The Gospel of John presents Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who became flesh so that people might believe in Him and receive eternal life. Traditionally attributed to the apostle John, the son of Zebedee and one of Jesus’ closest disciples, the Gospel reflects the testimony of an eyewitness who personally knew Jesus and witnessed His ministry, death, and resurrection. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke share many common events and teachings, John approaches the life of Jesus from a distinctive theological perspective, emphasizing His divine identity, His relationship with the Father, and the necessity of believing in Him. John begins not with Jesus’ birth but with His eternal existence: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Throughout the Gospel, selected signs—including turning water into wine, healing the sick, feeding the five thousand, giving sight to the blind, and raising Lazarus from the dead—reveal who Jesus is and call people to faith. These signs are accompanied by Jesus’ profound teachings and His “I am” declarations, which identify Him as the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine. John devotes substantial attention to Jesus’ final hours with His disciples, His crucifixion, and His resurrection, demonstrating that the cross is not a defeat but the fulfillment of God’s saving purpose. John explicitly states the purpose of his Gospel near its conclusion: “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Thus, the Gospel of John is both a historical testimony concerning Jesus and a carefully constructed invitation to recognize His divine identity, trust in Him as Savior and Lord, and receive the eternal life that He alone gives.

The Gospel of John presents Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who entered the world so that people might believe in Him and receive eternal life. John develops several interconnected themes that reveal who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to follow Him.

1. Jesus Christ Is the Eternal Son of God

John begins by identifying Jesus as the eternal Word who existed with God and was God before creation. Jesus is not merely a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker; He is God the Son who entered human history.

Key Verses: John 1:1–3; 1:14; 5:18; 10:30; 20:28

2. The Incarnation — The Word Became Flesh

The eternal Word became truly human and lived among humanity. Through the incarnation, the invisible God made Himself known in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus reveals God’s glory, grace, and truth.

Key Verses: John 1:14; 1:18; 14:9

3. Belief in Jesus Christ

Belief is one of John’s dominant themes. The Gospel repeatedly calls people to respond personally to Jesus. John’s stated purpose for writing is that readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Key Verses: John 1:12; 3:16; 6:29; 11:25–27; 20:30–31

4. Eternal Life

Eternal life is God’s gift to those who believe in Christ. John presents eternal life not merely as life after death but as a present relationship with God that begins when a person believes and continues forever.

Key Verses: John 3:16; 5:24; 6:40; 10:28; 17:3

5. Jesus as the Revealer of the Father

Jesus came to make the Father known. His words, works, character, and mission reveal what God is like. To know Jesus is to know the Father who sent Him.

Key Verses: John 1:18; 5:19–23; 8:19; 10:30; 14:7–11

6. The Signs of Jesus

John carefully selects miraculous signs that reveal Jesus’ identity and glory. These include turning water into wine, healing the sick, feeding the five thousand, walking on water, giving sight to the blind, and raising Lazarus. The signs are intended to lead people beyond the miracle itself to faith in Christ.

Key Verses: John 2:11; 4:54; 6:14; 9:3–5; 11:40–44; 20:30–31

7. The “I Am” Statements

Jesus repeatedly uses “I am” declarations to reveal His identity and His relationship to humanity’s deepest spiritual needs. He identifies Himself as the Bread of Life, Light of the World, Door, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, Way and Truth and Life, and True Vine.

Key Verses: John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7–11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1

8. Light and Darkness

John uses light and darkness to portray the spiritual conflict between truth and unbelief. Jesus is the Light who enters a darkened world, revealing God and exposing sin. People demonstrate their spiritual condition by how they respond to that Light.

Key Verses: John 1:4–5; 3:19–21; 8:12; 12:35–36

9. Truth

Jesus reveals divine truth because He comes from the Father and is Himself “the truth.” His followers are called to know, obey, and live according to that truth.

Key Verses: John 1:14; 8:31–32; 14:6; 17:17

10. Love

Love stands at the center of God’s relationship with humanity and the disciples’ relationship with one another. God’s love is demonstrated supremely in sending His Son, while Christ’s sacrificial love becomes the pattern for Christian discipleship.

Key Verses: John 3:16; 13:34–35; 15:9–13; 17:23–26

11. The Holy Spirit

Jesus promises that after His departure the Father will send the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus calls the Helper and the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit will remain with believers, teach them, remind them of Jesus’ words, testify about Christ, and guide them into truth.

Key Verses: John 3:5–8; 14:16–17; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7–15

12. Abiding in Christ

Christian discipleship involves an ongoing relationship with Jesus. Through the image of the vine and branches, Jesus teaches that spiritual fruitfulness depends upon remaining in fellowship with Him.

Key Verses: John 8:31; 15:1–11

13. Opposition, Unbelief, and Spiritual Blindness

Although Jesus provides abundant evidence of His identity, many reject Him. John contrasts belief with unbelief and shows that rejection of Christ often results from spiritual blindness, pride, fear, or love of human approval.

Key Verses: John 1:10–11; 3:19–20; 5:39–40; 9:39–41; 12:37–43

14. The Cross as Jesus’ Hour of Glory

Throughout John, Jesus speaks of His coming “hour.” The cross is not portrayed merely as tragedy or defeat but as the fulfillment of His mission and the moment in which His sacrificial love and obedience to the Father are displayed.

Key Verses: John 3:14–17; 10:17–18; 12:23–33; 17:1; 19:30

15. The Resurrection and Victory of Christ

The resurrection confirms Jesus’ identity and demonstrates His victory over death. The risen Christ appears to His disciples, strengthens their faith, and commissions them for continued ministry.

Key Verses: John 2:19–22; 11:25–26; 20:1–29

16. Witness and Testimony

John repeatedly presents witnesses who testify to Jesus’ identity, including John the Baptist, Jesus’ works, the Scriptures, the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the disciples themselves. Their testimony calls the reader to make a decision about Christ.

Key Verses: John 1:6–8; 5:31–39; 15:26–27; 19:35; 21:24

17. Discipleship and Mission

Those who believe in Jesus are called not only to receive life but also to follow Him, love one another, bear fruit, and continue His mission in the world.

Key Verses: John 8:31–32; 13:34–35; 15:8; 17:18; 20:21

Central Theme of John

All of these themes converge in John’s explicit statement of purpose:

John 20:30–31 — John wrote so that people would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and through believing have life in His name.

Thus, the Gospel of John moves through a powerful progression:

Jesus is revealed → His identity is demonstrated → people are called to believe → believers receive eternal life → believers abide in Christ and become His witnesses.

John 1 opens the Gospel by directing the reader beyond the earthly ministry of Jesus to His eternal existence and divine identity. Before describing Jesus’ birth, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection, John establishes who He truly is: the eternal Word who was with God and who is God, through whom all things were created. The chapter then reveals that this divine Word became flesh and lived among humanity, making the invisible God known and bringing grace and truth. John the Baptist appears as God’s appointed witness, preparing people to recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God. As the chapter progresses, Jesus begins calling His first disciples, inviting them not merely to hear about Him but to come, see, and follow Him. John 1 therefore serves as a theological foundation for the entire Gospel, presenting Jesus as the eternal Creator, the source of life and light, the incarnate Word, the promised Messiah, and the One through whom people can know God and become His children.

With this lesson we will begin a new series of lessons from the Gospel of John. We will first look at some high points of the gospel. It was written to help those who read or heard it being read believe who Jesus Christ is and gain eternal life as a result.

From John 15:6, “If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” we learn of the importance of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. And in John 8:31, Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

The Gospel of John was “written so that [we] may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name” (John 20:31). John wants to awaken faith in unbelievers and to sustain faith in believers and thus lead both in the direction of eternal life.

The Gospel of John is an eyewitness account of one who loved Jesus deeply and who lived with him for three years. John, also known as the disciple, whom Jesus loved, wrote as a divinely inspired witness to the events of Jesus life and what they meant for our understanding. This inspiration is from the Holy Spirit “whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). John’s Gospel is therefore the inspired word of God.

Prayer

Father, I pray that this series of lessons from the Gospel of John would be used by the Holy Spirit as a witness of the Gospel to unbelievers and as an encouragement for believers to grow spiritually.

Let us begin at the beginning of the Gospel of John and consider the term “Word” that is found in the opening verse.

“¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. ² The Word was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:1 – 3 NET).

To gain an understanding of the term “Word” we need to look at John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (ESV). In this verse John tells us that the Word is Jesus the Son from the Father.” Since Jesus is the Word we see from verse 1 that he existed in the beginning with God and was fully God. John had three years to figure out who Jesus really was. He experienced him as fully human and gradually came to understand that he was also fully God. He was the Son of God. It is this Jesus who existed with God before anything was created because we see from verse 3 that “All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” John states his understanding in these verses and then takes the remainder of the book to help us understand.

