Interpreting the Gospel of John: Recent Episodes
Michael Brent
John himself gives us the purpose of his gospel, "these things have been 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 20:31)." In this series, Bible teacher Michael Brent guides listeners through the structure and thought of the Gospel of John, delving into John's primary themes - the nature of Jesus Christ, the nature of saving faith, and the nature of true discipleship.
In John 21, the epilogue of the Gospel, John directs our attention to the journey of faith, highlighting the restoration of Peter and the commission Jesus gives every believer, “Follow me.”
The post John 21 The Journey of Faith first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 20, the responses of believers to the empty tomb and news of Jesus raised from the dead suggest principles of faith in line with the two great themes of John’s Gospel.
The post John 20 The Empty Tomb and Risen Lord first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 19:17-42, Jesus reverses the shame of the cross to magnify the glory of his name, providing for us not only forgiveness but also a new status of honor free from guilt and shame.
The post John 19.17-42 The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 18:28-19:16, the trial of Jesus turns into an honor/shame struggle between the Roman governor and Jewish officials who both misunderstand who is truly in control of events.
The post John 18.28-19.16 The Trial of Jesus first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 18:1-27, we begin the story of Jesus’ final hour with John’s depiction of his arrest and first trial. Adding to the witness of the other Gospels, John reminds us that Jesus may go to the cross meekly, but he is absolutely not weak. Jesus maintains control throughout.
The post John 18.1-27 The Arrest of Jesus first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays for us, for all who will believe because of the apostles’ witness, and as he prays, Jesus describes his vision for unity and witness in Christian communities based on the truth of God’s name and reality of abiding in him.
The post John 17.20-26 Jesus Prays for Us first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 17:6-19, Jesus makes three prayer requests for his disciples as he commissions them to go into the world though not be of the world. If Jesus were to pray for you, what would he ask for?
The post John 17.6-19 Jesus Prays for His Disciples first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 17:1-5, Jesus begins his prayer of sanctification for New Testament believers with a prayer for his own glory. How does God’s desire for his own glory relate to his pursuit of a people called by his name?
The post John 17.1-5 Jesus Prays for His Glory first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 16:16-33, in the midst of the disciples’ confusion, we are compelled to address the nature of prayer as Jesus promises for the fourth time, “If you shall ask the Father for anything, he will give it to you in My name.”
The post John 16.16-33 Ask the Father in My Name first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 15:18-16:15, we consider the disciple’s relationship to the world as both separate from the world and also committed to engagement with the world in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The post John 15.18-16.15 Witness in the World first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 15:12-17, we recognize the fundamentals of discipleship as abiding and loving while also addressing what Jesus meant when he said, “you will do greater works.”
The post John 15.12-17 Fruit That Remains first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 15 Jesus provides for us the simple and deep discipleship image of the vine and the branches. We will consider the heart of abiding in Christ, the acts of abiding in Christ and the fruit of abiding in Christ.
The post John 15.1-11 Abiding in Christ first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 14:16-31 and John 16:5-15 Jesus we consider the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit, who is the promised Holy Spirit and what roles does the Holy Spirit fulfill in the lives of believers.
The post John 14b and 16a The Promised Holy Spirit first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 14 while comforting his disciples Jesus further develops the nature of discipleship, emphasizing the message of the disciple and the submission of the disciple.
The post John 14 Jesus Comforts His Disciples first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 13:21-38 Jesus issues a new commandment for his disciples to love one another even as he has loved them. The command comes in a somber atmosphere as Jesus announces his plan to leave the disciples and foretells of his betrayal and denial.
The post John 13.21-38 A New Commandment first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 13:1-20 we begin the section of John’s Gospel that focuses on true discipleship with three lessons from Jesus’ symbolic act of washing his disciples’ feet.
The post John 13.1-20 Jesus Sanctifies His Disciples first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 12 Jesus declares, “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” This is the conclusion to the first half of the Gospel (chapters 2-12, The Word Among Us) and, at the same time, the introduction to the second half of the Gospel (chapters 13-20, The Hour of His Glory).
The post John 12 The Hour of Glory has Come first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 11 Jesus provides a sign that points directly to himself as the Resurrection and the Life. He raises Lazarus from the dead to affirm the truth that life in this world is experienced through walking with him and life in the next becomes a reality through believing in him.
The post John 11 I am the Resurrection and the Life first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 10 Jesus follows up the sign of healing the blind man with teaching about himself as the Door of the Sheep and the Good Shepherd. This lesson ends the second major section of the Gospel, chapters 5-10.
The post John 10 True Leadership and Valid Witnesses first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 9 Jesus again declares, “I am the light of the world!” Paired to this declaration, he gives us a sign and concludes with these words, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
The post John 9 The Light of the World and the Blindness of Men first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 8:12-59 we continue the dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish crowd at the Feast of Booths as Jesus shines light on his own nature and theirs.
The post John 8.12-59 The Feast of Booths and the Light of the World first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 7:53-8:11 we consider a known but rarely talked about issue with a cherished passage that does not seem to belong where it is located. The problem of this story will give us an opportunity to introduce the important study of identifying the original words of Scripture.
The post John 8.1-11 Text Criticism and A Passage in Search of a Home first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 7 we consider the symbolism of the Jewish Feasts in the Gospel and specifically the symbolism of the Feast of Booths as it applies to Jesus’ teaching in the temple, the debate of the people and the response of the leaders.
