Introduction to the Gospel of John

God is Present

Solomon asked, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth?" as he dedicated the temple (1 Kings 8:27). That's a good question! God's glory had been in the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34) and the temple (1 Kings 8:10–11), but it had left disobedient Israel (Ezek. 9:3; 10:4, 18; 11:22–23).

Then something wonderful happened: God's glory came back to His people in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ. The four gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) have given us "snapshots" of our Lord's life on Earth because it is impossible to write a full biography (John 21:25). Matthew wrote for his fellow Jews and stressed that Jesus of Nazareth had fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament. Mark wrote for the Romans, who were busy. Matthew focused on the King, while Mark focused on the Servant, who helped people in need. Luke wrote his gospel for the Greeks, telling them of the loving Son of Man.

But John, the disciple who loved Jesus (see John 13:33), was given the task of writing a book for both Jews and Gentiles that showed Jesus as the Son of God. We know that John had both Jews and Gentiles in mind because he often "interpreted" Jewish words or customs for his readers (John 1:38, 41–42; 5:2; 9:7; 19:13, 17; 20:16). He told the Jews that Jesus didn't just fulfill the Old Testament prophecies; He also fulfilled the types. John 1:29 says that Jesus is the Lamb of God, and John 1:51 says that He is the Ladder from heaven to earth. (See Gen. 28). He is the New Temple (John 2:19–21) and He gives new life (John 3:4ff.). He is the One who was raised up (John 3:14) and the Bread of God that came down from heaven (John 6:35ff.).

The first three Gospels focus on the events that happened in Christ's life, while John focused on what these events meant. All four gospels talk about the miracle of feeding the five thousand, but only John talks about Jesus' sermon on "The Bread of Life," which He gave after that miracle when He explained it to the people.
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There is, however, one main idea that runs through John's gospel: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and if you give yourself to Him, He will give you eternal life (John 20:31). In this first chapter, John wrote down seven names and titles of Jesus that show He is God forever.