Prayer

Father, thank you for sending us your Son to live among us here on earth as the person known as Jesus, as a way of providing us with a greater revelation of yourself. Thank you, Lord, for your obedience in leaving your glory in heaven to come and live a perfect life among us sinful people and then to be nailed to the cross to die in our place to pay the penalty for our sin.

“¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. ² The Word was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:1 – 3 NET).

Opening the Gospel of John by identifying Jesus as God, provides the reader with a much clearer understanding of the actions and sayings of Jesus in his relationship to his Father. By knowing that Jesus is God helps us understand the plan of salvation Jesus was providing for us by his life on earth, his death on the cross in our place, and his resurrection from the dead.

John tells us who Jesus is up front and then as a firsthand witness tells us how Jesus lived to demonstrate who he was and what his mission was. As we read this gospel we are to remember that Jesus Christ was with God and that he was God and that he came and lived to lay down his life for us (John 15:13). If we miss up front who Jesus is, we will miss the eternal benefit to be gained from this book.

Prayer

Father, thank you for choosing me and giving to me an understanding of who Jesus is. Lord, thank you for dying for my sin and providing me with the gift of eternal life. Father, thank you for causing me to be born spiritually and making me part of your family. Only through the person of Jesus Christ does one have access to God. Father, thank you for providing me with that access.

“¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. ² The Word was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:1 – 3 NET).

Why did John call Jesus “the Word”? Consider the following verses. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6a). “For this purpose, I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). “So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples’” (John 8:31). “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask . . .” (John 15:7). Looking at John 1:14, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” and that flesh we know as Jesus.

Jesus said he was the truth and came to bear witness of the truth. The works he did was a witness of that truth. A true disciple abides in his word, but that disciple is to also abide in him. The words Jesus spoke and the life he lived provide us with knowledge of and an understanding of God. As you study the Gospel of John you find that Jesus and the Word are inseparable. They are the same and so John begins his gospel by calling Jesus the Word. This relationship is further enforced in Hebrews 1:1 – 2 where God tells us that he spoke to us by his Son. In Revelation 19:13 we read, “He [Jesus] is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). Jesus is the “Word”, the eternal God who is the source of absolute truth.

Prayer

Father, how awesome it is to grow in relationship to Jesus Christ. The freedom one gains by learning about him and becoming more like him in relationship with him. As the source of truth your words to me are true. As the source of life you gave me life. As the source of light you removed my darkness. As the source of love you are overcoming anger and resentment in me, allowing me to love those who are unlovable. As God, my Lord, my savior and my redeemer, you provide meaning and purpose to my life. For this I give thanks.

“¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. ² The Word was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:1 – 3 NET).

One more lesson is needed before we leave these verses. In the beginning was Jesus, who John identified as the Word. He was in the beginning in Genesis 1:1 with God and by him was everything created. Jesus was not some created being because he existed as God before anything was created.

“The Word was fully God” and became flesh and lived among us and as he did, he demonstrated his divine nature and confessed that he was one with the Father and able to forgive sin (Luke 5:21). The scribes and the Pharisees claimed he was speaking blasphemies and sought to have him killed.

The Word was God and was with God and came to dwell with us as a man as the image of God. As God he is one with the Father but yet he is distinct as the Son of God. Later we will add the Holy Spirit and then we will have three Persons, but one divine Essence.

This Jesus who John experienced as God in the flesh is the one who created all things. Here is the creator of the universe living among the disciple to die in our place for our sin so that we might have a relationship and peace with God. It is so important that we get our minds around this truth that Jesus is God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit because here lies the source of our salvation.

Prayer

Father, I am so thankful that in Jesus, the Son of God, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and that through him all things are being reconciled to himself, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:19, 20). Thank you for restoring my relationship with you through Jesus and providing peace for a troubled heart. Thank you for the living hope I have of one day being conformed into the image of your Son.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

As we read ahead, we must stop at John 1:4 and consider some additional information about Jesus Christ. John has referred to him as the Word who existed in the beginning with God and who himself was God who created everything that was created. As the Son of God he took his place among men through a virgin birth. He was fully God and fully human. Now John identifies the source of life to be in him: “In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.”

“In him was life” and since Jesus existed in the beginning with God before anything else existed but God, we know that life then existed before anything was created. Jesus, a living person, said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and have always existed. This means that God is a living person who has no beginning, who has always existed as a person. God, as an intelligent being, designed a universe and as the source of life infused that life into his creation and as an image of himself, he created man. But mankind sinned and God’s creature was now flawed. Jesus, God’s Son, entered his creation in a body of flesh to reflect a true image of God and provide a way for sinful, broken people to be restored to a perfect holy and righteous state forever with God.

This life that is in him does provide physical life, but it is much more than that. Physical life is temporary, but the life that exists in him is eternal life, it is spiritual life. For us to live forever we must have this life. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life” (John 5:25 ESV). To escape judgment for our sin we must come to Jesus and receive as a gift this spiritual life. Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11 – 12 ESV).

In John 1:4, John continues by telling us that this “life was the light of mankind.” Next time we will see why this is important.

Prayer

Lord, I knew absolutely the moment I believed and accepted the gift of life from you that it was real. Just as there is a clear difference between physical life and death, there is also a very clear difference between spiritual life and spiritual death. Once I received this gift of life, as I was born spiritually, I knew because my life changed and has been changing ever since. I long for that day when my work will be done here on earth and when I have finally been conformed into the image of Christ and will be able to stand face to face before you and see you as you really are. Lord, what an awesome thing it is to experience this living hope, especially when life gets ugly as it does for believers under persecution or those with a terminal illness or some other fiery trial.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind” (John 1:4 NET). As part of creation Adam was created and given life and became an image of God. But this life was the light of mankind. It removed darkness and gave one the ability to see, but to see what? Consider the following: “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing, among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3 – 4 NET).

As the image of God, Adam was created with this life that was in Jesus, the Son of God. This life provided Adam with the ability to see by removing darkness. This light gives understanding to the minds of those who believe and have the Son of God living within. At creation God gave Adam freedom of choice and placed a test before him. He was not to eat of the fruit of the tree of good and evil. If he did, he would die. As the story goes, Satan shows up and convinces Eve that she would be more like God if she ate the fruit. Both she and Adam ate, and their minds were blinded to the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. All future offspring would now be born lacking spiritual life and thus lacking light that would allow them to understand spiritual things. Without this light no one has the ability to understand; no one desires to seek for God (Romans 3:11).

Consider the apostle Paul. Breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, he was headed toward Damascus when “suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’” (Acts 9:3 – 5 ESV). That light from God removed enough spiritual blindness to allow Paul, called Saul at the time, to understand things he never could before. This work of God in his life completely changed the direction of Paul’s life. Without this life and the light it provides, a person remains in spiritual death and darkness.

Prayer

Father, I am so very thankful that you chose a sinner like me to enlighten my desire to understand the gospel of Christ. Thank you for causing me to be born again; to experience eternal life and to understand spiritual things. Thank you for adopting me into the family of God to enjoy an eternal relationship of love with you and the body of believers. Thank you for causing Jesus to be my life and my light of understanding.

It is time for me to write another lesson. As I sit here looking at John 1, I realize slow progress, but I also saw something that I had not taken time to think about before. I was listening to a sermon one night by John Piper and remembered some comments he made about how chapter 1 was structured. As I now look at chapter 1, I notice that verses 1 – 5 are about Jesus being the Word, God, creator, life and light. If you jump down a bit, you will find that verses 9 – 13 discuss the entry of this light into the world that was created by the Word and find those in the world did not receiving him. Then verse 14 reaches back to the Word in verse 1 as the left bookend and here defines Jesus as the right bookend. Verse 16 – 18 then indicates that grace and truth also come from Jesus.

Inserted within those 18 verses are two interruptions. Inserted in the section on light (verses 4 – 9) is the introduction of a person named John. We learn that he was a man sent from God as a witness about this light that is coming into the world. The idea is introduced that this light will provide an avenue of belief for those who come to its source. It is also made clear that John is not the one with the light, but simply a witness about the light.

The next interruption is so abrupt that verse 15 is place within parenthesis in the ESV translation. After being told that the Word became flesh in verse 14, John cries out that he is not the one, but that he who is coming is much greater than he.

By inserting these two interruptions, the apostle John indicates the importance of our witness to the world concerning the person of Jesus Christ. As God sent Jesus to provide the way of salvation, he also sends us as witnesses of this gospel of salvation to the lost world.

