43. John (Bible Summary)

Prologue: The Word Became Flesh (1:1–18)

Introduction to the Word: John introduces the Word (Logos), describing Jesus as the preexistent, divine Creator who became flesh and dwelt among humanity, bringing light and grace.

The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry (1:19–51)

John the Baptist’s Testimony about Jesus (1:19–34)

The Baptizer’s Role: John the Baptist denies being the Christ, instead pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

John’s Disciples Follow Jesus (1:35–42)

The First Disciples: Two of John’s disciples follow Jesus after hearing his testimony. Jesus calls Simon (Peter) and changes his name to Cephas (Peter).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael (1:43–51)

The Call of Philip and Nathanael: Jesus calls Philip, who invites Nathanael to meet Jesus. Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel.

Jesus’ Public Ministry: Signs and Discourses (chs. 2–11)

Changing Water into Wine (2:1–11)

The First Sign: At a wedding in Cana, Jesus turns water into wine, revealing his divine power and marking the first of his signs.

Cleansing the Temple (2:12–25)

Jesus Clears the Temple: Jesus drives out the merchants and money changers, declaring that his Father’s house is to be a house of prayer, not a den of robbers.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus (3:1–21)

The New Birth: Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again through the Spirit to see the kingdom of God, introducing the famous verse: “For God so loved the world…”

John the Baptist’s Final Testimony about Jesus (3:22–36)

John’s Humility: John the Baptist acknowledges Jesus’ supremacy and the necessity of his own decrease as Jesus increases.

Jesus and the Samaritans (4:1–42)

The Woman at the Well: Jesus converses with a Samaritan woman at a well, revealing his identity as the Messiah. Many Samaritans believe in Jesus as a result.

Healing of the Official’s Son (4:43–54)

Healing from a Distance: Jesus heals an official’s son from a distance, demonstrating his power and leading to the man’s faith.

Jesus’ Visit to Jerusalem at an Annual Feast (ch. 5)

Healing at the Pool of Bethesda: Jesus heals a disabled man at the pool, inciting controversy as he performs this healing on the Sabbath.

Feeding the 5,000 and Jesus’ Claim to Be the Bread of Life (ch. 6)

Miracle and Teaching: Jesus feeds 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, then teaches that he is the Bread of Life, offering eternal satisfaction to those who believe in him.

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles and Disputes over Who He Is (chs. 7–8)

Disputes Over Jesus’ Identity: During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus teaches in the temple, provoking debate about his identity. He declares, “I am the light of the world.”

Healing of the Man Born Blind (ch. 9)

Spiritual and Physical Healing: Jesus heals a man born blind, leading to a theological discussion about sin, blindness, and spiritual sight.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd (10:1–21)

The Good Shepherd: Jesus compares himself to a shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, contrasting his care with the selfishness of false leaders.

Conflict at the Feast of Dedication over Jesus’ Identity (10:22–42)

Disputes Over Jesus’ Divinity: Jesus faces opposition from Jewish leaders who demand to know if he is the Messiah. He asserts his divinity and unity with the Father.

The Raising of Lazarus (ch. 11)

The Resurrection of Lazarus: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating his power over life and death and foreshadowing his own resurrection. This miracle sparks both faith and hostility.

The Passion Week (chs. 12–19)

The Anointing of Jesus’ Feet (12:1–11)

A Mary’s Act of Worship: Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, foreshadowing his impending burial. Judas protests, but Jesus defends her actions.

Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem as King (12:12–19)

Triumphal Entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and receiving the people’s praise as they wave palm branches.

Jesus Predicts His Death (12:20–36)

The Hour Has Come: Jesus speaks about his imminent death, likening it to a grain of wheat that must die to produce a harvest.

Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews (12:37–50)

Rejection of Jesus: Despite his miracles, many Jews reject Jesus. He stresses the importance of believing in him as the light of the world.

Jesus’ Farewell Discourses and Prayer (chs. 13–17)

At the Last Supper (chs. 13–14)

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (13:1–17): Jesus humbly washes his disciples’ feet, teaching them about servant leadership.
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal (13:18–30): Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (13:31–38): Jesus foretells that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows.
Jesus Comforts His Disciples (14:1–4): Jesus reassures his disciples, promising to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house.
Jesus is the Way to the Father (14:5–14): Jesus teaches that he is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit (14:15–30): Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort his disciples.

On the Way to Gethsemane (chs. 15–16)

The Vine and the Branches (15:1–17): Jesus teaches about the necessity of abiding in him to bear fruit.
The World Hates the Disciples (15:18–25): Jesus warns that the world will hate them as it hated him.
The Work of the Holy Spirit (15:26—16:15): Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will testify about him and guide the disciples into all truth.
The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy (16:16–33): Jesus assures the disciples that their sorrow will be turned to joy after his resurrection.

Jesus’ Prayer (ch. 17)

For Himself (17:1–5): Jesus prays for glorification, as his death will bring glory to the Father.
For His Disciples (17:6–19): Jesus prays for the protection and sanctification of his disciples.
For All Believers (17:20–26): Jesus prays for all future believers, asking for unity with the Father and Son.

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest (18:1–11)

Betrayal in the Garden: Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested in Gethsemane.

Jesus’ Trials Before Jewish and Roman Officials (18:12–40)

Before Annas and Caiaphas: Jesus is interrogated by Jewish leaders.
Before Pilate: Jesus stands trial before Roman governor Pilate, who struggles to find a reason for condemnation.

Jesus’ Crucifixion (19:1–27)

The Passion of Christ: Jesus is flogged, mocked, and forced to carry his cross to Golgotha, where he is crucified.

Jesus’ Death and Burial (19:28–42)

Jesus Dies: Jesus dies on the cross, offering his final words: “It is finished.” His body is taken down and placed in a tomb.

Jesus’ Resurrection (20:1–29)

The Empty Tomb: Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb is empty. Jesus appears to her and the disciples, proving his resurrection.
Thomas Doubts: Thomas initially doubts but later believes when Jesus shows him his wounds.

Statement of the Gospel’s Purpose (20:30–31)

Purpose of the Gospel: John declares that the signs recorded in his Gospel were written so that people may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing, have life in his name.

Epilogue: Jesus’ Recommissioning of the Disciples (ch. 21)

Appearance on the Shore: Jesus appears to some disciples on the shore, reiterating his call to follow him and reinstates Peter after his three denials, commissioning him to shepherd his flock.