The Gospel of John
That you might believe — the Gospel written to show who Jesus is and give life in his name.
Overview
John's Gospel stands apart from the others, more reflective and unhurried, written with a clear purpose: 'that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.' It opens not in a manger but in eternity — 'In the beginning was the Word.'
Through seven signs and a series of 'I am' sayings, John presents Jesus as fully God and fully human, the light and life of the world. It is often the first book recommended to those exploring faith.
Key themes
Who Jesus is
John presents Jesus as the eternal Word, God in the flesh — the 'I am' who gives life.
Belief and life
The Gospel's aim is faith that leads to eternal life, offered to whosoever will believe.
Light and love
Jesus is the light overcoming darkness, and he commands his followers to love one another.
Key verses from John
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The gospel in a single sentence.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
How to read John
If you're new to the Bible, start here — it's written for exactly that.
Collect the 'I am' sayings; together they reveal who Jesus claims to be.
Read chapter 3 and chapter 14 slowly; they hold some of Scripture's richest promises.