Prayer

Father, you have made it clear to us the importance of our witness. The joy that has been mine over the years in sharing my faith in different parts of the world, especially in China has been such a blessing. I pray that what I write in the social media would be of help and encouragement to those who stop and read. It is such a joy to study your word, apply it to my life and share my findings with others.

I had the opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord this afternoon as I began walking again following recovery from foot surgery. As I walked my thoughts were about the lessons I have written from the Gospel of John. I realized the joy that was growing in my heart as I prayerfully dug deeper and deeper into the text. I also experienced a greater sense of spiritual life and a greater brightness in my life. I realized that the Word is God, the Son of God, who became flesh and dwelt among us as Jesus Christ was becoming more meaningful to me. As I studies the Word I was learning more about Jesus and as a result was abiding more deeply in him and as a branch that is attached to the vine, I was drawing greater life from him and thus more light.

As I study the Word it is like sitting down to a great meal and since the Word and Jesus are the same it reminds me of a passage in John 6:53 – 56, which reads, “⁵³ So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴ Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. ⁵⁵ For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. ⁵⁶ Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (ESV).

As God the Word is living and as I make it part of me through study it is like I am feeding on his flesh and drinking his life blood. He becomes one with me and I with him. Becoming one with him, his life becomes mine and the light of his glory fills my heart with understanding because he is the source of truth. I know and fully believe who he is and who I am in him. As I thought about this as I walked along, I nearly exploded with the sense of God living within me.

Prayer

Lord, as I feast on your Word through study I am deeply touched by your life and the light of its glory. Joy fills my heart as understanding deepens and the desire for more continues to grow. Life with you clears my focus as the things of this world become more like clutter that one needs to discard. Father, you knew that mankind would turn away from you in disobedience, but instead of turning away from us you were willing to pay the ultimate price to redeem back to you those who believe and accepted your perfect sacrifice in the person of your beloved Son. Father, only by giving my life completely to you can I even begin to thank you enough for what Jesus has done for me.

Consider a meal of a burger, chips and a drink you grab at a drive thru as you hurry on your way. Consider another meal where you sit down with close friends at a well-prepared menu of several courses and enjoy an extended time of food and conversation. We can approach the Bible in the same way. We can read a short passage without much thought, or we can sit down, take time and prayerfully with God chew on the richness of flavor and enjoy the stimulating pleasure it has to offer. I am finding such richness as we spend time on short text here in John.

Consider the following passage: ⁹ “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:9 – 13 ESV).

The world in which we live was perfectly created by Jesus. Mankind was given a choice to walk with God or to walk by himself. As we all know from experience we chose to walk apart from God and experienced spiritual death and its darkness. Jesus, the Word, the Son of God, entered into this world he created through a virgin birth. In the womb of a woman, God entered into the formation of a human to be born physically and spiritually alive. This child, we call Jesus, was fully God and fully man. This union, in the womb of Mary, defies understanding, but in this manner true light came into the world to provide a way to bring God and man back together. As Jesus matured into a man and explained his origin and his mission to those around him, he was not understood and was not received by the very people God had chosen to work through. In our sinful state there are none who can understand; there are none who seeks for God (Romans 3:11). Here God was standing in their midst, and they did not receive him.

If sinful people are unwilling to seek God, then how is it possible for anyone to turn to God. Consider Paul on the road to Damascus, filled with intent to destroy Christians. But along the way Jesus intercepts him and reveals to him who he really is and in that instant Paul’s life completely changes. It was God’s will that Paul would become a key messenger of the Gospel. It was God that chose me and brought me to my knees before him as a teenager. It is God who chooses us like we might go to an orphanage to choose a child to adopt. Is it fair that some never get adopted? Is it fair that God chooses some and not others? Remember, we are all dead in our sin and deserve eternal separation from God.

Those who are chosen by the will of God (verse 13) are the ones who receive the true light and are then able to receive him, to believe in his name, and have the right to become children of God. To say that everyone is given enough light to make a choice conflicts with the text that it is by the will of God. I personally know it was not me who initially chose God where some of my close friends didn’t. It was God who chose me.

Prayer

Father, I know that according to your foreknowledge I was chosen and according to your great mercy you cause me to be born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:1 – 3 NASB). Thank you that Jesus was obedient to your will to enter into his creation, to live and then to die on the cross to provide access to life and the light of understanding. Father thank you for giving to me through the work of Jesus Christ, the right to become a child of yours. Thank you for the kindness of your grace while through discipline you are conforming me into the image of your Son. Lord, it is so hard to stop listing what I am thankful for, but space requires that I do. In love, a most thankful child.

It is clear that Jesus is a unique central figure in history. He has no beginning and has always existed with God as God. In him was life and from that life comes light that illuminates our understanding. He is the Word that has come as a true image of God to show us what the Father is like. Out of obedience to his Father, Jesus came as God to live a perfect life and die for our sin in our place.

Consider John 1:16 – 18 which reads, “¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (ESC).

Jesus stands as a lighthouse, illuminated with his glory that all true faith is focused on. Before him God chose Moses and through him the law was given. This law described how people where to live to maintain a relationship with God. It provided knowledge of sin and a method of sacrificing animals to cover that sin. The law pointed toward a perfect sacrifice that would be sufficient to cover sin without being repeated. That perfect sacrifice was to be their Messiah, the person of Jesus. During the time of the law the grace of God was making preparations for the needed sacrifice.

The stage was set and Jesus with all the fullness of God entered flesh through a woman. He was to be the perfect sacrifice that people seeking God would come to for salvation. His death paid the penalty of our sin, his resurrection overcame the power of death, and for those who came to him he provided life and the light of understanding. Jesus stood as the pivot point in history to which people now look back to by faith for their salvation. It is this Jesus who was at the Father’s side who has made him known to us. It is through Jesus Christ that grace and truth came to us. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 ESV).

Jesus is the source of all we need to live in perfect union with God for eternity. He is the source of all we need to overcome death and darkness of sin during our earthly life. As the source of life and his indwelling presence his grace is more than sufficient for all our needs. He is the one who has made know the Father to us and provided all we need to be able one day to behold his glory.

Prayer

Lord, from your fullness by grace through faith I am made complete. You are the only source of life and in union with you through spiritual birth my life is not barren but bears fruit to your honor and glory. The fruit on the tree in the garden was eaten and your light in us went out as promised, but through great sacrifice the kindness of your grace provided a way for us to bear fruit. Thank you for turning the light on inside me. Help me find others now in darkness. Empower these lessons to that end.

The next section includes John 1:19 – 28 and covers the testimony of John the Baptist. There are two thoughts we will look at in this section. In this lesson we will consider the position of John in relation to Jesus. In the next lesson we will acquire more information about Jesus.

The Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask John who he was (v19). John confessed, “I am not the Christ” (v20). Not satisfied they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” (v21). Still not satisfied they said to him, “Who are you?” and “What do you say about yourself? (v22). John replied, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said” (v23). If you are simply a voice crying out in the wilderness “Then why are you baptizing?” they asked (v25). John answered, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (1:26 – 27).

The Jews wanted to determine if John was someone important, maybe even the Christ the coming Messiah. But John was not ashamed to say that he was just a voice of one crying out in the wilderness, pointing to someone else who is so much more important. So important that John felt he wasn’t even qualified as a servant to untie his sandals. John draws no importance to himself and points others to the central figure of history, the Word incarnate in flesh as Jesus. John sets an example for us as Christians that we are to see ourselves for what Jesus has done for us and point others to him. Don’t think that the job of a witness is not important. Jesus said, “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28 ESV).

Prayer

Father, how difficult it is to develop the humble posture of John the Baptist. Father, you know the world puts a great premium in being proud, in drawing attention to one’s accomplishments. Thank you for teaching me the importance of being humble and meek. I know you are not finished with me yet, but I am enjoying the peace and joy there is when my focus is on you. Lord, I find great excitement when I turn my life over to you and allow you to use me, to work through me. Humbling myself under your mighty hand and watching you work, I find that I am being lifted up in the sight of others because of the work you are doing in and through me. Lord, I know you are at work building your kingdom and being part of that work through union with Jesus Christ is so exciting. Thank you for choosing me and causing me to be part of your life and work.

When John the Baptist identified himself as “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness”, he was identifying with the voice that cries in Isaiah 40:3, which reads, “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (ESV). Isaiah was prophesying the coming of Yahweh, Jehovah, the God of creation. John now stands up and announces that he is that voice and that God is now here among us as a man who is more than anyone has ever dreamed.

When asked why he was baptizing, “John answered them, ‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie’” (1:26 – 27 ESV). John is making it clear that the one comes baptizes with the Holy Spirit, which is much superior to his baptizing with water. John baptizing with water is a witness to a baptism that is eternally superior, performed by one infinitely superior to him.

