPLANATION OF THEIR UNBELIEF
12:37-50
John concludes the discussion of Jesus' rejection by the Jews with an explanation
of their
unbelief.
Their unbelief was not based on the lack of evidence concerning Him.
They rejected Him because they did not want to trust Him.
The rejection was really a symptom of their rejection of God Himself, whom they
claimed
to worship.
Those who truly sought God recognized the demonstration of God's power and
accepted
Him.
Even some of the leaders believed, but the pressure from the Pharisees
prevented
them from declaring their faith.
They were more concerned about what the others would say than they
were about
demonstrating their convictions.
After Jesus completed these final comments concerning His rejection, He turned
from His
public ministry to give His attention to His disciples.
In the upper room the night before His death, He instructs them in preparation
for their
ministry after His departure.
WASHING OF THE DISCIPLES' FEET 13:1-20
Jesus washes the disciples' feet to give them an example of the need to serve one
another.
At the same time He uses it to instruct them concerning the need to be cleansed
on a
day-to-day basis.
Those who truly follow Jesus will lay aside their own rights and serve one
another.
13:1-17
PREDICTION OF HIS BETRAYAL
13:21-30
In order that they might not be disillusioned but might trust Him, Jesus predicts
several
major events related to His death.
As a demonstration of His omniscience and as a warning to Judas, He announces
His
betrayal.
Though the disciples attempted to discover who would betray Jesus, no one
suspected
that Judas would be the one.
PREPARATION FOR HIS DEATH
13:31-38
After Judas left, the Lord announced that the time had come for Him to glorify
the Father
(31-33).
This would be accomplished by His death.
He was going to leave them but they should continue to evidence their
relationship to
Him by their love for one another (34-35).
The final prediction related to Jesus' death is Peter's denial (36-38).
In spite of Peter's declaration of willingness to die for the Lord, Jesus predicts
that he
will deny Him.
PROMISE OF HIS RETURN
14:1-14
After Jesus completes the instructions for His disciples and the predictions
related to His
death, Jesus teaches them concerning what to expect in the future.
First He promises that He will come again to take them to be with Him.
While He is gone, He will prepare a place for them also (1-4).
If they trust Him they will eventually join Him there (5-7).
Jesus explains that He is the only way to the Father because He is one
with the
Father (8-11).
When someone comes to Him, they are, in fact, going to the Father.
In a similar way, those who trust Jesus are in Him.
They will be able to do greater works than He has done because He
is going to
the Father (12-14).
The great works done in His name will bring glory to Him and to
the Father.
PROVISION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
14:15-31
Besides the promise of His return, Jesus also promises that He will send them
another
Person to encourage, to counsel and to comfort them.
He has been present with them previously but now the Holy Spirit will actually
reside
within them.
He will teach them everything they need to know and He will bring them peace
in the
midst of difficulty.
SOURCE FOR PRODUCTIVE LIVING
15:1-17
The way to produce permanent, valuable fruit is to abide in
Christ--to draw
from Him that
which sustains life.
Productive living is the result of total dependence on Him.
Their lives will not produce fruit if they try to live in their own strength.
They must learn to draw from Him that which will sustain life.
When they depend on Him they will have productive lives.
Such a life will produce genuine joy.
HATRED FROM THE WORLD
15:18-16:4
Jesus gives them a warning concerning the future.
If they live in accordance with His previous teaching, they will not be
popular among
their contemporaries.
The world hates Christ.
If they belong to Him and live according to His standards, the world will hate
them
also.
Therefore, they should expect persecution in the world.
ILLUMINATING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
16:5-15
Although His predicted departure has caused sadness among His followers,
Jesus wants
them to realize that they are going to be better off because He has gone to the Father.
When He leaves them, the Holy Spirit will come to them.
He will cause men to see clearly what the real issues are concerning sin,
righteousness, and judgment.
He will also teach God's children the truth and glorify Jesus. Therefore,
they
should be glad He is going.
BENEFITS OF HIS DEATH
16:16-33
Besides the coming of the Spirit, they will experience other benefits from His
death.
They will be able to look forward with eager anticipation to His return in
triumph
(16:16-22).
They will be able to pray in confidence directly to God and He will grant
their requests
(16:23-28).
PRAYER FOR HIS GLORIFICATION
17:1-5
PRAYER FOR HIS FOLLOWERS
17:6-26
For protection for the disciples
17:6-19
For unity of all believers
17:20-23
For presence of all believers with Him
17:24
For His presence in all believers
17:25-26
HIS ARREST
18:1-14
HIS TRIAL
18:15-19:16
Before the high priest
18:15-27
First denial by Peter
18:15-18
Interrogation by the high priest 18:19-24
Second and third denial by Peter 18:25-27
Before Pilate
18:28-19:16
Private hearing
18:28-40
Public presentation and sentencing 19:1-16
HIS CRUCIFIXION
19:17-37
HIS BURIAL
19:38-42
DISCOVERY OF THE RESURRECTION
20:1-10
APPEARANCE OF THE RISEN LORD
20:11-31
To Mary Magdalene
20:11-18
To ten disciples
20:19-23
To Thomas and the others
20:24-31
His doubt
20:24-25
His faith 20:26-28
Our faith 20:29-31
COMMISSION FROM THE RISEN LORD
21:1-24
Appearance to the disciples by the sea
21:1-14
Commission for Peter
21:15-24
Call to feed His sheep
21:15-17
Prediction of death 21:18-19
Question concerning John 21:20-24
EPILOGUE: THE UNTOLD PART OF THE STORY
21:25