Who is John?
The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee, but modern scholarship, generally views the authorship as more complex. These works suggest that the Gospel likely emerged from a Johannine community rather than a single author. This community, deeply rooted in Jewish traditions yet distinct in its high Christology, shaped the text over time. The evangelist—possibly a disciple of John or someone influenced by Johannine traditions—crafted a narrative that reflects theological reflection rather than strict historical chronology. The Gospel’s unique style, symbolism, and emphasis on Jesus’ divinity indicate a mature theological perspective, pointing to a context of late first-century Christianity rather than an eyewitness account.
Who Was the Gospel of John Written For?
The Gospel of John was written for a community of believers who already knew Jesus and had chosen to follow Him. This group is often described as the Johannine community. They were likely a mix of Jewish Christians and some Gentile converts, living in a time of tension with local synagogue authorities, around 90-100 CE. These tensions are reflected in passages where believers are described as being excluded from the synagogue because of their faith in Jesus.
John’s Gospel is not simply an introduction to Jesus for outsiders; it is a deep theological reflection designed to strengthen and sustain faith. Its purpose is clearly stated near the end: “These things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). This seems to confirm that the Gospel was written to encourage believers to remain steadfast and deepen their understanding of who Jesus is.
The Gospel uses powerful signs and symbols through an extraordinary use of metaphor: light and darkness, water and spirit, bread and life. These help readers grasp the meaning of Jesus’ mission. It also includes long discourses and the promise of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete) to guide and comfort the community after Jesus’ earthly ministry. These features suggest that John’s Gospel was intended for a mature audience, one that needed reassurance and clarity about their identity as followers of Christ.
At the same time, the Gospel has an open and invitational tone. Stories like the Samaritan woman at the well and the Greeks seeking Jesus show that the message is not closed to outsiders. While its primary aim is to strengthen the faith of insiders, it also invites others to believe.
Who is John’s Jesus?
The Gospel of John presents Jesus in a unique and profound way compared to the other Gospels. John’s Jesus is fully divine and fully human, revealed as the eternal Word (Logos) who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made (John 1:1–3). This opening sets the tone: Jesus is not introduced at His birth but as the pre-existent Son of God, emphasising His divine origin and mission.
Throughout the Gospel, Jesus speaks openly about His identity. He uses the “I AM” statements—such as “I am the bread of life”, “I am the light of the world”, and “I am the resurrection and the life”—to reveal His role as the source of life, truth, and salvation. These statements echo God’s self-revelation in the Old Testament, showing that Jesus shares in God’s divine name and authority.
John’s Jesus is deeply relational. He calls His followers into intimate friendship, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort them after His departure. His actions, like washing the disciples’ feet, show that His glory is revealed through humble service and love.
The Gospel also highlights Jesus as the Lamb of God, whose death brings life to the world. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John places the crucifixion at the time of the Passover sacrifice, underlining that Jesus is the true Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
In short, John’s Jesus is the eternal Son of God who became flesh, revealing God’s love and offering eternal life to all who believe. He is both majestic and approachable, divine yet deeply personal, inviting believers into a life-giving relationship with Him.
What About the Disciples in the Gospel of John?
In John’s Gospel, the disciples are portrayed differently from the Synoptic Gospels, both in what they do and in how they understand. This may reflect the later dating of the Gospel, and a more mellow relationship to the first followers. These first disciples are not just learners; they are witnesses and friends who are drawn into an intimate relationship with Jesus. From the beginning, the focus is on personal encounter—Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus after John the Baptist points Him out, and Jesus invites them with the words, “Come and see” (John 1:39). This sets the tone: discipleship in John is about abiding with Jesus and sharing His life.
Unlike the Synoptics, John does not emphasise the calling of the Twelve as a formal group. Instead, the Gospel highlights individual stories—Andrew, Philip, Nathanael, and later Thomas and Peter—each showing different responses to Jesus. These encounters reveal that discipleship is a journey of growing faith, often marked by misunderstanding and questions. For example, Thomas moves from doubt to the bold confession, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
John also introduces the Beloved Disciple, a figure who represents the ideal follower: close to Jesus, faithful to the end, and a trustworthy witness. This character reminds readers that true discipleship is rooted in love and loyalty, not status or power.
