An Introduction to the Gospel of John: Jesus the Son of God
The Gospel of John stands as a unique and profound exploration of the person and work of Jesus Christ, distinct in its theological depth and narrative focus from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Penned by John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:7), this divinely inspired account offers an intimate portrayal of God incarnate, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature as the eternal Son of God. While the Synoptics present a more chronological narrative of Jesus' life and ministry, John delves into the profound implications of His identity, frequently highlighting His discourses, miracles (referred to as "signs"), and the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son.
The very purpose of this Gospel is explicitly stated by John himself: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:31). This verse encapsulates the core message and evangelistic thrust of the book: to present an undeniable case for Jesus' deity, compelling readers to place their faith in Him for salvation and eternal life. From its opening verses, John establishes Jesus not merely as a prophet or a king, but as the pre-existent, co-eternal God who became flesh.
Jesus: The Eternal Word Incarnate (Logos)
John begins his Gospel with a majestic prologue that immediately sets a cosmic stage, introducing Jesus as the eternal "Word" (Greek: Logos). This introduction is unlike any other in the Gospels, asserting Jesus' pre-existence, deity, and role in creation:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
This passage unequivocally declares that Jesus is God. He was not created but was "with God" and "was God" from eternity past. He is the active agent in creation, the source of all life and light. The most astounding declaration then follows:
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Here, John presents the doctrine of the Incarnation – God becoming man. The infinite, transcendent Creator stepped into His creation, taking on human form, not diminishing His deity but revealing it in a tangible way. This central truth is foundational to the Christian faith: God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, condescended to dwell among humanity, full of grace and truth, so that mankind might behold His glory and know Him.
The Seven "I AM" Statements
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven profound "I AM" (Greek: Egō eimi) statements that reveal His divine identity and relationship to humanity. These declarations echo God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14 ("I AM THAT I AM"), unmistakably claiming deity. Each statement not only speaks to who Jesus is but also to what He provides for those who believe:
These "I AM" statements are not merely metaphors; they are direct claims of divine authority and essential provision, compelling the audience to acknowledge Jesus as God and the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest needs.
The Seven Signs (Miracles)
John carefully selects seven specific miracles, which he calls "signs," to demonstrate Jesus' divine power and to serve as irrefutable evidence of His claim to be the Son of God. Unlike the Synoptics, John often follows these signs with extensive discourses where Jesus explains the spiritual significance of His actions. These signs are:
Each sign serves to underscore Jesus' divine power, His authority, and His identity as the Son of God, prompting the reader to believe in Him.
Jesus: The Son of God and the Path to Eternal Life
The central, unwavering theme of John's Gospel is the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ and the eternal life available through Him. John presents Jesus not merely as a good teacher or a wise prophet, but as the unique, "only begotten Son of God" (John 3:16). This designation signifies His unique relationship with the Father, His co-equality, and His divine origin.
The pathway to eternal life, according to John, is through belief in this Son. Jesus Himself declares:
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.
This beloved verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: God's boundless love, His sacrificial provision in Jesus, and the simple yet profound condition for salvation – belief. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust and reliance upon Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It is a spiritual rebirth, as Jesus explains to Nicodemus:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John also extensively details Jesus' teachings on the Holy Spirit, whom He promises to send as the Comforter and Guide after His departure. The Spirit's role is to teach, remind, convict, and empower believers, ensuring their continued communion with God and understanding of truth. This highlights the Trinitarian nature of God, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in perfect unity for the salvation of humanity.
Conclusion: A Call to Believe
The Gospel of John is an invitation to encounter Jesus Christ as He truly is: the eternal Word, God incarnate, the Son of God, who came to reveal the Father and offer eternal life. Through His majestic prologue, profound "I AM" statements, and powerful "signs," John meticulously builds a case for Jesus' deity, leaving no room for doubt concerning His identity and mission.
The book’s enduring relevance lies in its direct challenge to the reader: Will you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? The promise attached to this belief is not merely intellectual understanding but the transformative gift of "life through his name" (John 20:31). This life is not just prolonged existence but a qualitative, abundant, and eternal relationship with God Himself, beginning now and extending throughout eternity.
To truly grasp the message of John is to be confronted with the glorious reality of Jesus Christ, the one who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). It is a call to forsake the darkness of unbelief and step into the light of His saving grace, embracing Him as the Son of God and the giver of everlasting life.