This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is John? About 90 percent of the material in the Gospel of John is unique to this book of the Bible. John, a disciple of Jesus, highlighted Jesus’s identity as the Son who reveals the nature of God the Father. He also points to how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy, festivals, and institutions.
How John Fits Into the Story: Of all the New Testament books, the Gospel of John most clearly teaches the divine identity of Christ. Rather than focusing on the miracles, parables, and public speeches that are so prominent in the other Gospel accounts, John emphasizes the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and His invitation to respond in faith.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Jesus describe His relationship to God the Father in today’s reading? How do these passages broaden or change your understanding of who Jesus is?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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66 thoughts on "John"
So much of my reading lately has caused me to dwell on the life of Jesus. And to try to conceive what it must have been like to be fully human and to become cognizant of the “mission” so to speak. The more I think about it, the more I realize I have so much to learn still. Father, my prayer this morning is that you would reveal to me more about your character and about the life of Jesus. Lord, feed me the spiritual food I so desperately need. Thank you for your faithful love. Amen.
Many prayers lifted up this morning!
@ERB – for your brother’s health and stress and for your health and side effects of the medications
@Martha Hix – prayers for your son and you as you grieve the loss of a sweet pet
@Victoria E – praying against the fiery arrows and for the strength of your shield to increase exponentially!
@Mari V – prayers for your daughter at camp and your mama heart
@Heather Hahn – lifting up prayers for you and your husband
@Sarah D – prayers for your move and your new job!!
@Melanie – prayers for a blessed trip with your family
@Maura – lifting up prayers for you
@Tina – hope all is well and praying for you!
@Churchmouse – prayers she is okay and will come back to this community soon!
@Anyone else who’s prayer requests I missed or those that aren’t mentioned. This community is truly so special
So thankful that God was willing to come down to Earth to reveal Himself so intimately through Jesus <3
Your so sweet Taylor! Thank you for praying for us.
Taylor thank you so much for your prayers!
LISA EMILY – celebrate your exams are over!
Miri am, this is from the commentary section on the Bible Hub app.
“Judgeth no man – Jesus in these verses is showing his “equality with God.” He affirmed John 5:17 that he had the same power over the Sabbath that his Father had; in John 5:19, that he did the same things as the Father; in John 5:21 particularly that he had the same power to raise the dead. He now adds that God has given him the authority to “judge” men. The Father pronounces judgment on no one. This office he has committed to the Son. The power of judging the world implies ability to search the heart, and omniscience to understand the motives of all actions. This is a work which none but a divine being can do, and it shows, therefore, that the Son is equal to the Father.”
Hope this was useful. Blessings for a great day!
Hello, Miri. On a similar note, John 5:19 says “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. We the Father and the Son are one. Yet here, they are presented as separate.
MIRI AM – when reading the next verse “so that all people may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” I think it reinforces Jesus’ equality to the Father. When He returns, He will judge the earth, fulfilling this statement of John.
1. Today’s passages reminded me that the eternal Son limited Himself by stepping into time. Just another way Jesus sacrificed to come close so that we could draw near.
2. John’s emphasis on Jesus’ divinity shows me that only God Himself could bridge the divide if sin that is between us. There was nothing I could do to be righteous or holy enough, He had to make the bridge for me.
Praying for the requests.
Have a blessed day, ladies.
Thank you so much for your prayers for me and my son as he prepares for his 14-year-old precious dog to be put sleep on Friday due to her acute renal failure. She is so loved and has brought such joy. I will be flying home on Thursday so he can spend the last few hours with her alone as per his request. Please be praying for God’s comfort as he appreciates her life but also has emotions that are raw. ❤️
Today’s reading really highlighted the equality of the Father and the Son. I am interested to hear what people think about J5:22 “the Father in fact judges no one but has given all judgement to the Son”. In everything else they seem described as equal so this stood out to me