At the Last Supper, Jesus calls His disciples friends, not servants (John 15:15) and commands them to love one another as He has loved them. He washes their feet, showing that leadership in His community is expressed through humble service. After the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter and entrusts him with the care of the flock, underlining that failure does not end discipleship—love and commitment do.
In short, John’s Gospel presents discipleship as relationship, love, and witness. It is about remaining in Jesus, trusting Him, and continuing His mission in the world.
How is the Gospel of John Arranged?
The Gospel of John is carefully structured to reveal who Jesus is and to lead readers to faith in Him. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, which follow a more chronological pattern, John organises his Gospel around signs, discourses, and themes that highlight Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
Most scholars describe the Gospel as having four main sections:
- Prologue (John 1:1–18)
This poetic opening introduces Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) who was with God from the beginning and became flesh. It sets the theological foundation for the entire Gospel: Jesus is the light, life, and revelation of God. - Book of Signs (John 1:19–12:50)
This section presents seven major signs (miracles), such as turning water into wine and raising Lazarus, each revealing something about Jesus’ divine identity. These signs are accompanied by discourses that explain their meaning, inviting readers to believe. - Book of Glory (John 13:1–20:31)
This part focuses on Jesus’ final hours, His farewell teaching, and His passion, death, and resurrection. Here, Jesus speaks intimately to His disciples, promising the Holy Spirit and calling them to love and service. The crucifixion is portrayed as Jesus’ moment of glory, not defeat. - Epilogue (John 21)
This final chapter includes the appearance of the risen Jesus by the Sea of Galilee and the restoration of Peter, reinforcing the mission of discipleship and leadership in the early Church.
John’s arrangement is theological rather than strictly historical. It uses symbolism, repeated themes (light/darkness, life/death, belief/unbelief), and personal encounters to deepen understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission. The structure moves from revelation to response, guiding readers to faith and life in Christ.
A Thematic Way of Looking at John’s Gospel
The Gospel of John is rich in theology and symbolism, making it ideal for exploring through key themes rather than just chronological events. These themes reveal John’s purpose: to help believers understand who Jesus is and what it means to have life in His name.
1. Jesus as the Word Made Flesh
John begins with the profound truth that Jesus is the eternal Word (Logos) who became flesh (John 1:14). This theme runs throughout the Gospel, showing that Jesus is God’s ultimate self-revelation. Every sign, discourse, and encounter points back to this reality: God has entered human history in Jesus.
2. Light and Darkness
Light symbolises truth, life, and God’s presence, while darkness represents unbelief and separation from God. From the Prologue (“The light shines in the darkness”) to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), this theme challenges readers to choose faith over rejection.
3. Signs and Belief
John organises his Gospel around seven signs—miracles that reveal Jesus’ glory and invite faith. Each sign is more than a display of power; it is a theological statement about who Jesus is. For example, feeding the five thousand points to Jesus as the Bread of Life, and raising Lazarus reveals Him as the Resurrection and the Life.
4. The “I AM” Statements
Jesus uses seven “I AM” statements to reveal His identity and mission: I am the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, and more. These statements echo God’s name in Exodus, showing that Jesus shares in God’s divine identity and offers life to those who believe.
5. Love and Service
John’s Gospel places strong emphasis on love as the mark of true discipleship. At the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet and commands them to love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34). This theme highlights that Christian leadership is rooted in humility and service.
6. The Holy Spirit (Paraclete)
John introduces the Holy Spirit as the Advocate who will guide, teach, and strengthen the disciples after Jesus’ departure. This theme reassures believers that they are never alone—the Spirit continues Jesus’ presence and mission in the Church.
7. Life and Eternal Life
For John, eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who believe in Jesus. It means living in relationship with God here and now, a life marked by faith, love, and hope.
Why Teach John Thematically?
Looking at the Gospel of Johnas a whole work, rather than taking individual passages from it allows students see the Gospel as more than a story—as a deeply theological reflection that invites them into deeper faith. whereas the synoptic Gospels recount the life of Jesus with comment, the Gospel of John is much more reflective and contemplative, conveying a deeper sophistication in its expression.