Jesus Christ
Category: Endurance in love & sacrificial mission
Could avoid: Avoid the cross, withdraw from suffering.
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (John 10:18)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:12; Philippians 2:8.
Chose: Loved His own to the end.
“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)
Cross-Refs: Romans 5:8; Ephesians 5:2.
Endured: Rejection, betrayal, denial, crucifixion.
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 22:6–7; Matthew 26:67.
Why: To glorify the Father and give eternal life.
“Now my soul is troubled… Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27–28)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 12:2.
Result: Resurrection life, gift of the Spirit, eternal salvation.
“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
Cross-Refs: Romans 10:9–10; 1 Peter 1:8–9.
John the Baptist
Category: Endurance in witness & humility
Could avoid: Seek fame, rival Jesus.
“He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’” (John 1:20)
Cross-Refs: Luke 3:16; Acts 13:25.
Chose: Bore witness to the Light.
“He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.” (John 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:3; John 5:33.
Endured: Loss of disciples to Jesus, imprisonment, death.
“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 1:20; Hebrews 11:37.
Why: Believed Jesus was the Lamb of God.
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 12:5–7; 1 Peter 1:19.
Result: His testimony prepared many for Christ.
“John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.” (John 5:35)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 11:11; Acts 19:4.
The Disciples
Category: Endurance in faith & mission
Could avoid: Leave Jesus when opposition rose.
“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:66)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 26:56; 2 Timothy 4:10.
Chose: Remained with Him despite hard sayings.
“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” (John 6:68)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 16:16; Acts 4:19–20.
Endured: Confusion, fear, persecution.
“In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33a)
Cross-Refs: Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12.
Why: Believed Jesus was the Christ, Son of God.
“Now we can see that you know all things… This makes us believe that you came from God.” (John 16:30)
Cross-Refs: 1 John 5:5; Romans 10:17.
Result: Promised peace and joy in Christ.
“But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)
Cross-Refs: 1 John 4:4; Revelation 2:7.
The Man Born Blind
Category: Endurance in testimony & opposition
Could avoid: Stay silent about healing.
“The man replied, ‘He is a prophet.’” (John 9:17)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 116:10; Acts 4:20.
Chose: Boldly confessed Jesus despite threats.
“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 40:2–3; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Endured: Interrogation, rejection, expulsion from synagogue.
“They threw him out.” (John 9:34)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:11; Hebrews 13:13.
Why: Recognised Jesus’ power and truth.
“Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.” (John 9:38)
Cross-Refs: Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11.
Result: Received both physical sight and eternal life.
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5)
Cross-Refs: John 8:12; Revelation 22:5.
The Believers (Universal Theme of John)
Category: Endurance in faith & love
Could avoid: Reject Jesus, remain in darkness.
“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 5:20; Ephesians 5:11.
Chose: Believe in His name.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
Cross-Refs: Romans 8:14–16; Galatians 3:26.
Endured: Hatred of the world, persecution.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
Cross-Refs: 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 John 3:13.
Why: Eternal life promised through Christ.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Cross-Refs: Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11.
Result: Eternal life, Spirit’s presence, victory over the world.
“Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” (John 5:24)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 1:3–5; Revelation 21:7.