Life Group Study

Summary of the Gospels

Matthew (tax collector): Written to the Jews. Gospel of the King. Many Old Testament References

Mark (Peter’s Disciple): Written to the Romans: Gospel of the Suffering Servant. Focuses on works and miracles

Luke (doctor – Paul’s travel companion): Written to the Greeks: Savior to all mankind, including women. Many references to Holy Spirit.

John (fisherman): Written to Gentile Christians: Gospel of Belief. Written to state that Jesus was the Son of God.

Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke. Give a synopsis of the life of Jesus. Many of the same accounts.

Johannine Material: Focuses on Jerusalem ministry, rather than Galilean ministry. Dialogue and discourse rather than parables. Theological and Christological focus.

Section 1 (Prologue and Intro)

October 1, 2024

Prologue - 1:1-18

John was written to persuade people to believe in Jesus. It’s the first thing I tell new believers to read. It focuses on seven of Jesus’ miracles, to show his divinity:

Water turned into wine (2:1–11). Healing of the royal official's son (4:46–54). Healing the paralytic at Bethesda (5:1–15). Feeding the multitudes (6:5–14). Walking on water (6:16–24). Healing the man blind from birth (9:1–7). Raising Lazarus from the dead (11:1–45). (8 if you count His resurrection 20:1-29)

Probably written by the Apostle John between 70-100 AD, probably at Ephesus before or after he was exiled, or in Patmos.

(Read John 1:1-5) - Very much resembles Genesis. The Word existed before creation, was in communion with God, Word was God. Note that John is saying that the Word is THE Deity Godhead, not just divine. Then confirms the Word is Christ.

The Father initiated creation, but Christ was the agent of creation, Through Him. - John 20:31 “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Light is a recurring theme within John. A place of security and deliverance (Ps 27:1; Ac 13:47). A figure for Holiness, Revelation, and truth. (1Jn 1:5).

(Read John 1:6-8) - Like the OT prophets, John was sent from God. The witness. This begins the missionary outlook of this Gospel, that all might believe, Pisteuo. Have confidence in, be fully persuaded about. John 20:30–31“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

(Read John 1:9-13) - Note who the responsibility falls on here. It’s on us to recognize and accept Christ. And how explicit John is about the rights we are given and that process.

(Read John 1:14-18) - I find verse 14 very important. I need a sign. if I could only see. So many saw Christ in the flesh and didn’t believe.

We received “Grace upon grace” from Christ, rather than the Law from Moses. The fullness does not come to us all at once, but in a progression of gracious experiences.

Introductory Events - 1:19-2:11

(Read John 1:19-34) - Though Christ alludes to John being Elijah, John is content just being the voice heralding the Christ. Humility in his position.

Sent by the Pharisees versus sent by God. Laymen, not priests, who zealously followed Mosaic law but added many man-made traditions to it. (Evangelicals?)

By whose authority?

The Moody Bible Commentary 1. Testimony of John the Baptist (1:19–34)

John’s baptizing ministry (v. 25) grew out of the OT emphasis on symbolic cleansing with water (Lv 13–17; Nm 19; Ps 51:2, 7; Is 4:4). The form of the question presupposes that the Jewish leaders thought of baptism as a mark of the coming Messiah.

John immediately makes the sacrificial imagery reference to Isaiah 53:7“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Christ was revealed to John. He did not know him at first.

Christ baptizes with the Spirit, rather than water. The baptism is almost downplayed in this particular Gospel.

Christ emptied himself. Kenosis. Philippians 2:5–8 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Matthew 24:36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”

Section 2 (Encounters)

October 15, 2024

(Read John 1:35-51) - Andrew grasped the nature of what he heard. He went to Peter first thing with urgency. Christ invites residence.

Phillip and Nathanael (Probably Bartholomew). Nazareth is insignificant. Importance of historic context to an Israelite. He refers to Christ as the King of Israel. A claim that leads to him crucifixion.

(Read John 2:1-11) - This is the first miracle recorded in John. First use of Disciples. Never apostles in John.

Mary felt it was time for Christ to reveal himself. She also thought it pertinent to protect the hosts of the wedding from embarrassment. Christ only takes orders from the Father.

He’s concentrated on his mission, the time of the hour of his crucifixion/passion, which did not come until John 12:23 “And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

Spoke harshly, but woman is a common Jewish address.

Some feel the six jars (six represents imperfection biblically) were representing the shortcomings of Judaism and Christ was transforming the ceremonial washing jars into a new form of life (his blood) via the Spirit, or water the Torah and wine the Gospel. Not sure if this is an over read and John was saying Christ meets our needs.

