Intro to the book of John

There are several pivotal moments in the book of John where the story takes a step up from the direction it was previously going. Each moment allows a new theme to spring forth and the following section shows the outworking of this truth. This first post is going to be more of an introduction to the next several posts about the book of John.

The book of John is introduced by establishing Jesus as the Word, as Light, and as Life. Immediately following this John the Baptist is introduced. The first few chapters have introduced Jesus and have given a flavor of his teaching and actions. This section is introduced by John the Baptist declaring that Jesus is the Christ and is closed by John declaring Jesus’ fame must increase and his must fade into the background (chapters 1-3). His ministry as the forerunner of Christ is coming to a close. It is at this instance that we reach the first pivotal moment.

John is still baptizing people, and some of his disciples are upset because Jesus and his disciples are baptizing more people. John reminds them that he already said he was not the Christ but he is the one who comes before him. John knows who he is. He knows his role and his identity. In ancient times, a herald would run ahead of the parade declaring that the king was coming and prepared the people for his arrival. He would raise excitement and anticipation so they would expectantly look for the king’s coming. John is the herald that runs ahead declaring the king is coming (1:23). He is the best man in the story not the groom (3:29-30). John recognized his role was to prepare the way for Jesus. Now that Jesus had arrived, his role was coming to an end.

John explains that Jesus comes from heaven and tells us about what he has seen and heard. When we believe him, we have eternal life and become ambassadors of the Word. God sends us and gives us His words and His Spirit. We tell others and the cycle starts over for as they believe, they become ambassadors speaking out the words of God that the Spirit gives us.

John the Baptist then gives this testimony about Jesus: “For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (3:34). In other words, God gives words to those whom He sends. He gives an unending amount of the Spirit. He isn’t going to take away the Spirit or the words He’s given to those He sends. God even promises this in Isaiah 59:21. “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord, “My Spirit that is upon you and my words that I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth or out of the mouth of your offspring or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring from this time forth and forever more.”

John is establishing who Jesus is. He is establishing his identity. Right after this, the book of John launches into a time of establishing Jesus’ authority as the Word of God.

... For the sake of brevity this is coming later...