Why the Gospel of John?

MEMORY VERSE: “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” —John 20:31

JOHN 20:30, 31

THE question, “Why the Gospel of John?” is more comprehensive than can be adequately answered in one short lesson. However, the compilers of this lesson had in mind the first scripture citation for the lesson, which includes our memory verse: “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” In the expression, “these are written,” the reference is to the many signs that were given, especially in proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This in turn, of course, would prove that he was indeed “the Christ, the Son of God.”

“In John’s Gospel more attention is given to Jesus as the Son of God than in any of the other Gospels. John seems to have selected and reported the teachings of Jesus which reflect this viewpoint of the foretold Messiah. This concept of the Apostle John concerning Jesus is also emphasized in his epistles.

JOHN 1:6-13

Here we are reminded of the ministry of John the Baptist. As the lesson indicates, John came “to bear witness of the Light.” John was not that light, which our lesson assures us will yet enlighten every man that cometh into the world.

This wonderful statement of God’s purpose through Jesus has been largely ignored or misunderstood. The general conception is that Jesus was destined to enlighten only as many of humankind as had the opportunity to believe on him in this life and who actually did believe. The general view is that all others remain in darkness and, being in unbelief, are lost forever.

This erroneous viewpoint results from a failure to understand that in the great plan of human redemption and recovery from sin and death there are what we may speak of as two salvations. The Apostle Paul mentions one of these in Hebrews 3:1 which reads, “Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Notice the expression, “heavenly calling.” The faithful followers of Jesus are indeed partakers of a heavenly calling. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go … I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”—John 14:3

But this does not represent the end of God’s plan of salvation. These are not partakers of the heavenly calling merely to be saved, but are made heirs of God and joint-heirs of Jesus Christ that they might live and reign with Christ a thousand years for the blessing of the remainder of the world of mankind with restoration to perfect human life upon the earth.—Rev. 20:6; Gal. 3:8,27-29

It will be during the millennial reign of Christ that all mankind will be enlightened. The promise is that then the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. And it will be the believers of the present age who are called to divine sonship who will participate in that work of enlightenment together with Jesus. It is to these that Jesus gives the power or authority to become the sons of God.

JOHN 17:1-3

The seventeenth chapter of John contains the closing prayer of Jesus’ ministry. The chief concern of Jesus’ life was to glorify his Heavenly Father. Any reward or glory he might receive through his faithfulness he simply wanted to use to glorify the great Creator. As Jesus states in verse 2, he was given power over all flesh, and when he was given this power his first use of it was to assure his disciples that he would give them eternal life. And this the Scriptures show becomes an accomplished fact through their resurrection from the dead.

In verse 3 we read, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent “ No one will ever enjoy eternal life without a knowledge of God and a loving obedience to him.

QUESTIONS

What was one of the Apostle John’s main purposes in writing his Gospel account of the life and ministry of Jesus?

When will Jesus enlighten every man who cometh into the world?

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