Looking ahead to verses 29 – 30, John links a most important feature of the one he announced in verse 15 where he cries out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’” Verses 29 – 30 reads, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me”’” (ESV). John sees Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Only God can take away sin and as God Jesus is infinitely superior to John and existed as God before John but was born as a man after John.

Prayer

Father, as I think about John the Baptist and see that you chose him to make preparations for the coming of Jesus, to be a witness of him, and to perform the activity of water baptism as a pointer of something greater that was to come, I realize that you chose me, caused me to be born again for the purpose of obeying your will. Father, as I prepare these lessons, I am overwhelmed by your love for me and the sacrifice you were willing to make to establish an eternal relationship with me. The benefits of your grace that are provided for me cause the offerings of this world to pail into insignificants. Strengthen me to live out this reality.

In this lesson we will look more closely at John 1:29 – 31, which reads, ²⁹ “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”” (ESV).

If we identify day one as the day Jews sent priests and Levites to ask John some questions, then this lesson takes place on day two. On this “next day” John sees Jesus coming toward him, and he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” As God prepared the way for our salvation, he used the lamb as a symbol of a coming sacrifice that would be sufficient to cover our sin. Other animals were also sacrificed to cover sin, but the lamb became the symbol of what God was going to provide. This illustration was enhanced when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as proof of his love for God. Abraham took Isaac and went to the place God had directed, placed him on the altar and was about to kill him when God stopped him and provided a ram as a substitute (Genesis 22). When John sees Jesus as the Lamb of God, he sees God’s substitute for us who will die for our sin.

Elizabeth, the wife of a certain priest named Zacharias, became pregnant in her old age with John the Baptist. Elizabeth was six months pregnant at the conception of Jesus. Both John and Jesus were miracle babies because Elizabeth was beyond childbearing and Jesus was virgin born. Physically, Jesus was born after John, but John said that he ranks [existed] before him. Connect this with John’s statement of not being worthy of undoing the straps on the sandals of Jesus clearly identifies him with the Word who was God.

Since Mary and Elizabeth knew each other, I am sure Jesus and John must have. For John to say that he did not know or recognize him suggest that John didn’t know Jesus was the Lamb of God as a boy any more than John knew he would be preaching and baptizing people later in life. God chose John and prepared him for his assignment as the son of a priest. At a particular time, God made him aware of his assignment like God made Paul aware of his assignment. God made it clear to me that I was to serve him over an eight-year period in China. God has a way of motivating the people he chooses to do the work he assigns to them. Many of us would experience much less suffering if we understood that and cooperated with him.

God chose John to be a witness, to stimulate interest, to get people thinking about something big that was about to happen. As people heard and began to understand they testified of their commitment through water baptism. God wanted all of this activity to draw the attention of people for the entrance of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Prayer

Father, what joy it gives me to study deeply your word and see how wonderfully it unveils the mystery of knowing you and showing me that I am unable to live a life of meaning and purpose without your provision. Lord, the world displays its glamor and with persuasion entices us to join its party. But within the pages of your word, the Book of Life, are hidden treasures that are hungered for by the one seeking righteousness. There in its pages I learn that all my needs can be met in the One called the Word. Only in Jesus Christ is my life complete. Saying thank you doesn’t seem sufficient for your wonderful provision.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 1:35 – 39. The event we will look at takes place on the “next day”, the day after Jesus was baptized by John, which would be the third day in our sequence of days.  We find “John was standing with two of his disciples” (v35) and as he looked, he saw Jesus walk by and he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (v36). This declaration is not new material, but a repeat of 1:29, and is probably made to draw the focus of John’s two disciples to Jesus.

With the attention of John’s two disciples on Jesus and his identity as the “Lamb of God” in their minds, notice what happens in v37. “The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” Why do you think they followed Jesus? Do you suppose God prompted them to follow for some reason? Jesus now becomes involved by turning around and seeing them following and he said to them, “What are you seeking?” By asking this question, Jesus is encouraging their level of commitment in following him. He wants to draw them in closer. Their response was, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” (v38). The disciples are seeking to establish a place where they could find him in the future. I believe they are interested in spending more time with Jesus to maybe learn more about him. Jesus responds to their question by inviting them to come with him and see where he was staying. “So, they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour” (v39).

Don’t miss the importance of this simple passage. John has been gradually introducing a special type of person who has a very unusual connection to God. At a particular point in this growth of understanding, John declares, “This is the Lamb of God.” and encourages his disciples to want more. A connection is established with Jesus and growth in a relationship continues. This is effective witness. In a careful manner information about Jesus in presented, leading in growth of relationship. Sometime in the future that growth will reach the point where it is time for spiritual birth. It is a natural process of relationship growth. It is not a debate to convince the mind. Without the heart being prepared by God a mind yielding to pressure does not result in a spiritual birth as many in the western church may think.

Prayer

Father, I find it is so easy to read over verses like these and simply see a story unfolding, but when I stop and ask you what is being said, I find a message that speaks to my heart. Father, I see here the beginning of the idea that salvation is connected to a relationship with Jesus not in obedience to an external law. Lord, it is essential that I understand the richness and the depth of life that is being developed by you in this chapter. Father, how thankful I am that you chose to draw me to you through Jesus and then to give me this understanding.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 1:40 – 42 (ESV): “⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). ⁴² He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter)” and takes place on the same day as our last lesson. One of the two disciples that heard John declare of Jesus, “The Lamb of God” and left to follow him was Andrew. At this point we don’t know the name of the second disciple. We also don’t know what happened when the two disciples began their conversation with Jesus. I think Andrew suspected something unique about Jesus and wanted his brother Simon to be with him. Simon may have been close by, and he went to get him. When he found Simon he said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (v41). Simon then accompanied Andrew, and they went to join Jesus and the other disciple of John.

There are three interesting things we should look at here. First, Andrew is the first person to be mentioned in our study so far to proselytize another regarding Jesus. This is the beginning of a movement in which those identifying with Jesus go and tell others about him and bring them to him. It is a movement that Jesus will develop during his stay on earth, and it is a movement that continues today that you and I should be active in.

The second interesting thing is what was the understanding of Andrew when he told Simon, “We have found the Messiah.”? As we look ahead over the next three years it becomes clear that the disciples of Jesus did not understand this until after they met Jesus after his resurrection. Think about when you first became believers and was born again. If we continue to grow in our relationship as we walk with Jesus and if we spend time in the Word on a regular basis, then our understanding of the Lord will be much more mature at the end of our lives. We found Jesus, maybe many years ago, but now we know so much more about him. Andrew was then just discovering something that was unique to him and he wanted to share this.

The third interesting thing comes from verse 42. “Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, the son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter)” (NET). Jesus looks at Simon and knew the assignment that had been designed for him. It is an assignment that God, in his sovereignty, had prepared a long time ago when he chose Simon for a particular task. In like manner, I believe God has chosen each one of us and given to us an assignment to accomplish with him during our lifetime. How clear is your focus on that assignment? What is your experience in your partnership with Jesus Christ in doing this assignment?

Prayer

Father, I have been a believer for over 60 years and as I look back across my life, I can clearly see your hand at work in it. Lord, forgive me for being so slow to understand this working partnership with you in carrying out my assignment. The more I understand this partnership and surrender my life into your hands the more exciting is the work we are doing together. Before I took pride in my accomplishments, but with you in control, life is so much fuller and so much richer. Thank you for the transformation you are carrying out in my life.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 1:43 – 46 (ESV): “⁴³ The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” ⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” ⁴⁶ Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”” and takes place on the next day, which is day four if you are keeping track of the days for some reason. On this “next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee” (v43). No reason is given here for why Jesus wanted to go there, but he probably wanted to attend the wedding at Cana, which is about a two-day journey away. Probably before Jesus left “He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’” (v43). “Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter” (v44). Andrew and Peter are brothers and probably friends with Philip since they are from the same city. Philip wanted to take Nathanael along and so he goes to him “and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets also wrote about—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph’” (v45).

I had to stop and review what I was writing and realized that of the five Philip was the only one directly asked by Jesus to join him. Andrew who left John and followed Jesus went and got his brother Simon Peter. Philip went and got Nathanael. No name was given for the other disciple of John and no indication given that he continued to follow. Do we have a problem here? When I looked at the other gospels it was clear that Andrew and Peter were at their boat fishing when Jesus called them to follow. What do we do with this difference? What is the focus of the authors at this time? Until today I have not, in 60 years, noticed this difference because I was focused on the general development by the authors. The selection of the disciples was minor compared to the entrance of God in the flesh and what that meant. If several people saw an accident would their reports about it be the same or contain some differences?

