The Gospel of John is a powerful and personal account of Jesus’ life and ministry, written to inspire faith, transformation, and a life of discipleship. Its central purpose is summed up in John 20:31: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. ”
John invites us to a journey of discipleship which we will explore through the themes of Believe, Belong, and Become:
1. Believe: John calls us to place our faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. From the opening declaration of Jesus as the Word made flesh to His miracles and teachings, John reveals Jesus as the source of eternal life. True discipleship begins with believing in Jesus and trusting in His promises, as seen in the faith of the disciples and those He calls to follow Him.
2. Belong: John emphasizes the relational aspect of discipleship. Believing in Jesus leads to belonging to His family, where we abide in His truth and are united by His love.
3. Become: Discipleship in John is transformative. Believing and belonging lead to becoming becoming one with Christ and His mission. Through the Spirit, we are empowered to bear fruit, grow in Christlikeness, and live as His witnesses.
John’s Gospel shows that discipleship is not just about knowing Jesus but about a relationship with Him that changes our lives. It calls us to trust in Christ, remain in His love, and live out His mission as His followers.
Author: John
Introduction To The Gospel Of John
The Gospel is attributed to John, who is identified as the son of Zebedee. Internal evidence suggests the author was an apostle, one of the twelve disciples, and specifically “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This disciple is often associated with Peter in various accounts, supporting the identification as John, the son of Zebedee.
Date: A.D. 70
The Gospel was likely written between A.D. 70 and 100, but the exact date is uncertain.
Audience: Jews and Gentiles
Purpose of Writing:
John wrote the Gospel to help people believe that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, leading to eternal life. He aimed to inspire both initial faith and deeper, informed belief. John presents evidence through Jesus’ miracles and witnesses, including Scripture, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, God, and the Spirit. He also portrays Jesus as the new temple and center of worship, which would have been especially significant after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in A.D. 70.
Theme Verse:
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
Outline
1:1-18 Prologue: The Incarnate Word
1:19-12:50 Signs of the Messiah, with Teaching about Life in Him
13:1-17:26 The Farewell Teaching and the Passion Narrative
18:1-20:31 The Passion Narrative
21:1-25 Epilogue: The Roles of Peter and of the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
How To Practice Daily Devotions
God is a personal Spirit, and “Heavenly Father” is more than just a title—it reflects the deep reality that He is our loving and caring Father. Through the spiritual discipline of daily devotions, we come to know, communicate, and walk closely with Him.
Daily devotions involve setting aside specific times to draw near to God, to know Him, and to align with His will. Through reading the Bible, we come to understand His intentions, and we can respond to God in prayer and reflection. By dedicating time each day to read the Bible, pray, and meditate on God’s word, we allow God’s presence into our lives to guide us. Jesus often withdrew from the crowd and His disciples to commune with the Father in solitude, gaining strength and direction to fulfil His mission.
1. The Purpose of Daily Devotions
a. To draw closer to God and communicate with Him. In these end times, God calls us to be awake and alert, using His Word to sustain us.“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” (Psalm 119:147-148, NIV)
b. To receive guidance and light for our lives.“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
c. To renew our minds to live out our new life in Christ. By studying the scriptures, God’s servants are thoroughly equipped for every good work and taught to live righteously. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
2. Preparation for Daily Devotions
• Time: Select a time when you can be undisturbed and alone, whether in the morning or in the evening for reflection.
• Place: Find a quiet, distraction-free space where you can focus.
• Materials: Have your Bible, a notebook for recording reflections, and a pen ready.
• Mindset: Approach God with a calm and open heart, prepared to hear from Him and encounter Him.
3. Spiritual Discipline
Daily devotions as a spiritual discipline is not meant to be rigid or legalistic, just as our relationships with family members are not meant to feel burdensome. Time spent with our Heavenly Father should feel genuine and heartfelt. For those starting out, simple and practical methods can help cultivate meaningful spiritual habits and deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Daily Scripture Readings (January)
1/1 John 1:1-5 21/1 John 3:4-8
2/1 John 1:6-8 22/1 John 3:9-13
3/1 John 1:9-13 23/1 John 3:14-17
4/1 John 1:14-18 24/1 John 3:18-21
5/1 John 1:1-18 25/1 John 3:22-24
6/1 John 1:19-23 26/1 John 3:1-21
7/1 John 1:24-28 27/1 John 3:25-30
8/1 John 1:29-34 28/1 John 3:31-36
9/1 John 1:35-39 29/1 John 4:1-6
10/1 John 1:40-42 30/1 John 4:7-14
11/1 John 1:43-51 31/1 John 4:15-19 12/1 John 1:35-51 1/2 John 4:20-26 13/1 John 2:1-5 2/2 John 4:1-26 14/1 John 2:6-10 15/1 John 2:11-12
16/1 John 2:13-17
17/1 John 2:18-22
18/1 John 2:23-25
19/1 John 2:1-11
20/1 John 3:1-3
Reflection
John 1:1-5
Jesus is the eternal Word, who was with God and is God. He is the source of all creation, life, and light. His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. This profound truth sets the foundation for understanding Jesus’ divine nature and His role as the giver of eternal life.
