For once, I actually read the book in less than the stated time in the post! 1.5 hours this time, possibly because I am more familiar with John, having studied it and used it for memory work a lot in the past.
Again, we have a clear statement about the purpose of the book, this time at the end of the gospel, but clear nonetheless. John's focus is on the deity of Christ, and his purpose is that people might live - without receiving this truth and believing in what God did on earth, they are dead.
There are a few themes that run throughout the gospel, and I'll mention a few here. We have the signs. These are quite obvious, and John often has a point to make about each one - he doesn't just talk of signs for their own sake, each has its purpose in his narrative. We have the titles/metaphors of Jesus. The 'Light of the world' is a particularly prominent one as we work through, being repeated often. We also have a recurring mention of the Father - most conversations, the Father is mentioned at least once. More subtly, there is a pattern of long conversations with people. Many situations are gone into in-depth, with John reporting the associated teaching of Christ in that situation - the public messages are unreported.
On that note, I should mention one reason that John doesn't mention the public messages, and a lot of the other details that the other three gospels provide. He didn't need to cover this ground, as it had already been covered. The gospel written by John was written much later, when the other three were already well-circulated, and he could assume they were common knowledge. This is why the first three are called the 'Synoptic gospels', and why John's style seems so different to the others'.
The first thing that is clear from the beginning of John is that he really wants to drive the message home that he is talking about not just a man, but God. God the Son did not begin when Jesus was born physically, He existed eternally - hence the reason John starts his gospel at Creation, not God's beginning - He was there at the beginning because He made the beginning. We have also the first mention of the metaphor of light, and the contrast between the light and darkness - the conflict between 'the world' and Christ. In the first chapter alone, John has four people declare Who Christ is - and within a short time of first meeting Christ. One of these situations seems to reveal His omniscience.
The first sign, creating wine, confirms Him as Creator, but also strikes an interesting division. Recorded distinctly as His first miracle, Jesus makes the point that as He begins His ministry and completes the Father's work, in divine power, His earthly mother has no influence over Him at all. He distances Himself from her, not rudely, but clearly showing He is not subject to her in any way. He then even more publicly demonstrates the beginning of His ministry by cleansing the Temple of false worship, calling it His Father's house, and giving the first prediction of His death and resurrection. John certainly doesn't muck around in these two chapters! We have covered a lot of ground quickly!
I note here, though, what is missing - The baptism and temptation. John the Baptist refers to it, but the actual instance is not recorded, and no record of the temptation is made. Seeing that John is proclaiming Christ, this makes sense, because the baptism is an identification with men, not God - God needs no repentance, or identification with the people in their repentance. Important in the other gospels, of course, because there the point was His humanity, and His identification with us. Also with the temptation - God cannot be tempted with evil (James 1), so there is no point showing Him being tempted - the other gospels showed this, to show He was 'in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin' (Hebrews).
Now we enter the more personal teaching. Nicodemus, of the ruling elite, recognises Christ as from God, and seeks teaching, but cannot accept it. Light is again mentioned, in its condemnation of darkness and those of the dark.
John the Baptist, a humble follower, declares how much greater Christ is than himself. "He must increase, I must decrease", and he rejoiced in that.
Earlier Christ provided drinks for those at the wedding (wine was the common drink in those parts, diluted with water before drinking to sanitise the water). Now, He calls Himself the water of life, and teaches the Samaritan lady of the importance. Always amazed at the social barriers He ignored! Here He was, talking to an woman probably ostracised in her own community, and the whole of Samaria was repulsive as far as the Jews were concerned, but He taught her, getting to the heart of her spiritual needs. We see her, and the whole village declaring Him the Messiah.
An official at Capernaum, seeking a miracle worker, realises the power and authority of Christ as He spoke a word and healed the boy from a distance, and believed.
The next healing makes a point about the Sabbath, and implies that the paralysis may have been a result of sin. Later, when he heals a blind man, He makes the point that the blindness was not because of sin, but that God might be glorified. Both men he heals, and returns later to teach them more.