Early Encounters in Jerusalem, Samaria, and Galilee - John 2:12-4:54

(Read John 2:12–22) - The cleansing of the temple

First of Five Festivals (Passover, Jewish festivals, Tabernacles, Dedication, Second Passover)

Foreign Currency Exchange. Tyrian Coinage. Folks making the pilgrimage had to buy sacrificial animals.

He knew how to make a whip. And I believe he just scared the livestock and told the pigeon owners to leave, because they were caged.

Synoptic gospels detail this account later in the ministry. There are potentially two cleansing events, or John is more focused on telling the narrative that Jesus’ mission to cleanse out the abuses of Judaism.

Again, the Jews didn’t get it. it took 46 years to build, another 36 to finish. and Jesus said 3 days. This should have been obvious he’s speaking of a new temple, of himself as the high priest. (Hebrews 8:6)

Hebrews 8:6 ESV

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

(Read John 2:23-25) - Jesus Knows What is in Man

This is foreshadowing Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea

The Moody Bible Commentary 2. Temple Cleansing (2:12–25)

2:23–25. The Passover included the Passover itself (one day) followed by seven days for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Some understand many believed in His name to be inauthentic faith because (1) faith based on miracles (the signs which He was doing) is insufficient, and (2) Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them (v. 24). But John declared that Jesus’ signs were intended to bring about faith (20:30–31). Also, the apostle used a Greek phrase (believed in His name) that clearly speaks of genuine faith (cf. Jn 1:12; 3:18; cf. 20:31). That Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them means that Jesus considered these new believers not yet prepared for further disclosures of spiritual truth. This begins John’s theme of the “secret disciple” (cf. 19:38–39). John’s declaration that He Himself knew what was in man (v. 25) underlines the Lord’s divine knowledge of people (see comments on 1:48). To demonstrate that knowledge of humanity, three interviews follow, with Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, the Samaritan woman, and a Gentile nobleman. In each one, Jesus demonstrated His supernatural understanding of their inner thoughts and needs. With Nicodemus, a scholar, Jesus saw his need for a faith that was not merely intellectual. With the woman, He saw a need for moral transformation. With the nobleman, He perceived the man’s need for a physical healing of his son.

Section 3 (Further Encounters)

October 29, 2024

(Read John 3:1–15) - The new birth

Christ Knew what was in man, and specifically, what was in Nicodemus. He was a member of the Sanhedrin (John 11:47) along with JoA.

(John 12:42) Many of these leaders began to believe in Christ, but fear prevented full by in.

“again” in the Greek is (Anothen), and can also mean “from above”. Another misunderstanding

Water and Spirit probably refers to (Ezk 36:25-27). Being reborn from above of God’s spiritual cleansing and providing His Spirit. Ezk is referencing the coming new covenant in that passage. Jesus rebukes Nic for not knowing this passage.

Jesus states the prophets, He, and the Trinity testify and yet the Jews don’t receive the testimony

The Moody Bible Commentary 3. Dialogue with Nicodemus (3:1–21)

To speak to people about things in heaven (v. 12), one would need to have ascended into heaven, or be from there and have descended from heaven. The Son of Man (see comment on 1:51) has done the latter. Moses lifted up (v. 14) a bronze snake on a pole when God judged Israel in the wilderness with venomous snakes (Nm 21:4–9). God healed instantly anyone who simply looked at the snake (Nm 21:9). The instrument of judgment and death (the snake) became the means of life. So it is with the Christ lifted up on the cross, the instrument of His death. One “look” of faith in Christ immediately heals and brings eternal life. This is the first of three lifted up sayings in John (8:28; 12:32). Jesus being “lifted up” refers both physically to the cross, and spiritually to His exaltation/glorification through His death (cf. 8:28; 12:32–34).

3:15 - Eternal life here for the first time of 17 times in John. Four times as many as any other NT book, thought life, meaning eternal, does appear frequently elsewhere. Some believe this ends Jesus’ words and 16-21 are added by John.

(Read John 3:16-18) - For God So Loved the World

Agapao. Sacrificial love. Unconditional. aorist tense. Indefinite. Continuing.

Monogene. Unique. One and Only. Mistranslated in KJV. begotten is unigenitum. John 1:14 & Hebrews 11:17 (Son of the promise of Sarah)

Hebrews 11:17 ESV

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,

Son is sent by the Father. stated about 40 times, marks a mission as the focus of Christ. Saved/Salvation is not the focus of John. It’s belief or love. only 7 times.

Who is the audience? Nicodemus. Pharisees believed the Messiah would be a Ruling Judge in Righteousness. He didn’t come to the world this time to judge but to Save.

Christ is the ultimate divider. Into believers and unbelievers. Eternity is decided on earth.

(Read John 3:19-21) - echo of John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Christ is referencing his eventual crucifixion. Christ was rejected by the world and God is the ultimate judge. But Christ is still interceding for us anyway.