How does knowing Jesus as the light of the world bring hope to areas of darkness in your life?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:6-8
John the Baptist is introduced as a messenger sent by God to testify about the light so that all might believe. He is not the light himself but points others to Jesus, the true Light. This reminds us of our call to be witnesses, directing others to Christ.
In what ways can you reflect the light of Christ to those around you today?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:9-13
Jesus is the true light who brings salvation to the world. Although many rejected Him, those who received Him were given the right to become children of God—not by human effort but through faith in Him. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of believing in Jesus.
What does it mean to you to be a child of God, and how does that shape your identity?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:14-18
Jesus, the eternal Word, became human and lived among us, revealing God’s glory, grace, and truth. Through Him, we receive grace upon grace and the full revelation of God. This passage highlights the incredible reality of God coming to dwell with His people.
How does the truth of Jesus living among us inspire gratitude and faith in your daily life?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:1-18-Sunday Service
Sermon Topic: BELIEVE in God with us
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:19-23
When questioned by religious leaders, John the Baptist humbly denies being the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet promised by Moses (Deut 18:15). Instead, he identifies himself as the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord, as prophesied by Isaiah. John’s mission is to point others to Jesus.
How can you prepare the way for Jesus in your sphere of influence today?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:24-28
John the Baptist explains that his baptism with water is a preparation for someone far greater Jesus, the one whose sandals he is not worthy to untie. This passage reveals John’s humility and his role in preparing hearts for Jesus.
What does it look like to approach your service to God with humility and faithfulness?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:29-34
John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He testifies that he saw the Spirit descend on Jesus, affirming Him as the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.This highlights Jesus’ mission as the Savior.
How can you keep your focus on Jesus as the Lamb of God in your daily life?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:35-39
Two of John the Baptist’s disciples follow Jesus after hearing John declare Him as the Lamb of God. Jesus invites them with the simple yet profound words, “Come and see. ” This passage marks the beginning of their journey as disciples of Jesus.
What is Jesus inviting you to “come and see” in your walk with Him today?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:40-42
Andrew, one of the two disciples who had stayed with Jesus, was convinced that He was the Messiah. Andrew immediately brought his brother Simon to Jesus, declaring that they had found the Messiah.
Who in your life can you invite to meet Jesus and experience His transforming power?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:43-51
Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to follow Him, demonstrating His divine knowledge and identity. Nathanael, initially skeptical, is amazed by Jesus’ supernatural insight into his life and declares Him the Son of God and King of Israel. This emphasizes Jesus’ ability to know and transform individuals, inviting us to experience even greater things in our journey of faith Him.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 1:35-51-Sunday Service
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:1-5
Jesus performs His first recorded miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Although it was not yet time for Him to reveal Himself as the Messiah, Jesus demonstrates His power and compassion in addressing human needs. This event reveals Jesus’ divine authority and begins to manifest His glory to His disciples.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:6-10
Mary’s trust in Jesus highlights the importance of faith and obedience, even when His methods are not yet clear. By transforming water into wine, Jesus reveals His divine power and His ability to bring abundance and joy. The miraculous wine, far superior to what had been served, illustrates the richness of God’s blessings and the newness of life Jesus brings. This act also foreshadows the transformative power of His ministry and the fulfilment of God’s promises through Him.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:11-12
Jesus’ miracle at Cana is revealed as the first sign that displays His glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him. This moment signifies the beginning of His public ministry and the deepening of His followers’ faith. It underscores how Jesus’ works point to His divine identity and invite trust in Him as the Messiah.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:13-17
Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out merchants and money changers, demonstrating His zeal for God’s house and a desire for authentic and pure worship. His actions reveal the corruption within the religious system and His authority to restore true reverence for God. This moment underscores the priority of spiritual integrity over profit and foreshadows Jesus’ role in renewing worship through His ministry.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:18-22
When challenged about His authority after cleansing the temple, Jesus speaks of destroying the temple and raising it in three days, referring to His death and resurrection. Jesus reveals His divine authority being the physical incarnation of God, and His death and resurrection would confirm this truth, as well as numerous scripture that points to Jesus. This highlights the centrality of Jesus’ resurrection as the foundation of faith and the fulfilment of God’s plan for redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:23-25
Many were impressed by Jesus’ miracles, but Jesus knows the true condition of their hearts. This reveals Jesus’ divine insight into human nature, as “the LORD knows the thoughts of man” (Psalm 94:11). Genuine faith goes beyond just believing about Jesus, but a personal commitment to trust in Him fully. It underscores the need for a deep, personal relationship with Jesus based on faith, not just visible works.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 2:1-11-Sunday Service
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 3:1-3
Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. This rebirth signifies a new life that comes from God, transcending human effort or status. This highlights the profound truth that entering God’s kingdom requires a personal, divine renewal through faith in Jesus.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 3:4-8
Jesus explains to Nicodemus that being "born again" means experiencing a spiritual rebirth through the work of the Holy Spirit. This rebirth is not physical but a transformation brought about by God, enabling individuals to enter His kingdom. This highlights the mysterious yet essential role of the Spirit in renewing hearts and granting new life in Christ.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 3:9-13
Nicodemus could not understand or believe what Jesus said that one must be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for his lack of understanding, as his unbelief led him to reject Jesus’ testimony. Jesus emphasized that, because of His authority and revelation from heaven, Nicodemus (and we) must accept His testimony by faith.
