AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOHN

When he was a much younger man, John, and his brother James, were mending their fishing
nets alongside the Sea of Galilee when Jesus invited them to be his followers.

After the Passover of 31 C.E. Jesus chose John as one of his Twelve Apostles.

John was among Jesus’ closest companions, and the disciple to whom he entrusted the care
of his mother, Mary.

The Gospel of John is the last of the four Gospels. It was written about 98 C.E. in, or around,
Ephesus, nearly 65 years after Jesus’ death.

During those decades Jesus’ prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem was fulfilled.

It is said that 92% of this book contains material not covered in the other Gospels.

John writes about love more than any other Gospel writer.

The book of John contains 21 chapters.

Chapter 1 reveals Jesus’ role in the heavens before coming to earth. He is described as the
one through whom Jehovah created all other things. Jesus is called the Word, highlighting his
assignment as Jehovah’s spokesman.

Chapters 2 to 6 cover about two years of Jesus’ ministry.

Chapter 2 describes Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding feast in Cana. When the wine ran out he
miraculously turned some 380 litres, or 100 gallons, of water into fine wine. Seeing this miracle
strengthen(sic) the faith of Jesus’ disciples.

Chapter 6 reports how Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of about 5,000 men, along with women
and children,

Chapters 7 to 12 cover the events following the Passover of 32 C.E. Jesus travels to Bethany
and resurrects his friend Lazarus. Although Lazarus had been dead for four days he comes
back to life at Jesus’ command.

Chapter 12 contains a description of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. A large crowd
greets them with the words: “Save, we pray you! Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah's
name, the King of Israel!”

Chapters 13 to 19 relate the events of just one day, Nisan 14, 33 C.E. Jesus celebrates the
Passover with his apostles in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Did you know? We can find evidence in the book of John that supports the fact that Jesus
celebrated four Passovers during his ministry. This provides one of the lines of evidence that
his ministry was three and a half years long.

Showing great humility at the final Passover Jesus performs the duty of a servant, washing the
feet of his apostles. Later that evening Jesus says: “I am giving you a new commandment, that
you love one another, just as I have loved you.” The commandment was new because it
required that Christ's disciples show love to a greater degree.

Chapter 17 contains Jesus’ last prayer in the presence of his disciples. Later, in the Garden of
Gethsemane, Jesus fearlessly identifies himself to the soldiers who come to arrest him. Shortly
thereafter Jesus suffers death for all mankind.

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOHN

Chapters 20 and 21 relate how the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples on various
occasions.

As you read the Gospel of John note Jesus’ love for mankind; his example of humility; and,
his identity as the Messiah the King of God's Kingdom.

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