THE LIVING WORD OF GOD THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE - Chennai presents:
(Affiliated to American Theological University)
LWGTC 501 : THE NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
LESSON FOUR : THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST : THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST.JOHN

Introduction:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (St. John3:16).
One can understand this very important Bible verse which spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ, in the following outline:

1. The Love of God ii. The Son of God
2. The Faith of God, iv. The Compassion of God
3. The Life of God

God loves you. He gave His Son Jesus, He shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary and died on the cross. Jesus was buried and He rose again from the dead on the third day. Jesus is alive today. Whoever believes on Jesus, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. This is the good news. When you have this everlasting life in your spirit, you are born again child of the Living God. Jesus is alive today. Whoever believes on Jesus, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. This is the good news. When you have this everlasting life in your spirit, you are born again child of the Living God.

John’s Gospel is the fourth Gospel ( an account of Jesus’ life and ministry) in the New Testament. John focuses on the deity of Christ more than the other Gospels: W e see Jesus as the Word of God. The Son of God, and God Himself manifested in the flesh. Jesus is the great miracle worker, an omniscient Teacher, a compassionate Provider, and a faithful Friend.

John’s Gospel narrative begins far, far earlier than the other three. While Mark begins with Jesus’ adult ministry, and Matthew and Luke begin with His physical birth, John opens with the beginning of all creation: “ In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God”(John1:1).

I. Outline:
The Logos Prologue(1:1-18)
1. Introduction of the Christ to Israel ( 1:19-51)

1. By John the Baptist (1:19-36)
2. To the First Disciples (1:37-51)

1. Christ’s Revelation to Israel (2:1-11:46)
   1. First sign: water into wine(2:1-11)
      Interlude (2:12)
   2. Initial witness to the Jews in Jerusalem (2:13-22)
      Feast in Jerusalem ( Passover) (2;23-25)
   3. First discourse: New birth and New life( 3:1-21)
      Interlude : About John the Baptist and Jesus (3:22-4:3)
   4. Second Discourse: The water of life ( 4:4-42)
      Interlude in Galilee (4:43-450
   5. Second sign: Healing the Nobleman’s son (4:46-54)
      Feast in Jerusalem (5:1)
   6. Third sign: Healing the paralytic at Bethesda on the Sabbath 95:2-18)
   7. Third Discourse: The divine Son-ship of Christ (5:19-47)
   8. Fourth sign: Feeding the Five Thousand (6:1-14)
      Interlude: Jesus departs alone (6:15)
   9. Fifth sign: Walking on the water (6:16-21)
   10. Fourth Discourse: The Bread of Life(6:22-59)
   11. Sifting of the Disciples96:60-71)
       Interlude(7:1)
   12. Feast in Jerusalem9 Tabernacles) (7:2-36)
   13. Fifth Discourse: The Life-giving Spirit(7:37-52)
       Woman caught in adultery(7:53-8:1)
   14. Sixth Discourse: The Light of the world (8:12-30)
   15. Debate with the Jews (8:31-59)
   16. Sixth Sign: Healing the man Born Blind ( 9:1-41)
   17. Seventh Discouse: The Good Shepherd (10:1-21)
       Feast in Jerusalem ( Dedication) (10:22-42)
   18. Seventh sign: The Rising of Lazarus (11:1-46)
2. Christ’s rejection by Israel (11:47-12:50

1. The Last Supper (13:1- 14:31)
   1. Washing the Disciples feet and subsequent conversation (13:1-38)
   2. Jesus the way to the Father (14:1-31)
2. Discourse on the True Vine and the consequences of Union with Christ ( 15:1-16:33)
3. Prayer of Consecration for Himself and the New Covenant People (17:1-26)
4. The Suffering servant (18:1-19:42)
   1. Arrest (18:1-12)
   2. Jewish Trial (18:13-27)
   3. Roman Trial ( 18:28-19:16)
   4. Crucifixion (19:17- 37)
   5. Burial (19:38-42)
5. The Risen Lord ( 20:1-29)
   The Author’s statement of purpose ( 20:30-31)
   The Epilogue (21:1-25)

