"Homework"
- 1. Read a "bite of soul food daily" until the gospel has been read in its entirety.
- 2. Memorize a verse per week that blesses you with soul food.
- 3. Keep a private journal for personal insights, reflections, prayers and food for future thought
Reading a Gospel may be one of the most enjoyable reading experiences in the world. It is full of stories of real people seeking spiritual food and drink through the remarkable person known as Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John invites us to linger in unhurried conversations with Christ through the eyes of seekers, doubters and skeptics, both religious and irreligious people from all walks of life.
Jesus spent a great deal of time with his disciples in their spiritual formation. For a marvelous experience, we can trace the lives of his inner circle of "disciples" through reading the following Bible references all found in John’s gospel! Disciple seems to be the first recorded word in the Gospels for "Christian." The actual word "Christian" eventually developed as a "slang" expression and is first seen in Acts 11.
Andrew: 1:40; 6:8
Peter 1:42; 6:68; 13:6-9; 18:11; 21:15-22
Philip 1: 43-44; 6:5; 12:22; 14: 6-8
Nathaniel: 1: 47-51; 21:2
Thomas 11:16; 14:5; 20:26-29
Judas Iscaret: 12:4-8; 13:26-30
Other Judas: 14:22-24
Mary Magdala: 20:10-18
This Gospel records a number of unique spiritual conversations! They can be read in the following passages:
Nicodemus: 3:1-15
The Samaritan woman: 4:1-26
A Nobleman: 4:43-53
A Paralytic: 5:1-15
A Blindman: 9:1-31
Mary and Martha: 11:17-40
Prologue: 1:1- 1:18
The beginnings of Jesus’ ministry: 1:19-51
Jesus’ ministry: 2:1-11:57 (Signs and discourses)
Passion Week: 12:1-19:42
The Resurrection: 20:1-29
Statement of Purpose: 20:30-31
Epilogue: 21:1-25
Jesus is no ordinary person. In the beginning was the word….and the word became flesh and lived for a while among us (1:14). The full deity and humanness of Christ is stressed. Christ is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (1:29; 3:14-15; 6:51; 10:11). This is called "atonement." Eternal life is a gift from God (1:4; 3:15-16; 10:10; 20:31) for those who commit to Jesus Christ (3:36; 4:13; 5:21, 24; 8:12). People come from death into life (3:36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:47, 53; 17:3). There is resurrection (5:28-29; 6:39,40, 44, 54). The person and function of the Holy Spirit is presented (14:25-26; 15:26; 16:7-15).
Suggestions for doing "Word studies."
Many readers enjoy doing "word studies." This is simply studying a particular word in a Bible book. Belief is a major concept in John. The Greek word is "pisteuo." John develops this word/concept ninety-nine times in his gospel! We first see this word in the prologue (1:7) "that all might believe." The last time we see it is in the summary statement (20:31) "that you may believe." All signs, teachings and events in John lead to faith in Christ. The writer is honest in describing conflict in belief/unbelief, crisis of belief, and both the assurance and rejections of belief in Christ.
The word "faith" is never used in this gospel. Often belief in Christ is used with "abiding" in Christ. Belief is given full discussion throughout this book. It is in receiving (1:12), following (1:40), drinking (4:13), responding (4:51), eating (6:57), accepting (6:60), literally hearing, worship (9: 38), obeying (11:39-41) and commitment (12:10-11) that we appreciate the fullness of "pisteuo."
John uses "pisteuo" in his other books known as 1st, 2nd, 3rd John and Revelation. Some readers may enjoy tracing this word through the use of study aids such as a concordance, bible dictionary or using a commentary. Many however, simply enjoy circling the word every time it is encountered in reading. However you study "pisteuo," it is a blessing!
Jesus experiences rejection, hostility and darkness(1:10-11). We can be children of God (1:12-13; 1 Jn 3:2, 9; 4:4, 7, 12, 13). One of the most important verses is 1:14. "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory. The glory of God is visible in Christ. The Old Testament Law of Moses (1:17, 18) is compared to the grace and truth in Christ.
God sent Christ to the Church (4:38; 17:3; 20:21). Christ has a mission to the world (3:17; 16:33; 17:3, 4, 8, 9, 21, 23, 25). His mission was to reveal the truth of God in words (6:63, 69;14-17), signs (2-12), works (10:25), in life and death (12:32). His "delight" was in finishing this work (14:31; 15:10-11, 17:13; cf. 4:36-37). The work was "finished" (19:30).
The book of John is about personal experience and faith witnessing (Greek word martyrouses). Witness and confession can be seen through people (1:34; 4:42; 6:69; 8:31-32; 10:38). This book has a missionary motif. A classic example is seen through Christ and the Samaritan woman (chapter 4). He meets the woman and her needs (4:10, 13, 14). This woman was considered the lowest form of life in her society and through the eyes of the Jewish disciples.
Jesus meets her needs. Chapter four gives teaching about mission in general (4:31-34), the mission of the disciples (4:35-38) and the believers witness and Christ’s mission (4:39-42). It can be a useful paradigm for mission.
Finally, Jesus is described as one with the Father (10:30; 14:9-10). Christ and the Father are distinct (4:28; 17:1-5). They have unity of purpose (5:17ff; 8:42).
If you are interested in simply sampling part of this Gospel, a "trilogy in discipleship" can be found in John 3: 1-17; 13: 1-21; 15: 1-20. This trilogy covers spiritual rebirth, a lifestyle of service and faithfulness in persecution.
