Written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and have life in His name.
- Section
- New Testament, Gospels
- Book
- 43 of 66
- Chapters
- 21
- Written by
- John, one of the twelve apostles
- When
- Probably around AD 85 to 95
- Written to
- Believers, and anyone asking who Jesus is
The big picture
John begins before creation: the Word who was with God and was God became a human being and lived among us.
The book is built around signs, such as water turned into wine and Lazarus raised from the dead, and around Jesus’ “I am” sayings: the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life. It ends with Jesus’ death, His resurrection and His restoring of Peter.
Why it was written
John tells us himself: so that readers would believe in Jesus and have life (John 20:31).
Key passages
Tap or hover over a reference to read it.
- John 1:1-14 – The Word became flesh
- John 3:16 – God so loved the world
- John 11:25 – I am the resurrection and the life
- John 14:6 – I am the way, and the truth, and the life
How it points to Jesus
Every chapter of John is about who Jesus is. It shows Him as fully God and fully human, the One who lays down His life for His sheep and rises again, and it promises the Holy Spirit to all who follow Him.
Themes and people
Themes: Believing · Eternal life · Love · The Holy Spirit · Light and darkness
People: Jesus · John the Baptist · Nicodemus · Martha, Mary and Lazarus · Mary Magdalene · Thomas · Peter
Study it together
- Which of Jesus’ “I am” sayings means most to you, and why?
- Thomas needed to see before he believed. What helps you trust Jesus when you have doubts?
- Jesus restored Peter after he failed. What does that say to you?
Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.
Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.