John 1:1-14, Introduction to John’s Gospel (6)

CONTENT

The book falls into 5 easy-to-see sections:

     Prologue, 1:1-18.

     Public Ministry of the Word, 1:19-12:50.

     Private Ministry of the Word, 13:1-17:26.

     Passion of the Word, 18:1-20:31.

     Epilogue, 21:1-25.

Upon closer examination, one in fact sees a very purposeful flow to the book which is captured in this outline by Merrill C. Tenney.

Prologue, (Revelation of the Word), 1:1-18.

Public Ministry of the Word, 1:19-12:50.

ˆ       The Beginning Ministry, 1:19-4:54 (John the Baptist, the first disciples, the first miracle, Nicodemus, the woman at the well).

ˆ       The Rise of Controversy, 5:1-47

(Sabbath healing, discourse on authority).

ˆ       The Beginning of Conflict, 6:1-8:11

(Miracles, bread of life discourse, public debates).

ˆ       The Intensification of Controversy, 8:12-59

(light of the world discourse).

ˆ       The Manifestation of Opposition, 9:1-11:57

(blind man healed, Good Shepherd discourse, Lazarus raised).

ˆ       The Crisis of the Ministry, 12:1-50.

Private Ministry of the Word, 13:1-17:26

ˆ       The Last Supper, 13:1-30.

ˆ       The Last Discourse, 13:31-16:33.

ˆ       The Last Prayer, 17:1-26.

Passion of the Word, 18:1-20:31 (arrest, trials, denial, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, appearances, purpose).

Epilogue, 21:1-25.

APPLICATION

All Scripture is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  John has some very special benefits to share with each one who will be a doer of the word (James 1:22):

  1.  You will be a better personal witness.

  2.  You will know and be able to defend the claims of Christ.

  3.  You will be better prepared to be a true disciple.

  4.  You will increase in the ability to live and enjoy the abundant Christians life.

  5.  You will know Christ better.

  6.  You will walk by faith.