“Introduction to the Study of the Book of John“
The San Marcos SDA Church has begun a study of the Book of John during our Midweek Prayer Meetings. Pastor Benson has thoughtfully divided the book into manageable sections, and Franklin Moses has assigned these portions to various members of the congregation. Each week, an individual prepares and presents their study during our Wednesday evening Zoom meeting.
We are blessed with active participation from attendees who contribute to the reading of Scripture and to the group discussion. Additionally, it has been decided that the weekly study notes will be made available on our church website for the wider church community. Our hope and prayer is that many will be enriched and encouraged through these shared studies.
Introduction to the Study of the Book of John
The Gospel of John stands apart from the other three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), offering a unique, deeply spiritual portrait of Jesus Christ. While the Synoptic Gospels emphasize what Jesus did, John focuses on who Jesus is. It invites readers into a personal, transformative encounter with the Son of God.
- Authorship and Background
- Author: Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
- Date: Written around A.D. 85–95, likely from Ephesus.
- Audience: Christians seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus’ divine identity, and non-believers searching for truth.
John’s goal is not merely historical; it is evangelistic and theological.
- Purpose of the Book
John clearly states his purpose:
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
(John 20:31)
The Gospel is designed to inspire:
- Faith in Jesus as the Messiah
- Life that flows from accepting Him
- A personal relationship with the Savior
- Major Themes in John
- Jesus as the Divine Son of God
John begins with a powerful declaration:
“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Christ is shown as eternal, divine, and central to creation.
- The “I AM” Declarations
Seven major “I AM” statements reveal Jesus’ identity and mission:
- Bread of Life
- Light of the World
- Door
- Good Shepherd
- Resurrection and the Life
- Way, Truth, and Life
- True Vine
These point unmistakably to His divine nature.
- Signs and Miracles
John selects seven miracles (called “signs”) that demonstrate Jesus’ power and reveal His character — from turning water into wine to raising Lazarus.
- Light vs. Darkness
John uses symbolic contrasts to show the spiritual conflict between truth and error, life and death, light and darkness.
- Love and Relationship
This Gospel emphasizes God’s love, Christ’s love for His disciples, and the call for believers to love one another.
- Structure of the Book
The Gospel can be viewed in two major parts:
- The Book of Signs (Chapters 1–12)
- Jesus reveals Himself through miracles and teachings.
- Public ministry and growing opposition.
- The Book of Glory (Chapters 13–21)
- The Upper Room (last discourse).
- Crucifixion, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances.
- John and Seventh-day Adventist Perspective
From an SDA standpoint, John beautifully supports:
- The divinity and eternal nature of Christ.
- The great controversy theme (light vs. darkness).
- The sanctuary ministry (Lamb of God imagery in John 1:29).
- The Sabbath (healing miracles that point to true rest in Christ).
- The state of the dead (Lazarus’ resurrection as an example of sleep and awakening).
- Why Study John?
Studying the Gospel of John helps you:
- Know who Jesus is, not just what He did.
- Deepen your personal relationship with Christ.
- Strengthen your faith.
- Understand salvation in a clear, simple, and profound way.
- Experience “life in His name” as John intended.
- Suggested Approach for Your Study
- Read prayerfully—ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word.
- Observe the conversations Jesus has (Nicodemus, Samaritan woman, Thomas, etc.).
- Trace the themes (light, truth, life, belief).
- Focus on the seven signs and seven I AM statements.
- Memorize key verses: John 1:1, John 3:16, John 10:10, John 14:6, John 17:3.