Do you want all your actions to be plainly seen so that God’s work may be evident?

We never see Nicodemus’ response. But he was believe to be a Secret Disciple. John 19:38-42 - This word impacted him. And his deeds followed suit. Contrast with JTB openness.

(Read John 3:22–30) - Jesus and John the Baptist

This is not Jewish ceremonial rites, this is repentant baptism in preparation of coming salvation. John’s disciples were Jealous of Jesus’ ministry success.

John was imprisoned after Christ’s time in the wilderness before Christ began his public (Galilean) ministry. This is why I think Chapter two is out of order chronologically.

John likens himself to that of a best man. He stands next to the groom, rejoices at his gain, and realize he must decrease.

(Read John 3:31-36) - Christ is above all

Christ comes from heaven, has been in the presence of God. Yet the world still denies him.

Though who accept him know that God’s word is true by proxy.

The Spirit would help those in the old testament for specific tasks but would depart. David/Saul (1 Samuel 16:12-14) Joshua (Numbers 27:18)

Christ had endless Spirit and would fulfill God’s intentions of the Messiah. God’s gift was not just creation, but to grant eternal life.

Not obeying should be contrasting with unbelief. John 12:36 John 12:50 “And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.””

God’s wrath is simply a contrast of his holiness for those who deny forgiveness.

Section 4 (Signs & the Feast)

November 12, 2024

(Read John 4:1-3) - Jesus departs to Galilee

Didn’t want to show favorites? “The Christ Baptized Me!”

Didn’t view baptism as salvational

His time (death) had not come, so he avoided conflict and left.

(John 4:4–42) - Jesus and the Woman in Samaria

(Read John 4:4-15) - Living Water

Jews and the Samaritan people had been in conflict for many years.

Jesus “had” to go through Samaria. Not logistically, but by divine obligation.

Ex 2:16 - Woman drew water in the culture, and did so by evening. It’s likely she wanted to maintain anonymity.

6th hour is noon. hottest part of the day. Christ is tired. stressing human form.

It’s noted that Christ was alone. He overcame two prejudices: conversation with a Samaritan and a woman.

Note that Christ often starts with the physical need, then shifts to the spiritual.

Rabbis of the age considered the Torah the “living water”. Christ is the Word, Logos. wellspring of eternal life.

The well had been productive for 1,800 years

Temporal satisfaction versus eternal satisfaction

Water and Spirit connection Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”

John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

(Read John 4:16-26) - Worship in Spirit and Truth

Jesus compliments her for telling the truth but made her admit her need for spiritual nourishment.

She isn’t diverting attention, she knows who Jesus is and wants him to solve an age old question. Do you worship on Mt. Gerizim or Jerusalem.

Christ confirms the Abrahamic line is from the Jews, not the Samaritans.

His hour is referencing his death, when after the veil would be torn (3 days temple destroyed) and worship could occur anywhere.

We must worship in Spirit, as one in whom God dwells, and Truth: with the full revelation of the Word given through Christ. Our worship must be fully devoted and genuine with active correspondence between the worshipped and the worshipper.

He declared to this woman he was a Messiah, but not the Jews who wanted him to be a ruler. She just wanted the Truth.

Section 5 (Spiritual Food & Healing)

December 8, 2024

(Read John 4:27-42) - Spiritual Food

The disciples were unwilling to communicate with Jesus as he was looking for true worshippers.

The woman had to be careful “teaching men”. “Can this be the Christ?”

Christ was focused on spiritual needs and was filling to forego the physical needs in order to engage in what truly energized and strengthened Him.

John 14:9 “Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

We need sowers and reapers. The OT prophets and JTB labored to plant the field. The disciples are now reaping what’s been sown. Both are required and the harvester and planter can be done without jealousy or competition.

Nicodemus didn’t boldly testify, but the woman did. Christ saw a potential harvest in Sychar and invested in it.

(Read John 4:43–54) - A second miracle in Galilee (Official’s Son)

After two days, Christ makes a three day walk to his original destination, Galilee, where he is from and is not honored as a prophet.

People had heard about his miracle at the Wedding. Christ reiterates that people (plural) (Galilean Jews) will only believe with miracles.

Not dissuaded by the challenge, the man petitions again. Christ will challenge us. and we must meet him with with faith.

Christ is the miracle of all life. It was all created through him, and he sustains it with His Word.

John 5:1-47 - Healing and Discourse in Jerusalem

(Read John 5:1–9) - The healing of a lame man

Not specified, but likely the Passover (Pentacost/Booths). Males had to attend these feasts in person. Must have been written pre-70 AD, as sheep are actively in the gate. Destruction of Jerusalem.

Notice verse 3b-4 are not included in ESV. certain manuscripts added them for historical context.

