Who Is John?
John was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and one of the most significant witnesses to His life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James. Together with Peter and James, he was part of a smaller group of disciples who witnessed several important moments in Jesus’ ministry.
John is traditionally recognised as the author of the Gospel of John, three New Testament letters, and the Book of Revelation.
His Gospel is different in style and emphasis from Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
While the first three Gospels often focus on the events and teachings of Jesus’ ministry, John places particular emphasis on who Jesus is.
John presents Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the Word made flesh, the Messiah, the Saviour, and the source of eternal life.
His Gospel repeatedly invites readers to believe in Jesus and discover life through Him.
Who Was John?
John was a fisherman before Jesus called him to become His disciple.
His father was Zebedee, and his brother was James.
The brothers were working with their father when Jesus called them to follow Him.
John and James were sometimes called Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder,” because of their strong personalities.
Yet John’s life was transformed through his relationship with Jesus.
The disciple who initially appears alongside his brother as a passionate and sometimes impulsive follower eventually became known for teaching deeply about love, truth, faith, and fellowship.
John’s story demonstrates how Jesus transforms people over time.
John and the Twelve Disciples
John became one of the twelve apostles.
He was present for many significant events in Jesus’ ministry.
John, along with Peter and James, witnessed events such as:
• The raising of Jairus’ daughter
• The Transfiguration
• Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane
John was also present during the final events of Jesus’ earthly life.
His Gospel places particular emphasis on the relationship between Jesus and His disciples.
John’s writings demonstrate the importance of remaining close to Christ and allowing His love to shape our lives.
John and Jesus
John’s Gospel begins differently from Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Instead of beginning with Jesus’ genealogy or earthly birth, John takes the reader back to the beginning of creation.
John introduces Jesus as the Word.
The Word existed with God and was God.
John then explains that the Word became flesh and lived among humanity.
This establishes one of the central truths of John’s Gospel:
Jesus Christ is eternal.
He did not begin His existence when He was born in Bethlehem.
He existed before creation and entered the world to reveal God and bring salvation.
Jesus the Word
John begins his Gospel by presenting Jesus as the Word.
The Word reveals God.
Through Jesus, people can know what God is like.
Jesus demonstrates God’s character through His teaching, compassion, holiness, mercy, truth, and love.
John’s message is that if you want to understand God, look to Jesus.
Jesus is not simply a messenger from God.
He is the One who reveals the Father.
Jesus the Son of God
One of John’s greatest themes is the identity of Jesus as the Son of God.
John records signs, teachings, conversations, and miracles that point towards Jesus’ identity.
The purpose is not merely to provide information.
John wants readers to believe.
The Gospel was written so that people may recognise Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and through believing in Him have life.
The central question of John’s Gospel is therefore:
Who is Jesus?
The Seven “I Am” Statements
John records several powerful statements in which Jesus uses the phrase “I am.”
These include:
| I Am the Bread of Life | Read: John 6:35 | Jesus teaches that He is the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life. |
| I Am the Light of the World | Read: John 8:12 | Jesus brings light into spiritual darkness. |
| I Am the Door | Read: John 10:7–9 | Jesus presents Himself as the entrance into salvation and safety. |
| I Am the Good Shepherd | Read: John 10:11–18 | Jesus describes His loving care for His people and His willingness to lay down His life for them. |
| I Am the Resurrection and the Life | Read: John 11:25–26 | Jesus declares His authority over death and offers eternal life. |
| I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life | Read: John 14:1–7 | Jesus explains that access to the Father is found through Him. |
| I Am the True Vine | Read: John 15:1–17 | Jesus teaches His followers about remaining connected to Him and producing spiritual fruit. |
These statements provide a powerful summary of John’s understanding of Jesus.
The Signs of Jesus
John carefully selects miracles that reveal something about Jesus’ identity.
He often refers to them as signs because they point beyond themselves.
Among the signs recorded in John are:
• Turning water into wine
• Healing an official’s son
• Healing a man at Bethesda
• Feeding the five thousand
• Walking on water
• Healing a man born blind
• Raising Lazarus from the dead
Each sign reveals something about Jesus’ authority and identity.
The miracles are not simply demonstrations of supernatural power.
They point towards the greater reality of who Jesus is.
Jesus and Nicodemus
One of John’s most important conversations is Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a religious leader who came to Jesus at night.
Jesus taught him about the necessity of being born again or born from above.
This conversation introduces the importance of spiritual transformation.
Being religious is not enough.
People need new life from God.
Christianity is not simply about following outward rules.
It involves an inner work of God.
Read: John 3:1–21
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
John records Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well.
This encounter is significant because it crosses several social and cultural boundaries.
Jesus speaks openly with her, reveals His knowledge of her life, and offers her living water.
The conversation demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to reach people whom others might reject.
The woman eventually becomes a witness to the people in her community.