Philips statement to Nathanael caused him to reply, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.” (v46). Making such a negative statement after such a declaration by Philip would indicate the possibility tension between Bethsaida and Nazareth. Seeing things differently and tension between different groups of people is human. What is important is what Jesus says to Nathanael when he meets him. That will be our next lesson.

Prayer

Father, I found this to be a hard lesson to write. I feel like I can’t find the good stuff to make a sandwich with. One slice of bread is the announcement of the “Lamb of God” and the other slice will be the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana. I believe the next lesson will help when I look at the conversation between Jesus and Nathanael. Father, thank you for the hard times because they cause me to draw closer and think more deeply.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 1:47 – 51 (ESV): “⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” ⁴⁸ Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” ⁴⁹ Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ⁵⁰ Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹ And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”” and covers the conversation between Jesus and Nathanael.

In our last lesson, Jesus asked Philip to follow him, and Philip went to get Nathanael. When Jesus saw him coming toward him, he exclaimed, “Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (v47). Before Jesus met Nathanael, he knew what he was like inside. Jesus, being God, knows each one of us just as well. He knows our every thought. This statement from Jesus surprises Nathanael and he asked Jesus, “How do you know me?” (v48). Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael was out of sight but yet Jesus knew where he was.

It would have been helpful if Jesus had also informed us as to what he was doing there. Since the shade of a fig tree is often used as a place for teaching or studying and because of Nathanael’s next comment it is speculated that he was thinking about the Messiah who was to come. Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (v49).

I am sure Nathanael had been doing a lot of thinking and when Jesus expressed his knowledge of what he was like on the inside and where he was when Phillip called him, he declares two aspects of Jesus: “Son of God” and “King of Israel.” It is not clear at this point how much Nathanael understood, but in the time spent with Jesus as a disciple he would learn much more. Jesus then said, “Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (v50). Jesus acknowledges Nathanael’s statement and then implies that this is just the beginning of what he will experience in the days to come.

Jesus continues by saying, “I tell all of you the solemn truth—you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (v51). Jesus identifies himself as the “Son of Man,” which has its origin in Daniel 7:13 – 14. His claim as the Son of Man is a huge claim considering what Daniel had to say about him in his night vision: “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed” (NET). How will Jesus convince people that this is who he is? Has he convinced you?

Prayer

Father, there is so much to think about in this lesson and how it applies to my life. To think of Jesus as the eternal Son of God who entered his creation through a woman to live as a perfect man, to die for my sin and to overcome death. To think of Jesus as a King who is forming a kingdom that I will exist in forever. To think of Jesus as the Son of Man with his heavenly origin and divine authority. Father, the draw of the world to its pleasures and glamor is strong but so shallow and short lived. What I find here is so deep and rich and will last forever. Thank you for choosing me to share it with you.

As we worked our way through the first chapter of the Gospel of John, we were introduced to at least thirteen titles or names for Jesus. Titles are important because they tell you something about that person. As Jesus identified with those titles, people would have feelings about it. Those that God gave understanding to through faith were attracted to him, but others, for various reasons, became upset to the point of having him nailed to a cross.

In the chart below the thirteen titles are listed along with the verse number and the text they were found in.

Prayer

Father, as I look at these titles, I think about what they have come to mean to me over many years as a child of yours. Lord, you are a personal living God that I have a relationship with. As creator of all things, you are my source of life, light of understanding, grace and truth. As the Father has chosen you to be my Savior, he has chosen me to be your witness. I come before you in humility and meekness, awed by your mighty eternal presence. To think that you have made me a member of your eternal kingdom of light and love leaves me without proper words to speak in appreciation.

1. What does John mean when he calls Jesus “the Word” in John 1:1?

Answer:
John introduces Jesus as “the Word” to reveal that He is God’s ultimate self-revelation. Just as words communicate thoughts and character, Jesus perfectly reveals who God is. John declares that the Word existed “in the beginning,” was “with God,” and “was God.” Jesus therefore did not begin His existence at Bethlehem. He is eternal, personally distinct from the Father, yet fully divine. This opening deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1 and places Jesus before creation itself. Everything that follows in the Gospel must be understood in light of this foundational truth: Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.

2. What does John 1 teach about Jesus’ role in creation?

Answer:
John states that “all things were made through him” and that nothing created came into existence apart from Him (John 1:3). Jesus is therefore not part of creation; He is the divine Creator through whom creation came into being. This reinforces the declaration of verse 1 that the Word is God. The One who later entered the world as a human being is the same One through whom the world itself was made.

3. Why are “life” and “light” important descriptions of Jesus?

Answer:
John 1:4 says that in Christ “was life, and the life was the light of men.” These two images become important themes throughout John’s Gospel. Jesus possesses life in Himself and gives both physical and eternal life. Light represents God’s truth, holiness, revelation, and salvation entering a world darkened by sin. The darkness cannot overcome the light (John 1:5). Christ therefore does more than teach people how to find life and light—He Himself is their source.

4. What was John the Baptist’s purpose according to John 1:6–8?

Answer:
John the Baptist was sent by God to bear witness to Jesus so that people might believe through his testimony. John carefully distinguishes the witness from the One to whom he bears witness: John “was not the light.” His ministry was preparatory. He directed attention away from himself and toward Christ. This becomes especially clear when he later declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29). John models faithful Christian witness: the messenger’s purpose is to point people to Jesus rather than draw attention to himself.

5. Why did the world fail to recognize and receive Jesus?

Answer:
John 1:10–11 describes a tragic irony. The world was made through Christ, yet the world did not know Him. Even “his own” did not receive Him. This rejection demonstrates the spiritual blindness produced by sin. Jesus came as the promised Messiah, yet many of those who possessed the Scriptures and awaited God’s promises rejected the One to whom those promises pointed. John’s Gospel will repeatedly contrast belief and unbelief as people encounter Jesus.

6. What happens to those who receive Christ and believe in His name?

Answer:
John 1:12 teaches that those who receive Christ and believe in His name are given “the right to become children of God.” Salvation brings a new relationship with God. Believers are not merely forgiven sinners; they are welcomed into God’s family. Verse 13 emphasizes that this spiritual birth does not result from ancestry, human effort, or human decision alone, but ultimately from God. This introduces the theme of the new birth that Jesus explains more fully to Nicodemus in John 3.

7. What is the significance of the statement, “the Word became flesh”?

Answer:
John 1:14 describes the incarnation: the eternal Son of God truly became human without ceasing to be God. Jesus did not merely appear human; He entered human history and lived among humanity. John says that the Word “dwelt among us,” language that recalls God’s presence in the tabernacle among Israel. In Jesus, God’s presence has come personally among His people. The disciples did not encounter merely a teacher or prophet—they saw the glory of God’s unique Son, “full of grace and truth.”

8. What does John 1:18 teach about Jesus’ relationship with the Father?

Answer:
John explains that although no one has seen God in His fullness, Jesus has made Him known. Because the Son has an eternal and intimate relationship with the Father, He uniquely reveals Him. To know Jesus is therefore to encounter the clearest revelation of God’s character. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus’ words, actions, compassion, holiness, authority, and sacrificial love reveal the Father.

9. Why did John the Baptist deny being the Christ, Elijah, or “the Prophet”?

Answer:
Religious leaders wanted to determine John’s identity and authority. John refused titles that would distract from his God-given mission. Instead, he identified himself with Isaiah 40:3 as “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” John understood himself as a forerunner preparing people for the Messiah. His humility becomes particularly striking because his ministry was attracting significant attention, yet he consistently redirected that attention toward Christ.

10. Why does John call Jesus “the Lamb of God”?

Answer:
John’s declaration in John 1:29—“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”—points toward Jesus’ sacrificial death. The image recalls the Old Testament sacrificial system and God’s provision of sacrifice for sin. It may also evoke the Passover lamb and Isaiah’s suffering servant who is compared to a lamb led to slaughter. Jesus came not merely to teach about sin but to deal decisively with it through His sacrificial death.

11. What evidence did John the Baptist receive that Jesus was the Son of God?

Answer:
John testified that God had told him he would recognize the Messiah when he saw the Spirit descend and remain upon Him. John witnessed this happen to Jesus and consequently declared, “this is the Son of God” (John 1:34). His testimony was therefore based upon God’s revelation rather than personal speculation. The Spirit’s presence also identified Jesus as the One who would “baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

12. Why did two of John the Baptist’s disciples begin following Jesus?

Answer:
When John declared Jesus to be “the Lamb of God,” two of his disciples followed Jesus. This shows that John’s ministry was accomplishing its intended purpose: his followers were being directed toward Christ. Jesus then invited them to “Come and you will see” (John 1:39). Their encounter with Him began a relationship that transformed their lives. John presents discipleship as more than accepting information about Jesus; it involves personally following, knowing, and remaining with Him.

