Please follow along in your Bible as we read John 1-6 together as a church. We also encourage you to take notes and ask questions. If you’re not part of a small group, this is a great opportunity to join one.

If you don’t have a Bible, you can follow along in the text here, in our app (select the ESV Bible tab), download the YouVersion Bible app for iOS or Android, or download the Blue Letter Bible app for iOS or Android.

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Why a Fourth Gospel?

• The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) describe events from a similar point of view
  
  • Matthew was directed to the Jews
  • Mark was directed to the Romans
  • Luke was directed to the Gentiles
• The Gospel of John is directed to the World
  
  • Luke 1:5 “In the days of Herod”
  • John 1:1 “In the beginning”
    

Structured For a Purpose

• John is not necessarily following a chronological order but has arranged his book with a theological Purpose
• John builds his Gospel around individuals, groups, and 7 signs
• John places his greatest concentration of the Passion Week
  
  • Chapters 1-12 – 3 1/2 years of Ministry
  • Chapters 13-20 – deal with the days before the Crucifixion
• John structures his content in three phases
  
  • Public Ministry, Private Ministry, Crucifixion & Resurrection
• John’s purpose is to bring his readers to his conclusion
  
  • 20:30-31 – “believe that Jesus is the Christ…you may have life in His name.”
    

Key Themes Concerning Jesus Introduced in Chapter 1

• He is the Word (1:1-4)
  
  • Expression & communication of God to man
• He is the Light (1:7-9)
  
  • Provides clarity & understanding
• He is the God/Man (1:14-16, 34)
  
  • Commitment of God to reach man
• He is the Lamb of God (1:29, 35-36)
  
  • Provides the means of true fellowship between God & man (1:12, 17, 29, 41, 45)
• He is creator 1:3,10
  

What Can We Expect to Learn from John 1-6

• God offers salvation to the world through Christ, not just a select group or culture.
• Christ claims His divinity and demonstrates it through miraculous signs.
• Jesus is not looking for disciples who follow Him at all cost; not fans who are in it for what they can get out of it.
  

Small Group Questions

1. How did God speak to you today through the reading of His Word? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions came to your mind as His Word was read today?