Her encounter with Jesus transforms her from someone who may have felt isolated into someone who shares what she has discovered.
Read: John 4:1–42
Jesus and the Bread of Life
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus teaches about the deeper meaning behind the miracle.
He describes Himself as the Bread of Life.
Physical food satisfies hunger temporarily.
Jesus offers something deeper: eternal life and spiritual nourishment.
John repeatedly encourages readers not to focus only on the physical miracles but to recognise what they reveal about Jesus.
Jesus Himself is the gift.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
John records Jesus describing Himself as the Good Shepherd.
A shepherd knows his sheep and cares for them.
Jesus presents Himself as the One who knows His people personally.
He protects them, guides them, and willingly lays down His life for them.
This is a beautiful picture of the relationship between Christ and His followers.
Christianity is not simply about following religious rules.
It is about knowing and being known by the Shepherd.
Jesus and Lazarus
One of the most powerful signs in John’s Gospel is the raising of Lazarus.
Lazarus had died, and his sisters Martha and Mary were grieving.
Jesus arrives and demonstrates both His compassion and His authority over death.
Jesus declares Himself to be the resurrection and the life.
The raising of Lazarus points forward to Jesus’ own resurrection.
It demonstrates that death does not have the final word.
Jesus and Love
Love is one of the strongest themes in John’s Gospel and letters.
Jesus teaches His disciples to love one another.
Christian love is not merely an emotion.
It is demonstrated through action, sacrifice, forgiveness, service, patience, and commitment.
Jesus provides the ultimate example by willingly giving His life for others.
John’s writings later emphasise that genuine Christian faith should produce love for God and love for other people.
The Last Supper
John records an extended account of Jesus’ final evening with His disciples.
Rather than focusing primarily on the institution of Communion, John gives considerable attention to Jesus’ teaching and His preparation of the disciples for His death.
One of the most memorable moments is Jesus washing His disciples’ feet.
This was a powerful demonstration of servant leadership.
The Master becomes the servant.
Jesus then commands His followers to love one another.
Christian leadership is therefore rooted in humility and service.
Read: John 13:1–38
Jesus and the Holy Spirit
John contains some of Jesus’ most important teaching about the Holy Spirit.
Jesus promises His followers that they will not be left alone.
The Holy Spirit will come to them as Helper, Advocate, Teacher, and Guide.
The Spirit will remind them of Jesus’ teaching and help them understand truth.
This teaching demonstrates that the Christian life is not intended to be lived through human strength alone.
God’s Spirit is present with His people.
Read: John 14–16
Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
John records one of Jesus’ most significant statements concerning salvation.
Jesus teaches His disciples that He is the way to the Father.
Christianity is therefore centred on a person rather than simply a collection of teachings.
The Christian message is ultimately about Jesus.
To know Jesus is to encounter the One who reveals the Father and offers eternal life.
Jesus’ Prayer for His Followers
John 17 records an extended prayer of Jesus.
Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and those who will believe through their message.
He prays for:
• Protection
• Unity
• Holiness
• Mission
• Truth
• Love
• The presence of God
This prayer demonstrates Jesus’ deep concern for His followers.
It also highlights the importance of unity among Christians.
The Crucifixion
John’s Gospel leads towards the cross.
Jesus is arrested, questioned, condemned, crucified, and buried.
John presents the crucifixion as the moment when Jesus accomplishes His mission.
Jesus willingly gives His life.
The cross demonstrates the depth of God’s love and the seriousness of humanity’s need for salvation.
Jesus’ death is not portrayed as a tragic accident.
It is part of God’s redemptive purpose.
The Resurrection
John records the discovery of the empty tomb and several encounters between Jesus and His followers after His resurrection.
Mary Magdalene becomes one of the first witnesses to the risen Christ.
Jesus later appears to His disciples.
Thomas initially struggles to believe but eventually makes a profound confession of faith.
The resurrection demonstrates that Jesus has conquered death.
John’s Gospel ends by emphasising that the signs recorded in the Gospel have been written so that readers may believe in Jesus and have life in His name.
John and Thomas
Thomas is sometimes remembered as “Doubting Thomas.”
However, John’s account gives us a more compassionate picture.
Thomas struggled to believe the testimony of the other disciples.
Jesus did not simply reject him.
Instead, Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to examine the evidence.
Thomas responded with a powerful declaration of faith.
His story reminds Christians that honest questions and doubts can become part of a journey towards deeper faith.
Faith does not mean pretending that questions do not exist.
It means continuing to seek the truth and remaining open to Jesus.
What Can We Learn from John?
John’s life and writings teach Christians many important lessons.
We are called to:
• Know Jesus personally.
• Believe in Christ.
• Remain close to Him.
• Love God.
• Love other people.
• Serve humbly.
• Pray faithfully.
• Depend upon the Holy Spirit.
