Study the Book of
John
A guide to understanding the structure, themes, and message of
John
Overview
John emphasizes the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and records signs and teachings that lead readers to faith in Him.
Quick Facts
Date
Late first century AD
Author
Traditionally attributed to the apostle John
Testament
New Testament
Biblical Division
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Literary Genre
Gospel
Purpose
To lead readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name.
Historical & Biblical Context
The Gospel of John was written later than the other Gospels and reflects a time when the Christian message had already spread widely throughout the Roman world. Traditionally attributed to the apostle John, the book focuses on selected events from Jesus’ life in order to reveal His identity as the Son of God.
John’s account differs from the other Gospels in both structure and emphasis. Rather than presenting a broad chronological record, it highlights a series of signs—miraculous works and encounters—that reveal who Jesus is. Each of these signs is accompanied by teaching that explains its significance. Conversations with individuals such as Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and the disciples illustrate the contrast between belief and unbelief.
Within the biblical timeline, John recounts the same historical events found in the other Gospels: the ministry of Jesus, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. Yet the book’s purpose is clearly stated near its conclusion—that readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing they may have life in His name.
Structure
01
Prologue (John 1:1–18)
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01
Growing Opposition (John 5–12)
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01
The Passion and Resurrection (John 18–21)
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01
Early Signs (John 1:19–4:54)
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01
The Upper Room (John 13–17)
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Major Themes
Key Passages
John 1:1–5
John opens by identifying the Word as eternal, divine, and active in creation.
John 3:16–18
This passage presents God's love, the gift of His Son, and the call to faith for eternal life.
John 20:30–31
John explicitly states the purpose of his Gospel: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in His name.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing the glory of God in the incarnate Son.
John 10:27–30
Jesus describes His sheep, His saving grip upon them, and His unity with the Father.
Track the Signs
John records specific signs that reveal Jesus' identity. Watch how each sign leads to teaching about who Jesus is.
Follow the Theme of Belief
Many conversations in John revolve around belief and unbelief. Notice how people respond differently to Jesus.
Pay Attention to the "I AM" Statements
Jesus' "I AM" statements reveal aspects of His identity and mission. Observe how they connect to the surrounding context.
How to Study
John
Guided Study Path
If you're not sure where to begin, this pathway breaks the book into study units that can be carefully observed and meditated on in one sitting, though they don't have to be. Study 1, for example, can take several days, while Study 2 may be only one day. It's intentionally not broken into timed units, so that you can move at your own pace and spend time with each passage.
Study 1
John 1:1–18
The Prologue: Study the identity of the Word, His role in creation, and the incarnation revealing the Father.
Study 4
John 2
The wedding at Cana and the cleansing of the temple: early signs pointing to Jesus' authority.
Study 7
John 5
The healing at Bethesda and Jesus' teaching about His authority from the Father.
Study 10
John 9
The healing of the man born blind and the contrast between spiritual sight and blindness.
Study 13
John 13
The washing of the disciples' feet and the commandment to love one another.
Study 16
John 17
Jesus' prayer for His disciples and future believers.
Study 2
John 1:19–34
The testimony of John the Baptist and the identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Study 5
John 3
Jesus and Nicodemus: the necessity of new birth and the promise of eternal life.
Study 8
John 6
The feeding of the five thousand and the Bread of Life discourse.
Study 11
John 10
The Good Shepherd discourse and Jesus' care for His sheep.
Study 14
John 14
Jesus' promise of the Spirit and assurance for the disciples.
Study 17
John 18–19
The arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus.
Study 3
John 1:35–51
The first disciples: observe how Jesus begins gathering followers and revealing His identity.
Study 6
John 4
Jesus and the Samaritan woman: living water and the expansion of the gospel beyond Israel.
Study 9
John 7–8
Teaching during the Feast of Tabernacles and the growing division over Jesus' identity.
Study 12
John 11–12
The raising of Lazarus and the final public responses to Jesus' ministry.
Study 15
John 15–16
Teaching about abiding in Christ and the coming work of the Spirit.
Study 18
John 20–21
The resurrection appearances and the restoration of Peter.
Continue Your Study
Character Studies Related to
John
John, Disciple of Jesus
Faithfulness and Friendship
Mary Magdalene
Devotion
Nicodemus
Seeking and Sacrifice
Word Studies Related to
John
Dig Deeper into
John
Our Bible study guides walk through each book with structured questions that help you observe the text carefully, trace major themes, and understand how the message fits within the larger story of Scripture. The Study Guide can be used individually or with the Leader Guide in a group setting.
Study guides are currently in development. Check back soon for when they become available.