13. What can we learn from Andrew bringing Simon Peter to Jesus?

Answer:
After encountering Jesus, Andrew immediately found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). He then brought Simon to Jesus. Andrew demonstrates one of the simplest patterns of evangelism in Scripture: encounter Christ, recognize who He is, tell someone else, and bring that person to Him. Andrew could not have known how significantly Peter would later be used by God. Faithful witness may have consequences far beyond what the witness can foresee.

14. Why did Jesus give Simon the name Cephas, or Peter?

Answer:
When Jesus met Simon, He declared that he would be called Cephas, which John explains means Peter. The new name pointed toward what Jesus intended to make of him. At this moment Simon was far from the mature apostle he would eventually become. He would display courage and weakness, insight and misunderstanding, faith and failure. Yet Jesus saw not only who Simon was but who he would become through God’s transforming work. Discipleship involves Christ reshaping the lives of those who follow Him.

15. What is significant about Jesus’ simple command to Philip, “Follow me”?

Answer:
Jesus’ command in John 1:43 summarizes the essence of discipleship. Christianity is fundamentally a call to follow Christ. Philip responded to that call and immediately sought Nathanael, telling him that they had found the One about whom Moses and the prophets had written. Philip’s response demonstrates that following Jesus naturally leads to telling others about Him.

16. Why was Nathanael skeptical about Jesus?

Answer:
When Philip identified Jesus as being from Nazareth, Nathanael responded, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Nazareth was an insignificant Galilean village and did not fit Nathanael’s expectations concerning the Messiah. His reaction illustrates how preconceived assumptions can prevent people from recognizing God’s work. Philip did not engage him in a prolonged argument. Instead, he offered the simple invitation, “Come and see.”

17. How did Jesus overcome Nathanael’s skepticism?

Answer:
Jesus demonstrated supernatural knowledge of Nathanael, describing his character and revealing that He had seen him under the fig tree before Philip called him. Nathanael realized that Jesus possessed knowledge that could not be explained naturally. His skepticism quickly became confession: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49). His response illustrates one of John’s central purposes—encounters with Jesus should lead people toward recognition of His true identity and faith in Him.

18. What does Jesus mean by the angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man?

Answer:
Jesus’ statement in John 1:51 recalls Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:10–17, where Jacob saw a ladder between heaven and earth with angels ascending and descending upon it. Jesus applies that imagery to Himself. He is the true connection between heaven and earth—the One through whom humanity comes to God and through whom God reveals Himself to humanity. Jesus is therefore greater than the ladder Jacob saw; He is the divine-human mediator whom the vision anticipated.

19. What major titles for Jesus appear throughout John 1?

Answer:
John 1 presents an extraordinary collection of titles and descriptions of Jesus. He is the Word, God, Creator, Life, Light, the only Son, Lord, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, Rabbi, Messiah, the One foretold by Moses and the prophets, the King of Israel, and the Son of Man. Together these titles establish the identity that the remainder of John’s Gospel will progressively demonstrate. John does not allow Jesus to be understood merely as a moral teacher. He is the eternal God who became man, God’s promised Messiah, the sacrificial Lamb, and the King worthy of faith and allegiance.

20. What is the central message of John 1?

Answer:
The central message is that the eternal Son of God entered His creation as Jesus Christ so that people might know God, receive salvation, and become His children through faith. The chapter moves from Christ’s eternal existence to His incarnation, from John the Baptist’s testimony to the first disciples’ personal encounters with Him. Each section answers the same fundamental question: Who is Jesus? John 1 declares that He is the eternal Word who was with God and was God, the Creator who became flesh, the Lamb who takes away sin, the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the King whom people are called to follow.

Our lesson today will begin our journey through chapter 2, which consist of two main sections and a small one. The first section, John 2:1 – 12, covers a wedding at Cana, the second section, verses 13 – 22, covers the cleansing of the temple, and the short section, verses 23 – 25, covers the concern Jesus has about the intent of people toward him. With this brief sketch before us we need to go back to a starting point at John 1:43 where “Jesus wanted to set out for Galilee.” a two-day journey. It is now the “third day” and Jesus and his disciples are at the “wedding at Cana in Galilee” along with Jesus’ mother (John 2:1 – 2). The invitation of Jesus, his mother, and the disciples seems to indicate that this wedding was family related.

At the wedding a problem develops involving supply and demand. It seems that the demand for wine exceeded the supply provided by the bridegroom. To run out of wine at a wedding in that culture was a serious problem prompting Mary to inform Jesus (v3). The response Jesus makes to his mother in hearing this causes one to stop and wonder what just happened. The harshness of his response indicates that we should stop and try to understand what is going on besides a typical wedding.

Looking carefully at verses 4 – 11 there are four things that stand out that will be identified with the words obedience, hour, purification, and bridegroom. In verses 3 – 5, Mary provides Jesus with a problem and request a solution. Mary is requesting obedience, but don’t forget Jesus has a heavenly Father who he must also obey. In verse 4 Jesus says, “My hour has not yet come.” What hour was he referring to? In verses 6 – 8, there were six stone water jars which were used for rites of purification. Jesus had these filled with water which he turns to wine for them to drink. How might purification relate to Jesus? In verses 9 – 11, Jesus supplied what the bridegroom was lacking. How does this connect with Jesus being the perfect bridegroom?

A quick reading of our text tells us about a miracle performed at a wedding, but we miss the richness that is ours if we stop and think about the kind of response Jesus made. I believe this harshness was intended to capture our attention. It sure got mine.

Prayer

Father, I am so thankful for your word. It is living and active in my life. It illuminates the way before me as I travel along the dangerous paths of life. Thank you for the opportunity to think deeply about who Jesus is, the work he came to do, and what he has to offer me. Lord, please guide me as I dig into chapter 2. Open it up to my understanding and help me share it with others.

When Mary said to Jesus, “They have no wine left.” that seemed to turn on a switch inside Jesus that clearly brought to mind the suffering he would have to endure to complete the work his Father sent him to do. Out of anguish over this resting on his shoulders Jesus replied, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (v 4). Mary makes no comment about the harshness of his response but says to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (v 5). She just gave the responsibility to Jesus to complete what was lacking on the part of the bridegroom. She expected Jesus to somehow provide and that it would involve the servants. Wouldn’t you like to know what both Mary and Jesus were thinking at this time?

Jesus, the son of Mary, has been given the responsibility by her to provide enough wine to satisfy the wedding guest. Jesus, the son of God, has been given the responsibility by his Father to become the perfect sacrifice to purchase the salvation of those who are to be saved. I believe that both Mary and Jesus knew that this was the beginning of that work. To begin this visible work here on earth, Jesus must be obedient to Mary. Obedience to the Father had already begun by Jesus coming to earth through his virgin birth. The Father testified to this obedience when John baptized Jesus by saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 ESV).

Jesus has a mother here on earth and a Father in heaven. The mother identifies Jesus with an earthly family. The Father in heaven identifies Jesus with a spiritual family. This gives us the man/God identify of Jesus. When Jesus responded to Mary as “Woman” and not “Mother” he was beginning to push back from his physical family to establish the needed relationship, in the minds of people, with his heavenly family. Later Jesus will push back even harder.

Prayer

Father, I find such richness in the Bible when one stops and takes time to research and think. It stimulates my faith to learn about Him who after creating a universe was willing to enter into it as a human and become the sacrifice required to redeem a people for you to love and share the kindness of your grace with forever. The Bible is truly a living book with such depth that no one is able to grasp all of it. Thank you for setting this book apart from all others and protecting it against all evil powers.

Our lesson today will again cover the text from John 2:3 – 5 (ESV): “3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”” In this lesson we will focus on the statement “Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come.”

In our last lesson we said, “When Jesus responded to Mary as “Woman” and not “Mother” he was beginning to push back from his physical family to establish the needed relationship, in the minds of people, with his heavenly family. When Jesus responded with “Why are you saying this to me?” he may have been trying to disconnect with the responsibility his mother was giving to him. The part we want to focus on in this lesson is the statement “My time has not yet come.”

“My time” or “My hour” as some translations say, is a reference to the time when Jesus would depart this world and return to the Father (John 13:1) to be glorified (John 17:1). But to accomplish that goal, Jesus knew that suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension lay ahead. Jesus also knew that this was not the time to reveal his identity as the Messiah. Gradually he must reveal his divine nature to the people and stimulate their belief in him.

As Jesus continued to teach and perform miracles, his listeners divided into three groups; those who believed, those who grew to hate him, and those who were still just watching and listening. Jesus was able to avoid physical harm from those who hated him, as we see in John 7:30 and 8:20, but in John 12:27 Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I have come to this hour.” In John 12:24 Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” As Jesus spoke to his mother, he knew his hour to suffer, and die was not too far away, and he knew by providing the wine needed for the wedding with a miracle was to start that fateful journey. To die physically on the cross is one thing, but for the holy Son of God to contaminate himself with our sin and cause his Father to turn away from him is beyond our comprehension. A short video has been included to help understand this.