II. AUTHOR: Apostle John

• The Author of the book of John is of course, the Apostle John.
• He was known as “the beloved disciple”(21:20,23,24) and was the son of Zebedee.
• Jesus nicknamed John and his brother, James, “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). (Boanerges)
• In addition to Gospel of John, John also wrote the three epistles, I,II,III John, as well as the Book of the Revelation which he wrote from Patmos.
• Previous to his exile he had been the Pastor at Ephesus.
• John was among the 12 men who were selected to be Apostles ( Luke 6: 12-16)
• After Christ’s Ascension, John became one of the Pillars of the church in Jerusalem ( Gal. 2:9)
• He is mentioned three times by name in Acts (3:1,4:13,8:14), in time in association with Peter
• John was the part of the inner circle of disciples ( Peter, James and John ) and was closely associated with Peter.
• Most scholar and historians are in agreement that he was the only one of the Apostles to die of natural causes.

III. THEME: Jesus, the Son of God ( Jn. 20:30,31; Jn. 10:36)
“ Therefore many other signs Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name”( John 20:30-31).
Jesus performed many signs in the presence of the Disciples. Only seven signs are written in this book of John. Other signs are not written in this book. These few signs are written in this book so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ ( Messiah= the anointed), the Son of the living God, And that believing you will have eternal life in your spirit in His Name. You are born again. Jesus performed the following signs:

1. Turning water to wine (2:1-11)
2. Healing the nobleman’s son (4:46-54)
3. Healing the sick man at the pool of Bethesda (5:1-20)
4. Feeding 5,000 (6:1-14)
5. Walking on water (6:15-21)
6. Healing the blind man (9)
7. Raising Lazarus from the dead(11)

Jesus deity is witnessed by:

1. Father (5:32-37; 8:18)
2. Son ( 8:14;18:37)
3. Holy Spirit (15:26:16:13-15)
4. Written Word (1;45,5:39-46)
5. Works (5:17,36;10:25;14:1;15:24)
6. John the Baptist ( 1:7; 5:32-35)
7. Disciples (15:27;19:35; 21:24)

1. John’s word
2. The Last supper
3. The anointing at Bethany
4. The Passion
5. The Resurrection
6. Feeding the 5,000 and
7. Walking on the sea

1. King of Jews in Matthew Gospel
2. God’s servant in Mark’s Gospel
3. The Son of Man in Luke’s Gospel
4. The Son of God in John’s Gospel

IV. DATE OF WRITING: 80-95 of First Century.

V. BACKGROUND:

* John’s Gospel is unique among the four Gospels.* It records much about Jesus ministry in Judea and Jerusalem that other Gospels omit, and reveals more fully the mystery of Jesus’ personhood.* John’s Gospel is about the nature, Person and the deity of Jesus, written by the elderly Apostle John.

VI.PURPOSE:

1. ‘That you may begin believing’
2. ‘That ye may go on believing’

VII.SURVEY:

The Book is in seven natural divisions:

1. Prologue: The eternal Word incarnate in Jesus the Christ,1:1-14.
2. The witness of John the Baptist,1:15-34
3. The Public Ministry of Christ,1:35-12:50
4. The private ministry of Christ to His own, 13:1-17:26
5. The sacrifice of Christ,18:1-19:42
6. The manifestation of Christ in resurrection, 20:1-25.
7. The Epilogue of Christ the Master of life and service,21:1-25.

1. Chs.1-12 present the incarnation and the public ministry of Jesus. ( Inspite of Jesus’ several convincing signs, seven profound discourses and seven astounding claims, Jews rejected Him as their Messiah).
2. Jesus then (chs.13-21) focussed on His Disciples as the nucleus of the New Covenant people (Church He founded).

• Jesus last supper (ch.13)
• His last discourses(chs.14-16) and
• His final prayer (ch.17) for His Disciples and for all believers.