• Walk in truth.
• Stand firm in difficult circumstances.
• Share the Gospel.
• Welcome people who are searching.
• Remain faithful to Christ.
• Hope in the resurrection.
John reminds us that Christianity is fundamentally about a relationship with Jesus Christ.
John’s Message for Christians Today
John’s Gospel speaks directly to people searching for answers about God.
It asks us to look at Jesus.
• Who is He?
• Where did He come from?
• Why did He come?
• What does His death mean?
• Why does His resurrection matter?
• What does it mean to believe in Him?
John’s answer is clear.
• Jesus is the Son of God.
• He is the Word made flesh.
• He is the Messiah.
• He is the Saviour.
• He is the Good Shepherd.
• He is the Bread of Life.
• He is the Light of the World.
• He is the Resurrection and the Life.
• He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
• He is the True Vine.
• And He offers eternal life to those who believe in Him.
John and Christian Love
John’s writings place enormous importance on love.
Christianity cannot be reduced to knowledge, religious activity, or outward appearance.
A genuine relationship with Christ should affect the way Christians treat other people.
Followers of Jesus are called to love one another.
That love should be visible.
It should influence our words, actions, relationships, decisions, forgiveness, generosity, and willingness to serve.
John’s message is particularly relevant in a world where division, loneliness, hostility, and misunderstanding are common.
Christians are called to demonstrate another way.
The way of Christlike love.
John and Eternal Life
Eternal life is a major theme in John’s Gospel.
Eternal life is not simply about living forever.
It involves knowing God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus offers life that begins now and continues into eternity.
This gives Christians hope in the face of suffering, loss, uncertainty, and death.
The resurrection demonstrates that death does not have the final word.
Those who trust in Christ have the hope of eternal life with God.
John’s Message of Hope
John’s Gospel is ultimately a message of hope.
• There is hope because Jesus has come.
• There is hope because God loves humanity.
• There is hope because forgiveness is possible.
• There is hope because lives can be transformed.
• There is hope because the Holy Spirit is with believers.
• There is hope because Jesus died.
• There is hope because Jesus rose again.
• And there is hope because eternal life is offered through Him.
14-Day Bible Reading Plan: John
Day 1: The Word Became Flesh
Reading: John 1:1–18
Consider what John teaches about the identity and eternal nature of Jesus.
Day 2: Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Reading: John 1:19–51
Consider how people respond when they encounter Jesus.
Day 3: Water into Wine
Reading: John 2:1–25
Consider what Jesus’ first recorded sign reveals about Him.
Day 4: Born Again
Reading: John 3:1–21
Consider Jesus’ teaching about spiritual transformation and new life.
Day 5: The Samaritan Woman
Reading: John 4:1–42
Consider how Jesus reaches someone who may have been rejected by others.
Day 6: The Bread of Life
Reading: John 6:22–71
Consider what Jesus means when He describes Himself as the Bread of Life.
Day 7: The Good Shepherd
Reading: John 10:1–30
Consider what Jesus reveals about His relationship with His people.
Day 8: The Resurrection and the Life
Reading: John 11:1–46
Consider Jesus’ compassion and His authority over death.
Day 9: The Servant King
Reading: John 13:1–38
Consider Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and His command to love one another.
Day 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Reading: John 14:1–31
Consider Jesus’ teaching about the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Day 11: The True Vine
Reading: John 15:1–27
Consider what it means to remain connected to Jesus and produce spiritual fruit.
Day 12: Jesus’ Prayer
Reading: John 17:1–26
Consider what Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and future believers.
Day 13: The Crucifixion
Reading: John 18:1–19:42
Consider Jesus’ suffering, sacrifice, and death.
Day 14: The Resurrection
Reading: John 20:1–31
Consider the evidence for the resurrection and John’s purpose in writing his Gospel.
Reflection
As you work through John’s Gospel, consider these questions:
• Who does John say Jesus is?
• What does Jesus reveal about God?
• What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
• Have I placed my trust in Christ?
• What does it mean to be born again?
• Am I remaining connected to Jesus?
• How can I demonstrate Christ’s love to others?
• What does servant leadership look like in my life?
• How can I depend more fully upon the Holy Spirit?
• How do I respond when I have questions or doubts?
• What does the resurrection mean for my future?
• How can I share the hope of Jesus with others?
John’s Gospel takes us on a journey towards one central truth:
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
He came into the world so that people could know God, receive forgiveness, experience new life, and have hope for eternity.
John’s own journey began as a fisherman who answered Jesus’ call.
He became a disciple, an apostle, a witness, and a servant of the Gospel.
His writings continue to point generations of people towards Christ.
The invitation of John’s Gospel remains open today:
• Believe in Jesus.
• Follow Jesus.
• Remain in Jesus.
• Love as Jesus loved.
• And receive the life that He offers.
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