Page 22 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

being the one through whom creation happened. After the prologue, there is not another significant
break until the end of ch. 12. This first major section (1:19–12:50) narrates Jesus’ public ministry, with
special emphasis on His activities during various Jewish festivals: Passover (chs. 2; 6; 11–12); an
64
unnamed feast (5:1); Tabernacles (chs. 7–9); and Dedication (ch. 10).
The second major section begins with Jesus’ last meal, prior to His death, with His disciples (ch. 13) and
presents a detailed account of what is often called Jesus’ farewell discourse (chs. 14–17). The final
section of the Gospel records Jesus’ arrest, trial, death, and resurrection (chs. 18–20). The last chapter
(ch. 21)—Jesus appearing to His disciples in Galilee—could function in part, or in entirety, as an
65
appendix.
Outline
• Prologue (1:1–18)
• Jesus’ public ministry (1:19–12:50)
• Jesus’ farewell discourse (13:1–17:26)
• Jesus’ passion, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances (18:1–21:25)
66

Audience
Although John’s Gospel is associated by early church tradition with Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey, it
contains details about Jewish customs that reflect firsthand knowledge of Judaea. Based on this content,
the original audience likely consisted of Jewish Christians who affirmed Jesus as the God of Israel. The
Gospel may have been written to encourage them during a time of opposition (see 9:22; 12:42; 16:2).
This may be why John’s Gospel seems to emphasize Jesus’ difficulties with “the Jews.” Jesus Himself and
His earliest followers were Jewish, but struggled to find acceptance among their own people group,
especially Jewish religious leaders. For this reason, John emphasizes all the ways Jesus fulfills the law
(e.g., 12:38; 15:25; 19:24) and highlights the great command to love (13:34–35).
67
Impact

As you continue to ponder Jesus’ self-sacrificial love, as shown by Him serving others, consider also how
you may reflect His character in your own life. Are there areas of your life where you sense God calling
you to self-sacrificial love? What might that look like in action each day?

One of the more famous passages in Jesus’ farewell address is the Vine and the Branches teaching (John
15:1–17). How do we “abide with” Jesus? What are some practical steps you might take to make this
mutual abiding a reality in your life?

John’s Gospel focuses especially on the presence of God and its implications for his people and for the
world he created. What does God’s presence with you, and yours with him, mean for you today? What is
one place in which you would really like to sense God’s presence as you go through your day? What do
you think is the key to inviting him with you there?
68

64 Barry, J. D. et al
65 Ibid
66 Ibid
67 Ibid
68 Ibid
21