VIII. Keys to John’s Gospel: Key Word: Believe that Jesus is the Son of God
Key verse: John 1:11-13 and 20:30,31
Key Chapter: John 3
The conversion of Nicodemus and the testimony of John the Baptist provide the setting that clearly points out that being “ Born Again” is the only way to find the Kingdom of God. The most important Bible verse:
“ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life”( John3 :16).

IX. Special Features: Eight major emphases characterize John’s Gospel:

1. It emphasizes the deity of Jesus as “ the Son of God”. From John’s prologue with it’s grand declaration, ”We beheld His glory”(1:14) to the conclusion with Thomas’s conclusion, “ My Lord and My God”( 20:28), Jesus is God the Son came in the flesh.
2. Various forms of the word “believe” occur 98 times, representing the equivalent of receiving Christ (1:12), and involving a heart (not just a mental) response that results in an ongoing commitment of one” whole life to Him.
3. “Eternal life” is a key Johanine concept, referring to a changed quality of life that comes through a saving union with Christ and results in freedom from both slavery to sin and demons and in a growing knowledge and fellowship with God.
4. Personal encounters with Jesus are featured throughout the Gospel( no less than 27 of them).
5. The ministry of the Holy Spirit enables believers to experience Jesus life and power in an ongoing way after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
6. It emphasis “Truth”- Jesus is the truth, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and God’s Word is truth. Truth sets people free (8:32), makes them clean(15:3), and is the antithesis of Satan’s nature and activity(8:44-47,51).
7. The number 7 is prominent: seven signs, seven discourses and seven “I AM” claims testify to who Jesus is:
   1. I AM the bread of life,6:3
   2. I AM the light of the world,8:12;9:5
   3. I AM the door,10:9
   4. I AM the good shepherd,10:11
   5. I AM the resurrection and life,11:25
   6. I AM the way, the truth and the life,14:6
   7. I AM the true vine,15:1

8. Other important words :

1. Light
2. Word
3. Flesh
4. Love
5. Witness
6. Know
7. Darkness and
8. World

X. Reading John: The Book of John should be read in seven days, according to the following schedule:
* 1-3 * 4-6 * 7-9 * 10-12 * 13-15 *16-18 * 19-21.
Review Questions:

1. Write the following Bible verses from your memory:
   John 1:12; 3:16; 4:10; 5:24; 6:35; 7:38,39; 8:32; 8:12; 10:7,10; 11:25,26; 14:6; 14:27; 15:1; 16:33; 17:3; 20:30,31.
2. Write a note on the writer: The APOSTLE JOHN
3. Mention the 7 signs of Jesus in John’s Gospel. What are the 7 I AM statements of Jesus in John’s Gospel?
4. What is the purpose of John’s Gospel?
5. What are the keys to John’s Gospel?
6. What are the special features of John’s Gospel?
7. Write a 4 pages Gospel message based on John3:16.
8. Write a message on the theme: TRUTH.
9. Explain the conversion of the following persons:
   1. Nicodemus
   2. Samaritan woman
   3. Adulterous woman
10. Explain the following important Bible verses:
    1. John 4:10
    2. John 10:10
    3. John 14:27
    4. John16:33
    5. John 17:3

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
ACCORDING TO SAINT JOHN
Assignment

Read the Gospel of John which is one of the 66 Books of the Bible. It consists of 21 chapters. If you carefully read 3 chapters per day, it will take 7 days ( one week) to finish the Book. Read it slowly and thoughtfully.

1.Memory verse:

John 3:16 _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

After you have finished the Gospel of John, we have a Bible study which you can do and help you remember the things you have already read. Bible Study on The Gospel of John

The purpose of this study for you is, to understand, accept and believe God’s plan of Salvation. See yourself (1) what the Bible really says about who Jesus Christ is. (2) What He has done for us. (3) The necessity of putting our faith in Him.

Please answer the following questions by looking up the Bible verses which are given, all of which can be found in the Gospel of John.