May God bless your reading with joy.
The Suggested Reading Outline:
Week 1 Profiles of Spiritual Seekers. (chapters 1-3)
These three chapters cover the first two years of Jesus Christ’s public ministry.
The first eighteen verses are known as the "prologue." You might also enjoy reading the Genesis account of creation (chapters 1 & 2) and 1st John(1:1-4.)
Real People find Jesus "safe" to be with!
A. "Come and see." (1: 39)
B. "Follow me." (1:43)
C. Spiritual Seekers: Philip, Andrew, Peter, Nathaniel (Chapter 1)
D. Mary, a model of discipleship (2:5) & the first official miracle.
E. Closeted Nicodemus (3:1-17) & Spiritual Rebirth Conversation
Reflections for Week 1
What are you looking for?
Beloved John
God reaches out through us
Rocky Realities
God can change your life
Letting go of damaging stereotypes
The art of spiritual conversation
From doubt to belief
Week 2 Unique Spiritual Conversations. (chapters 4-7)
Jesus knew how to linger with people, listen to each with respect and dignity. He deeply cared for outcasts, marginalized and devalued people. He made the time for visitors and went out of his way to meet people. He never used a pre-memorized formula or manipulated people.
As you read these wonderful chapters, some of the famous "I am" sayings of Jesus are here. See if you can locate them! They are not mentioned in the other gospels. What Jesus says about himself is "food for thought!" Bon appetite!
There are Moments of High Drama with Christ!
A. Samaritan woman’s transformation through soul food. (4: 1-42)
B. A parent, Christ, healing of a child (4: 43-54) & the second recorded miracle.
C. Spiritual Paralysis & healing (5: 1-18) (Do you want to be well?)
D. Soul Food Bread and Water conversations (6 & 7)
E. Closeted Friend Nicodemus (7:47-52)
F. A summary of the first two years of public ministry.
Week 3 "The meaning of Life is to see." Hui Neng
This is the third and final year of Christ’s public ministry. (chapters 8-12)
There are more of the famous "I am" sayings. Jesus says he is the "light of the world." Chapters 8, 9, 11 & 12 are worth careful reading. Perhaps reading with a lighted candle will enhance this rich spiritual reading experience!
Conversations of Light & Life
A. conversations in adultery (8: 1-11), reflections on seeing and being seen.
B. Spiritual blindness and spiritual sight (8: 12 ; 9:1-41)
C. Sheep and Shepherds (10: 1-18)
D. Death and Resurrection (11: 1-44) (Note the anger of Jesus at death, and his deep compassion and tears with the bereaved.)
E. The Courage of Doubting Thomas (11: 16)
F. Mary & Martha conversations beyond the grave (11:17-44)
G. A summary of the "I Am" sayings: Bread, Water, Light, Life and Resurrection.
H. A three year summary Jesus’ teachings. (12: 44-50)
Reflections for Week 3
Love in action
Soul of a traitor
Leave her alone
Sin Multiplies
Week 4 Spiritual Conversations in Discipleship Among Friends. (chapters 13-16)
These are some of the most famous chapters in all the Gospels. This is a prolonged conversation Christ has with dear friends before one betrays him.
A. The Upper Room Demo in Servant Discipleship (13:1-20)
B. The Gospel of Judas (13: 21-30)
C. The New Commandment (13:31-35)
D. More "I Am" Spiritual conversations (14:6; 15:1)
E. Assessing Philip’s spiritual formation and honesty (1:43; 6:5; 14:8)
F. Doubting Thomas (11: 16; 14: 5)
G. Peter and the beloved disciple (13: 23)
H. Judas Iscarot (13: 26)
I. Holy Spirit promises (14: 15-31; 15:4-15)
J. The cost of following Christ (15: 12-27)
K Praying in the name of Christ. (14:13, 14; 15:7; 16: 23, 24)
L. Peace in Christ (16: 33)
Week 5 The Drama of the Cross. (chapters 17- 19)
The betrayal, torture, denial and the death of Christ
A. A Prayer demo of Christ’s heartbeat (17)
B. Betrayal, Denial, the Cross (18:1-11, 15- 27; 19: 25-30)
C. Reflections on Mary, mother of Christ (2:5; 19:25)
D. The courage of Nicodemus "coming out for Christ." (19: 39)
E. The grief of Peter & the beloved disciple
Week 6 Hope Beyond the Grave! (chapters 20-21)
A spiritual revolution begins for "the Easter people!"
A. Resurrection conversation & Mary Magdalene (20:1-18)
B. Seeing is believing & the blessings of peace (20: 19-23)
C. Doubting Thomas (20: 24- 28)
D. Blessed believers (20: 29 - 31)
E. A charge to feed sheep, lessons in spiritual generosity (21: 15- 19)
F. Summary of Gospel. "Follow me!" (1:43; 21:19)
G. Living as an Easter People
Suggestions for further reading:
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke
Mary’s Journal, a Mother’s Story. by Evelyn Bence
The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Magnificent Defeat, by Frederick Buechner
Celebration of Discipline. The Path to Spiritual Growth. by Richard J. Foster
Who Is This Jesus? by Michael Green
The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis
Care of the Soul, by Thomas Moore
The Message, by Eugene Peterson
The Master. A Life of Jesus, by John Pollock