Link to Video

Prayer

Lord, I am trying to understand how you must have felt as you spoke to Mary and fully realized what lay ahead; the rejection, anger and hate that would develop against you; the physical and mental abuse, the disrespect and the brutality of the scourging and the cross. How you must have felt as those thoughts came to mind as you said, “My time has not yet come.” But the time came and with your blood you purchased my salvation. For that I am so thankful. Lord, help me use my life to be a witness for you.

In our lesson today we will consider the containers Jesus used to produce the wine in that are mentioned in John 2:6 – 8 (ESV): “⁶ Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So, they took it.”

Specifically, verse 6 reads: “Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification (or ceremonial washing), each holding twenty or thirty gallons.” These jars are used to hold water, not for drinking, but for bathing, for purification to prepare one for offering a sacrifice for their sin. Jesus decides to use this water for a different purpose. He could have used other containers, but he chose to use these pots in meeting the need of the bridegroom for more wine. He chose to use these pots for a different purpose to plant the idea that he as the coming bridegroom would one day be the perfect sacrifice that would meet our need for purification from our sin.

Drinking wine from these pots begins the difficult task Jesus has of developing an understanding of how drinking wine from these pots will eventually lead to the meaning of what we read in John 6:53 – 55, where Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (NET). Like the Jews, we have much to learn to get from these stone water jars to the meaning of drinking his blood.

God had taught the Jews to follow a ritual in sacrificing animals to cover their sin. God now enters human life as Jesus to show the Jews a better way to be cleansed of their sin. It will no longer be a ritual of purification and the sacrifice of animals, but a relationship with Jesus through his blood as the perfect sacrifice. Here at the wedding at Cana Jesus shows that he can perform miracles, but by using those special water pots he points to an event that will involve his death on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our purification from our sin.

Prayer

Father, it is easy to read our text today and see that Jesus turned 120 to 180 gallons of water into wine for use at a wedding, but to see the significance of using the stone water jars that were part of the Jewish rites of purification is an entirely different matter. Thank you for the mysteries that are tucked away in the Scriptures that are revealed by the Spirit of God to those who believe. Thank you for the excitement and humbling effect understanding these mysteries provide.

In the previous lesson we questioned why Jesus chose to use the stone jars that were used to hold water for ceremonial washing. Water from these jars was not used for drinking but for bathing. By using these jars Jesus was drawing focus to the current method of covering one’s sins and then drew attention to himself with a miracle. From this point forward Jesus needed to convince the Jews that he was replacing their ritual of animal sacrifice with the sacrifice of himself.

Our lesson today will come from John 2:6 – 11 (ESV): “⁶ Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So, they took it. ⁹ When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom ¹⁰ and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” ¹¹ This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the water jars with water” (v7). The servants filled the six stone water jars, each holding twenty or thirty gallons, to the top. Jesus then told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the head steward,” and they did. When the servant drew from the water jar was it then wine or was it still water that turned to wine on the way to the head steward. All we know is that the servants filled the jars with water and the head steward tasted wine. Between those two events the miracle took place.

After tasting the wine, the head steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!” (v 10). The first miracle that Jesus did was to complete what the bridegroom could not do and provide even better wine than the wine first served.

The shortcomings of this bridegroom represent the shortcomings of all grooms on this earth. As husbands fall short of what we ought to be, Jesus steps up and plays the role of the perfect and all providing Bridegroom for his bride, the great assembly of all those who trust in him.

From this wedding account we see Jesus as the obedient Son, the coming perfect sacrifice for our sin, and the perfect Bridegroom who would meet our needs forever. “In this way [Jesus] revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him” (v 11).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your demonstration of obedience by coming to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for setting an example of a perfect Bridegroom that can meet all our needs. Father, as I continue to study, help me fully understand what Paul wrote about in Romans 7:4; “So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you could be joined to another, to the one who was raised from the dead, to bear fruit to God.” What an awesome plan you are unfolding before us.

In the narrative of John 2, we find ourselves between two major events; the wedding at Cana where Jesus performs his first miracle and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. Verses 12 and 13 describe a minor detail of travel between the two: “¹² After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there a few days. ¹³ Now the Jewish feast of Passover was near, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:12 – 13 NET). It would be easy to simply read these two verses and move on to the cleansing of the temple, but I think it would be good for us to join Jesus and his party for a time of travel. If we are going to travel, we will need a map of Israel at the time of Jesus. NET Bible had just the map.

Israel During the Time of Jesus

Above is a link to view a full-scale map, which I selected and then copied just the section I wanted for this lesson and inserted it below.

When I began, I thought this would be an easy and fun lesson, but quickly I found trouble. On the map above the distance from Bethany to Cana is about 80 miles. John 2:1 allows just two days for travel by foot, which is not possible. After some digging around, I discovered that the location of the ancient city of Bethany is not known. Bethany as shown on the map above cannot be correct because it is too far from Cana to walk to in two days. To solve the distance problem, some think ancient Bethany is located near the Sea of Galilee, but there is no agreement as to where. Some say it is north of the Sea of Galilee and others say to the south. Wherever ancient Bethany was located it had to be within a two day walk of Cana where Jesus went for the wedding. Since Jesus was going from Bethany to the area of Galilee it seems logical that Bethany would be south of the Sea of Galilee.

 “After [the wedding, Jesus] went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there a few days” (John 2:12 NET). Try to imagine being one of the brothers of Jesus and you just witnessed him making wine out of water. How would you feel and what kind of conversation would you have? After the wedding we learn that “his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11), but what did they believe? What are Mary’s thoughts now that she realizes that this is the start of his journey toward the cross?

Capernaum is an interesting tourist location today. The following link shows what it is like there now.

Link to Capernaum

“Now the Jewish feast of Passover was near, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13 NET). The distance from Capernaum to Jerusalem is about 106 miles and would have taken six days, covering about 18 miles per day. Going up or down is in terms of elevation.

This lesson sure was different. I pray you gained something from it.

Prayer

Father, this was a different kind of lesson. I realized that when I simply read the Bible (reading for the message) it appears to be no more than a collection of stories, but when I stop and study it (reading for meaning) then it is like sitting down to a wonderful meal. I find flavor and nourishment when I do. Father, over time that nourishment produces a life more like Jesus. Without this regular nourishment how can a person not be spiritually anemic and face all kinds of spiritual problems during their life? Lord, thank you for keeping me close to your word.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 2:14 – 17 (ESV): “¹⁴ In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the moneychangers sitting there. ¹⁵ And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.””

Jesus went from Capernaum (the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry) to Jerusalem (probably with his mother and brothers and disciples). “He found in the temple courts those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers sitting at tables” (2:14 NET). Inside the temple court, a place meant for prayer and other acts of worship, there were pens of oxen and sheep, and cages of doves and merchants sitting around them waiting to make a transaction, and others who were prepared to exchange a pilgrim’s money into the right currency so that they could make a purchase. By selling these animals the merchants were rendering a service to those who had traveled from long distances as it was much easier to bring money and purchase the needed animals for sacrifice upon their arrival. But by doing this business in the temple courts it disrupted the worship of non-Jewish God-fearing people and thus obstructed the very purpose for which the temple courts existed.

When Jesus saw what was taking place it upset him, “So he made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the temple courts, with the sheep and the oxen. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables” (2:15 NET). The whips would be seen as an emblem of his authority and used to encourage the merchants and their animals to leave. There is no evidence that Jesus used any violence against the merchants engaged in this unhallowed traffic. Scattering the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables was a way of enforcing his position. As Jesus did this, he gave clear instructions to the merchants by saying, “Take these things away from here! Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace” (2:16 NET)! In this statement Jesus is identifying himself as the Son of God by referring to the temple as his Father’s house. The disciples watched Jesus and remembered that it was written years ago, “Zeal for your house will consume me” (2:17 ESV). This is a reference back to Psalm 69:9 and suggest a growing opposition against Jesus.

Before leaving this section, a problem should be noted. Why is this temple cleansing episode placed here at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, while the other gospel writers have it near the end of his ministry? Is there one or two temple cleansings? The debate goes on and as it does, I am willing to accept this to be the first cleansing with a second one occurring later.