Jesus speaks to us about spiritual matters with authority from heaven.Will you carefully listen to His words.
Application & Prayer
John 3:14-17
The purpose of Jesus' incarnation was to save the world, not to condemn it. Jesus referred to Numbers 21:4-9 to explain His redemptive work. In the wilderness, many Israelites were bitten by poisonous snakes as a punishment for their complaints against God and Moses. But God provided a way of salvation for those who repented: anyone who looked at the bronze serpent Moses lifted on the pole was healed. This event foreshadowed Jesus being lifted up on the cross to die so that whoever believes in Him may be saved.
Do you feel the weight of your sin? Does it lead you to look to Jesus, who was lifted up on the cross, to receive redemption and hope?
Reflection
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 3:18-21
The light refers to Jesus Himself, who came into the world to bring truth and righteousness through His works. Those who do not believe are already condemned because they reject Jesus, the Son of God sent to save the world. Darkness represents their choice to remain in ignorance, rejection, and rebellion against God.
Are you willing to step out of the darkness, choose to live in the light of Jesus, and embrace His truth and guidance?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 3:22-24
Jesus’ ministry began before John the Baptist was imprisoned. The ministries of Jesus and John were not only similar in nature but also took place in close proximity. John's baptism was a preparation for the gospel of Jesus. Ultimately, Jesus' ministry would surpass John's ministry. (Though this passage mentions Jesus baptizing, John 4:2 clarifies that His disciples performed the baptisms.)
What is your role in the church? Do you know how God wants to use you to glorify Christ?
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John
Application & Prayer
John 3:25-30
Jesus' baptism became more popular, which concerned John the Baptist's disciples, who wanted to defend John's reputation. However, John understood the role and mission God had given him. He was content with his role and ministry and saw no need to compare himself to Jesus. Using the metaphor of a wedding, John explained that the joy of the bridegroom (Jesus) is what truly matters.
When others’ ministries receive more attention, will you stay focused on your mission and honour God with a humble heart, like John the Baptist?
Reflection
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 3:31-36
Jesus, the Son of God who comes from heaven, is not only greater than John the Baptist but also surpasses everyone on earth. Jesus came to reveal His Father and bring eternal life to those who believe in Him. When faced with Jesus' testimony, we have only two choices: to accept Him or reject Him.
Believing and following Jesus leaves no middle ground. Which path have you chosen?
Application & Prayer
John 4:1-6
Perhaps to avoid conflict with John the Baptist’s ministry and with the Pharisees, Jesus left Judea and returned to Galilee with His disciples. Jesus did not avoid the Samaritan region, which Jews typically despised. Instead, He deliberately went to Sychar, a Samaritan town. The Messiah came to restore God’s purpose, overturning Jewish prejudices and traditions. Not only did He travel to Samaria a place Jews avoided but He also rested at Jacob’s well, a site associated with superstition, and soon engaged in a conversation with an unclean woman.
In your life and ministry, how can you align yourself with God’s purpose rather than being limited by prejudice or tradition?
Reflection
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 4:7-14
Jesus offered living water to the Samaritan woman. This living water refers to the Holy Spirit. Just as one must be born of the Spirit to enter God’s kingdom, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables intimacy with God, freeing people from the thirst for satisfaction in human relationships.
Are you weary from seeking fulfillment and joy in human relationships? Jesus promises that through the presence of His Holy Spirit, we can experience true satisfaction and joy.
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 4:15-19
The Samaritan woman did not yet understand the meaning of "living water." Jesus then brought up her marital history not to shame or condemn her but to help her face her pain in relationships, recognize her sin and wounds, and see her deep need for the living water, the gift of God (v. 10). This led her to revere Jesus as the prophet promised in Scripture.
God’s Word reveals our pains and sins and shows us our need for healing and salvation. Are you open to God, listening to what He wants to say to you?
Application & Prayer
John 4:20-26
"The coming of the Messiah also marks the beginning of a new era. True worship is not confined to certain fixed place or form. The phrase ""in spirit and truth"" can also be translated as ""in the Holy Spirit and truth."" True worshipers worship God in the Holy Spirit and in truth. God's Spirit dwells in us, and truth is found in Jesus, who reveals to us the Father (1:18). This reminds us that worship is not about what we do when we come to church but about drawing near to God every moment of our lives, lived in the Spirit and according to Jesus' teachings.
Can you see every moment in life as an act of worship to God?"
Reflection
Application & Prayer
Reflection
John 4:1-26-Sunday Service
Application & Prayer