More teaching on His relationship to the Father, and Christ's authority to judge the world - something only God can do.
The feeding of the five thousand is coupled with teaching about the true bread - Christ Himself. So stridently did He make the point that His body was the true Bread that the people who were ready to make Him King deserted Him. Indeed, by consuming His Body(symbolically), we agree that His death (hence the body and blood) was necessary for us to live (bread being the staple food).
He teaches in the synagogues and temple without learning, amazing the people - He declares His teaching is from God. His sovereignty is evident as the people sought to arrest Him, but couldn't because it wasn't His timing. People believe, convinced by His testimony and signs.The officers sent to arrest him refuse to, because 'no one ever spoke like this man'.
Again, we see Him as the Light, but this time in a positive light - including a promise and a idea of protection from the darkness.
Another metaphor, this time a shepherd - a Protector, a Guide, and the only Way in to safety. This idea is expounded further in a later chapter, declaring himself to be 'The Way, the Truth, the Life'
And as we approach the cross, the final major sign, raising Lazarus, proving (before the Cross) that Christ had power over death, and catalysing His enemies to act quickly. Mary pours expensive ointment on His feet in an act of worship.
Christ teaches His disciples a lesson on humility - He, God, is doing the lowest servant's role - then He gives the first morsel of bread (a sign of honour) to the one who would betray Him, knowing full well who the traitor was.
Love is emphasised. The most thorough teaching on the work and character of the Holy Spirit is given. Christ seems to be going through important points before He leaves them, so that they may remain strong during the trial ahead. Another metaphor - He is the Vine, we the branches. Along with other passages in John, a strong dependence on God the Son, God the Father, and God the Spirit seems to be coming through.
And then the privilege of hearing Christ pray. Evidently the 'Lord's prayer' is not the only way to pray! His Oneness and relationship with the Father is clearly evident.
When the soldier's come to arrest Jesus, He is shown as in charge of the situation. They all fall backwards when He speaks, and does not hide from them, but shows His care for His disciples, protecting them.
Peter denies Christ three times, and after the resurrection, Christ asks him three times if he loves Him, before giving him a task to do - note that Peter uses a different word for love than Christ - check a good commentary on that last chapter!
Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas the high priest question Christ in turn (Annas was removed from office, but still considered by many Jews to be the high priest still, Caiaphas was his son, and held the official title and authority). Then by the Roman authority, who finds no guilt in Him.
Oh, the shame, the agony, and the pain, as Christ - God Incarnate - suffered on the Cross. All the physical suffering was nothing compared to the suffering for sin, though. God Himself, Perfect, Holy, Righteous God bore our sin, suffering our curse and punishment. The scriptures fulfilled. The price was paid. Even in the midst of this, He cared for John and Mary personally, handing His responsibility as an eldest son over to John.
When He rose, we see Him personally through John's eyes. We see His conversation with Mary Magdalene, with Thomas, and with Peter. His first miracle was creating wine, His last recorded was creating fish (He had fish cooking before the nets were brought up). His final call is for Peter to follow Him, no matter what He calls the others to do. So should we - no matter what others are doing and the roles they take (either in His Will or against it) we must follow Him.
God of Heaven, Earth, and Sea. Creator and Sustainer of all things, and Wondrous Sovereign Lord. How can we comprehend Your time on earth, as You took the form of man and lived among us? How can we understand Your glory and sacrifice, Your love and example? Lord, we know You as our Light, our Bread, our Shepherd, and our Water of Life. Our Vine, from Whom we gain support and sustenance. And most of all, the Lamb, our Saviour - the Perfect Sacrifice. We do not deserve the privilege of being chosen Lord, we do not deserve the privilege of following you and suffering for Your Name. But we gladly embrace it. Keep us humble Lord. Keep us secure, as you have promised. Thank You, that You have overcome the World, and have victory over death. Thank you for Your Spirit, Who guides us and reminds us of all truth. Your Name be Blessed forever, Amen!
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