Prayer

Father, as I study about this temple abuse, I see similar problems today in our churches. We have programs and projects and social events with a focus on entrainment or fun times and we forget to worship and praise as we should the One who gives meaning and purpose to life. We have our Bibles, but we don’t spend the time we should with them to learn about you and how we should live with one another, and we wonder why we have such a limited effect on our culture. Lord, do what it takes to draw us back to you.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 2:18 – 22 (ESV): “¹⁸ So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” ¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ²⁰ The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” ²¹ But he was speaking about the temple of his body. ²² When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”

The Jewish leaders watched and listened to Jesus as he cleared the temple courts and then they responded with, “What sign can you show us, since you are doing these things” (John 2:18 NET)? These Jewish leaders wanted Jesus to defend his actions with some mark of divine authentication. It is not clear if they were requesting a miracle, but when challenged like this Jesus does not respond with a sign. Instead, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19 ESV). The Jewish leaders had no idea what he was referring to and said to him, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and are you going to raise it up in three days” (John 2:20 NET)? The only temple they understood was the building before them, “But Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body” (John 2:21 NET). If we look ahead to Revelation 21:22 we read, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (ESV). As believers, our bodies are considered a temple of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19).

“So after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the saying that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22 NET). Put yourself in the place of one of the disciples, especially one of his brothers. How would you feel and what would you think when Jesus referred to the temple as his Father’s house and then when he said that he would rebuild the temple in three days? Would you begin to think there was something wrong with him? How is it possible that God who created the universe is standing before you as your brother? Try to get your mind around that and you will then better identify with the people of Jesus time.

Prayer

Father, another simple passage but with profound implications. I think of the temple and the sacrifices offered there for sin. I then think of Jesus becoming the temple in its place and he being the perfect sacrifice for sin. I think of each of us believers being a temple of the Holy Spirit. Father, the coming of Jesus Christ to earth, to live and then to die and to be raised from the dead was unique and a pivot point in history. Thank you for making me a part of this.

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 2:23 – 25 (ESV): “₂₃ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. ²⁴ But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people ²⁵ and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.”

“Now when [Jesus] was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.” People were drawn to Jesus, not because of who he was, but because of what he was doing. It is the same today. People are drawn to a good performance or something spectacular. Through the signs he was doing, people began to see him as a possible deliverer and began to associate him with the Messiah, but their concept of Messiah was not the same as that of Jesus. Today the concept of who Jesus is in the minds of people is very different from who he really is. Only Jesus who is accepted as God in flesh is the true savior and Messiah.

There is growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders and there is a growing desire by the people to have Jesus take charge and set them free from the Roman oppression. Jesus has to act cautiously and prudently to be sure neither group gets out of hand or join forces against him. Jesus has much work to do before it is time for his death. As a result, “Jesus would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people” (John 2:24 NET). Jesus needed to maintain a balanced relationship with those around him to allow him time to do the work given to him by his Father.

“[Jesus] did not need anyone to testify about man, for he knew what was in man” (John 2:25 NET). No one had to explain to Jesus what man was like. “He knew what was in man” because “All things were created by him” (John 1:3 NET) and because he was God (John 1:1). Their belief in him was not true belief. What they believed he could accomplish would satisfy their desires, but it was definitely not according to God’s plans. The tension between what they wanted Jesus to do and what God’s plan was for him would eventually cause them to join the Jewish leaders and turn against Jesus for claiming to be someone they believed he was not.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, what an awesome thing it is to think that you could create the universe and then enter into it through a woman to demonstrate to a sinful people what God is like and then show through your death and resurrection how much God loves us. Lord, as I watch you carefully spend time with people I see the importance and caution that should guide me as a witness. Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters in locations where they don’t know if they will live another day because of their faith in Jesus.

1. What are the two major events recorded in John 2?

Answer:
John 2 records two important events: Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–12) and Jesus cleansing the temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13–22). The first reveals Jesus’ divine power and brings joy and abundance to a wedding celebration. The second reveals His authority over worship and His concern for the holiness of His Father’s house. Together, these events begin to reveal who Jesus is and the authority He possesses.

2. Why is the miracle at Cana significant?

Answer:
Turning water into wine was the first of the signs through which Jesus publicly revealed His glory. John explains that through this sign, Jesus “manifested his glory,” and His disciples believed in Him (John 2:11). The miracle was therefore more than an act of kindness toward a wedding family. It was a revelation of Jesus’ identity. His ability to transform water into wine demonstrated a creative power that pointed beyond the miracle itself to the divine nature of the One performing it.

3. What can we learn from Mary’s response to Jesus at the wedding?

Answer:
When the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus. Although Jesus reminded her that His actions would be governed by the Father’s timing rather than human expectations, Mary nevertheless told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Her words express confidence in Jesus and provide an important principle of discipleship. Faith does not require knowing beforehand exactly what Jesus will do; it trusts Him enough to obey what He commands.

4. What is significant about the six stone water jars Jesus used?

Answer:
The jars were used for Jewish purification practices (John 2:6). Jesus instructed the servants to fill them with water, which He then transformed into wine. John’s inclusion of their ceremonial purpose may point beyond the miracle itself. The old purification system could symbolize external cleansing, while Jesus was bringing something greater. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly fulfills and surpasses institutions and symbols associated with the old covenant. The miracle therefore anticipates the greater cleansing, grace, and new life that would come through Christ.

5. What does the quality and abundance of the wine reveal about Jesus?

Answer:
Jesus did not merely provide enough wine to solve an embarrassing shortage. He provided an extraordinary quantity of excellent wine. The master of the feast remarked that the best wine had been kept until that point (John 2:10). This abundance illustrates the gracious generosity associated with Jesus’ ministry. What Christ provides is not an inferior replacement. His coming introduces the fullness of God’s grace and points toward the abundant spiritual life available through Him.

6. Why did Jesus drive the merchants and money changers from the temple?

Answer:
Jesus found people selling animals and exchanging money within the temple complex. Although animals and proper currency were necessary for sacrifices and offerings, commercial activity had intruded into a place devoted to worship. Jesus declared, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (John 2:16). His actions demonstrated His zeal for the honor of God and the proper purpose of worship. The temple belonged to His Father and was not to be reduced to a marketplace.

7. What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple reveal about His authority?

Answer:
Jesus acted as One who possessed authority over the temple itself. The Jewish leaders recognized the significance of His actions and asked what sign He could provide to justify them (John 2:18). Jesus did not appeal to another human authority. Instead, He pointed to His coming death and resurrection. His authority rested in who He was—the Son of God. The cleansing of the temple therefore confronts the reader with the question that runs throughout John’s Gospel: Who is Jesus?

8. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”?

Answer:
The Jewish leaders assumed Jesus was speaking about the physical temple in Jerusalem, which had been under construction for forty-six years. John explains, however, that “he was speaking about the temple of his body” (John 2:21). Jesus was predicting His death and resurrection. His body would be destroyed through crucifixion, but He would rise on the third day. The statement also indicates that access to God would ultimately center not on a building but on Jesus Himself.

9. Why did the disciples understand Jesus’ statement about the temple only after His resurrection?

Answer:
At the time Jesus spoke, the disciples did not fully understand what He meant. After His resurrection, however, they remembered His words and recognized their fulfillment (John 2:22). This demonstrates an important pattern in the Gospel of John: events and teachings that initially seem mysterious become clearer in light of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The resurrection became a lens through which the disciples understood both Scripture and Jesus’ earlier words.

10. Why did Jesus not entrust Himself to everyone who believed because of His signs?

Answer:
Many people in Jerusalem believed in Jesus when they saw the signs He performed, but Jesus knew that their response did not necessarily represent genuine, saving faith. John says that Jesus “knew all people” and “knew what was in man” (John 2:24–25). Jesus could distinguish between fascination with miracles and authentic trust in Him. This prepares for the conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, where Jesus explains the necessity of being born again.

11. What contrast does John 2 establish between outward religion and genuine faith?

Answer:
The chapter repeatedly moves beneath outward appearances. Ceremonial water jars represented purification, but Jesus offered something greater. The magnificent Jerusalem temple represented worship, yet its courts had become corrupted by commerce. Crowds professed belief because of miraculous signs, but Jesus knew what was actually in their hearts. John therefore emphasizes that genuine relationship with God cannot rest merely upon ceremonies, religious institutions, or excitement over miracles. True faith must ultimately be centered upon Christ Himself.

12. What central truth about Jesus does John 2 reveal?

Answer:
John 2 reveals Jesus as the divine Son who brings transformation, possesses authority over worship, knows the human heart, and points forward to His death and resurrection. At Cana, He reveals His glory through transformation. At Jerusalem, He demonstrates His authority over His Father’s house. In speaking of the temple of His body, He points toward the cross and resurrection. And in His response to those who profess belief, He demonstrates supernatural knowledge of the human heart. John 2 therefore advances the Gospel’s central purpose: leading readers to recognize who Jesus truly is and to place genuine faith in Him.