Summary The apostle himself explained why he wrote this gospel account and included the signs (or miracles) that were important. "These signs are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name" (20:30 - 31). These signs referred to a number of aspects of Jesus' ministry. 2:1 - 11 - water into wine. This sign suggests the new covenant that took the place of the old. The "new" wine was better. 4:43 - 54 - the healing possible in Jesus, not only physical healing. 5:1 - 18 - the mercy shown by Jesus in contrast to the hardness of the Pharisees. 6:1 - 14 - physical and spiritual sustenance. 6:15 - 21 - the power to create peace. 9:1 - 7 - the light of Jesus contrasted to the darkness of the Pharisees. 11:1 - 54 - the power to raise and the hope of the resurrection. 21:1 - 14 - the power of Jesus to convert men and women so that none who are gathered in the net will be lost. Within the framework of these signs and in other important passages, John gives a very comprehensive insight into Jesus, the Son of God and the manifestation of his Father. Jesus was the Word of God (Greek logos - divine expression (Strong) made flesh (1:1 - 14), the bread of life - "he who eats this bread will live for ever" (6:58). He was (and is) the Shepherd of his sheep (10:1 - 30) . It was Jesus who was lifted up, symbolically showing how he would overcome the serpent that was originally responsible for encouraging sin. In this way Jesus fulfilled prophecy (see Genesis 3:15 and John 3:14). John shows Jesus more comprehensively than the other gospel recorders because of the way Jesus' statements are written. Jesus says "I am: - the way, the truth and the life, the shepherd, the bread of life, the resurrection and the life, the door (of the sheepfold) the vine, the light of the world." John records Jesus' statement of God's love: "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (3:16)

Outline 1:1 - 18 Introduction: Jesus, the Word of God 1:19 - 51 Jesus, the Son of Man and the Son of God 2:1 - 4:54 Teaching though signs, and the new birth 5:1 - 47 The Son of God 6:1 - 6:71 The bread of life 7:1 - 10:42 The Jews' questions 11:1 - 54 Resurrection 11:55 - 17:26 The Passover - Jesus and his Father 18:1 - 19:42 Jesus' death 20:1 - 31 Jesus' resurrection 21:1 - 25 Final words

Author – John
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.

Summary – The book of John was written in order that men may believe that Jesus is the Son of God and consequently the Redeemer of all who believe in him and the things concerning the Kingdom of God. John cites eight signs to establish and prove this point, culminating in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. John is the only one of the four Gospels that does not cite any parables; instead John emphasises Jesus as the manifestation of God.

Key Verse – "but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." John 20 v 31

Unique Features – There are many key words in John’s Gospel, and dominant throughout is the word "believe", which occurs over eighty times. The word, however, implies a belief that has developed into faith or conviction. As such, this Gospel was written for believers. They are enabled thereby to perceive the inner strength of Jesus, and to see that it stemmed from a greater than he, even God. Another peculiarity is the frequent use of the word "Jew". It is only found once in Matthew, twice in Mark and in Luke, but over sixty times in John.

John concerns himself more with the Judean ministry, which Matthew and Mark hardly touch upon, and he records eight miracles (which he terms "signs") that set in sequential order the whole purpose of God in Christ.

From everlasting – Chapter 1 v 1 to 18

Passage	Subject
1 v 1 to 8	God before Christ
1 v 9 to 18	God in Christ

God Manifest in the Flesh – Chapter 1 v 19 to 19 v 42

Passage	Subject
1 v 19 to 12 v 50	In the world
13 v 1 to 17 v 26	To his own
18 v 1 to 19 v 42	Arrest, trial and crucifixion

To Everlasting – Chapter 20 v 1 to 21 v 25

Passage	Subject
20 v 1 to 18	The empty tomb
20 v 19 to 21 v 25	Resurrection appearances