Your Name and Mailing Address: ( Please print clearly)

Name: _____________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
Pincode: __________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________
Website: __________________________________________________

2. Why was the Gospel of John written( John 20:31)?
___________________________________________________________

3. Who is Jesus Christ?
John 1:1 _________________________________________________
John 1:3 _________________________________________________
John 4:4 _________________________________________________
John 10:11 _________________________________________________
John 10:30 _________________________________________________
John 11:27 _________________________________________________
John 19:19 _________________________________________________
John 20:28 _________________________________________________
John 20:31 _________________________________________________

4. Let us consider some of the great “ I AM” verses found in John’s Gospel. Again and Again Jesus said, “I AM “:
John 6:35 _________________________________________________
John 8:12 _________________________________________________
John 10:9 _________________________________________________
John 10:11 _________________________________________________
John 11:25 _________________________________________________
John 14:6 _________________________________________________
John 15:1 _________________________________________________
John 8:58 _________________________________________________

5. The Problem of SIN. Do men love the light and come to the light or would men rather stay in darkness( John 3:19- 20)?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

How does God describe the “deeds” of these people( John 3:19)?
___________________________________________________________
According to Lord Jesus, how many people really keep God’s holy law ( such as the 10 Commandments) perfectly (John 7:19)
___________________________________________________________
How many people are without any sin ( John 8:7-10)?
___________________________________________________________
Who is a servant or slave of sin ( John 8 :34)?
___________________________________________________________
Who is the only one who can set a person free from sin ( John 8:36)?
___________________________________________________________

6. God has done something very wonderful for sinful man! “ The word was made(became) -------------. and dwelt among us” ( John 1:14). God became a man and He was sent to be the --------------Of the world( John 4:42).Did He come on a mission of Judgment or on a mission of salvation(John 3:17)?
___________________________________________________________
God loved you so much that He did something very costly for you. What did He do( John 3:16 and also John 19:18 and 19:30)?
___________________________________________________________
Christ died for our sins! He took our place! God’s wrath and punishment against sin fell upon Him! He was the sinner’s substitute! Did Jesus really die on the cross( John 19:32-35)? -------------------------
___________________________________________________________
Did He really come back from the dead( John chapters 20 and 21)?
___________________________________________________________
did “ Doubting Thomas” became “Convinced Thomas( John 20:29)?
___________________________________________________________
Has God given to you enough information to believe the very thing Thomas was convinced of (John 20:29-31)?
___________________________________________________________

7. Is really such a place as HEAVEN (John 14:1-3)?
___________________________________________________________
What is the only way to get there( John 14;6)?
___________________________________________________________
Who is the only one who can give peace to the troubled heart ( John 14:27)?
___________________________________________________________
Who is the only one who can give Joy to the downcast soul (John 15:11)?
___________________________________________________________

8. What is ETERNAL LIFE(John 17:3)?
___________________________________________________________
What must a person do to have eternal life? John 3:36
___________________________________________________________
John 5:24 ___________________________________________________________
John 6:35,37 ___________________________________________________________
John 6:47 ___________________________________________________________
John 11:25-26 ___________________________________________________________
A person can either receive Jesus Christ by faith ( John 1:12 ) or a person can reject the Saviour by not receiving Him ( John 1:11). Which have you done?
___________________________________________________________

9. What will happen to those who do not believe on Christ and refuse to put their full trust in Him?
___________________________________________________________
John 8:24 ___________________________________________________________
John 3:36 ___________________________________________________________
John 5:28-29 ___________________________________________________________
John 3:16 They shall perish in lake of fire. TRUE or FALSE: ___________________________________________________________
Unbelievers are condemned already!( John 3:18-19).

10. Read John 3:16 and put your own name in the blanks: For God so loved …………………………………. That He gave His only begotten Son for …………………………………….. that if ………………………………….. Believes in Him, …………………………………………… will not perish, but …………………………………………… Will have everlasting life.
How can you be a true disciple of Jesus Christ (John 8:31)? ___________________________________________________________

We here at “JESUS THE PRINCE OF LIFE BIBLE COLLEGE” would like to encourage you to go in God’s direction and have His highest and best for your life.
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Please, Return these filled in answer papers to the address given below:

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