Note the man that his healing required action. first in the pool. Christ just wanted belief.

Egeiro, Get Up, a Greek term meaning rise, often times used for resurrection, was the healing factor.

(Read John 5:10–18) - Sabbath

Act of work on the Sabbath. Laws more important the people.

The man didn’t even know who Christ was. Yet he was obedient.

John 9:2–3 ESV

And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Sin may have caused this man’s illness. It might not have. What’s more likely is Christ is saying that a life of sin after knowing Him is worse than 38 years of paralysis.

Dude was a narc. No evidence he came to faith.

Christ was crucified not for the miracles, but for when he did them. Babies are born on the Sabbath. The universe is sustained on the Sabbath.

Section 6 (Further Signs & Feast of the Tabernacles)

December 17, 2024

Read John 5:19–47 - Revelations of the Father and the Son

(Read John 5:19–29) - Authority of the Son

(Read John 5:30-47) - Witnesses to Jesus

John 6:1-71 - Further Signs and Discourses in Galilee

John 7:1-8:59 - Jesus at the Feast of the Tabernacles

Section 7 (Further Healing & Lazarus)

Need Date in December for last meeting? (24th is Christmas Eve)

(Read John 9:1-10:42) - Further Healing and Teaching

(Read John 11:1-57) - The Death and Raising of Lazarus - 11:1-57

Section 8 (Close of the Ministry)

January 2025 (Short. First meeting of the Year)

(Read John 12:1-50) - Close of the Public Ministry in Jerusalem

Section 9 (Jesus with his Disciples)

January 2025

(Read John 13:1-14:31) Jesus with his Disciples - 13:1-17:26

Passion and Resurrection Narratives - 18:1-21:25

Section 10 (Vine and Further Teachings)

February 2025

(Read John 15:1-17) - Vine

(Read John 15:18-17:26) - Christ Teaches the Disciples

Passion and Resurrection Narratives - 18:1-21:25

Section 11 (Passion)

February 2025

(Read John 18:1-19:42) - Betrayal, Death, and Burial.

Passion and Resurrection Narratives - 18:1-21:25

Section 12 (Resurrection)

March 2025

(Read John 20:1-21:25) - Resurrection Narratives

Breakdown by Section

The New Bible Commentary (Outline of Contents)

1:1–18 The prologue

1:1–5 The pre-existent Word

1:6–8 The witness of John the Baptist

1:9–13 The light coming to the world

1:14–18 The incarnation of the Word

1:19–2:11 Introductory events

1:19–34 The witness of John the Baptist to Jesus

1:35–51 The calling of the first disciples

2:1–11 Revelation through a sign

2:12–4:54 Early encounters in Jerusalem, Samaria and Galilee

2:12–25 The cleansing of the temple

3:1–21 The new birth

3:22–4:3 Jesus and John the Baptist

4:4–42 Jesus in Samaria

4:43–54 A second miracle in Galilee

5:1–47 Healing and discourse in Jerusalem

5:1–18 The healing of a lame man

5:19–47 Revelations of the Father and the Son

6:1–71 Further signs and discourses in Galilee

6:1–15 The feeding of the crowds

6:16–24 Jesus walks on the water

6:25–59 Discussions about the bread of life

6:60–71 The disciples’ reactions to Jesus’ teaching and work

7:1–8:59 Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles

7:1–9 Jesus moves from Galilee to Jerusalem

7:10–52 The teaching of Jesus at the Feast

7:53–8:11 The woman caught in adultery

8:12–59 Jesus as the light of the world

9:1–10:42 Further healing and teaching

9:1–41 Jesus heals a man born blind

10:1–18 Jesus as the shepherd

10:19–21 The effects of this teaching

10:22–42 Dialogue at the Feast of Dedication

11:1–57 The death and raising of Lazarus

11:1–44 Jesus the overcomer of death

11:45–57 The results of the miracle

12:1–50 Close of the public ministry in Jerusalem

12:1–8 The devotion of Mary

12:9–11 Reactions to Jesus’ presence at Bethany

12:12–19 The entry into Jerusalem

12:20–26 The quest of the Greeks

12:27–36 Attestation and withdrawal

12:37–50 Continuing unbelief

13:1–17:26 Jesus with his disciples

13:1–38 Jesus’ symbolic action of feet-washing and its sequel

14:1–31 Assurances and commands to the disciples

15:1–17 The vine allegory

15:18–16:33 Further teaching for the disciples

17:1–26 The prayer of Jesus

18:1–21:25 Passion and resurrection narratives

18:1–11 The betrayal

18:12–19:16 The trial

19:17–37 The crucifixion

19:38–42 The burial

20:1–29 The resurrection

20:30–21:25 The epilogue