The post John 7 The Feast of Booths and Living Water first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 6:52-71 we consider the second part of Jesus’ dialogue with the crowd centered on his declaration, “I am the bread of life.” Jesus offends the crowd and many disciples depart. What is Jesus doing? What do his words mean?
The post John 6.52-71 Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 6:1-51, Jesus performs an astonishing sign, but the masses following him resist what he offers them, insisting instead that he give them what they want. This raises a key question of faith. What do you want from Jesus?
The post John 6.1-51 I am the Bread of Life first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 5:31-47, Jesus calls four witnesses to support his claim of equality with God.
The post John 5.31-47 Equality with God and Valid Witnesses first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 5:1-30, we listen to Jesus’ speech after the healing of a lame man and ask, “Is Jesus really claiming to be equal with God in power and authority? And if so, what does that mean about the nature of God?”
The post John 5.1-30 Healing of the Lame Man and Equality with God first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 4:43-54, Jesus is received without being received just as in chapter 2 many had believed without believing. The harvest field does not appear to be as white in Galilee as it was in Samaria. Still, the nobleman and his household indicate there are some in Galilee who truly believe.
The post John 4.43-54 Healing the Nobleman’s Son first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 4:27-42, we consider the effect of Jesus’ gospel conversation on the Samaritan woman, the disciples and the Samaritan villagers.
The post John 4.27-42 Conversation with a Samaritan, part 2 first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 4:1-26, we listen in and learn from Jesus Christ principles for sharing the good news.
The post John 4.1-26 Conversation with a Samaritan, part 1 first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 3:22-36, we reconsider symmetry in the structure of John. We also focus in on the center of chapters 2-4, the second testimony from John the Baptist, and apply that testimony as a heart check to our own service for God.
The post John 3.22-36 Witness of John the Baptist first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 3:1-21, an influential, religious leader comes to Jesus at night, and though he has everything going for him, he cannot see the light Jesus reveals. But maybe we can.
The post John 3.1-21 Conversation with Nicodemus first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 2:13-25, Jesus clears out the temple revealing truth about himself and motivating three different responses from Jewish leaders, his disciples, and people in the crowd.
The post John 2.13-25 Multitude at the Passover first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 2:1-12, we begin part 1 section 1 Jesus Revealed with the first sign which was performed at a wedding in Cana. We consider both the big obvious lettering on the sign and also the smaller, easier to miss lettering.
The post John 2.1-12 Water to Wine first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 1:19-51, we start by considering the overall structure of day before moving on to the four days of witness described in this introduction to the narrative.
The post John 1.19-51 Introduction first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 1:1-18, we follow the chiastic structure of John’s prologue to consider the major themes that will play out in his gospel, regarding the nature of Jesus, the nature of faith, and the nature of discipleship.
The post John 1.1-18 Prologue first appeared on Observe the Word.
In John 21, the epilogue of the Gospel, John directs our attention to the journey of faith, highlighting the restoration of Peter and the commission Jesus gives every believer, "Follow me."
In John 20, the responses of believers to the empty tomb and news of Jesus raised from the dead suggest principles of faith in line with the two great themes of John's Gospel.
In John 19:17-42, Jesus reverses the shame of the cross to magnify the glory of his name, providing for us not only forgiveness but also a new status of honor free from guilt and shame.
In John 18:28-19:16, the trial of Jesus turns into an honor/shame struggle between the Roman governor and Jewish officials who both misunderstand who is truly in control of events.
In John 18:1-27, we begin the story of Jesus' final hour with John's depiction of his arrest and first trial. Adding to the witness of the other Gospels, John reminds us that Jesus may go to the cross meekly, but he is absolutely not weak. Jesus maintains control throughout.
In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays for us, for all who will believe because of the apostles' witness, and as he prays, Jesus describes his vision for unity and witness in Christian communities based on the truth of God's name and reality of abiding in him.
In John 17:6-19, Jesus makes three prayer requests for his disciples as he commissions them to go into the world though not be of the world. If Jesus were to pray for you, what would he ask for?
In John 17:1-5, Jesus begins his prayer of sanctification for New Testament believers with a prayer for his own glory. How does God's desire for his own glory relate to his pursuit of a people called by his name?
In John 16:16-33, in the midst of the disciples' confusion, we are compelled to address the nature of prayer as Jesus promises for the fourth time, "If you shall ask the Father for anything, he will give it to you in My name."
In John 15:18-16:15, we consider the disciple's relationship to the world as both separate from the world and also committed to engagement with the world in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In John 15:12-17, we recognize the fundamentals of discipleship as abiding and loving while also addressing what Jesus meant when he said, "you will do greater works."
In John 15 Jesus provides for us the simple and deep discipleship image of the vine and the branches. We will consider the heart of abiding in Christ, the acts of abiding in Christ and the fruit of abiding in Christ.
In John 14:16-31 and John 16:5-15 Jesus we consider the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit, who is the promised Holy Spirit and what roles does the Holy Spirit fulfill in the lives of believers.
In John 14 while comforting his disciples Jesus further develops the nature of discipleship, emphasizing the message of the disciple and the submission of the disciple.
In John 13:21-38 Jesus issues a new commandment for his disciples to love one another even as he has loved them. The command comes in a somber atmosphere as Jesus announces his plan to leave the disciples and foretells of his betrayal and denial.
In John 13:1-20 we begin the section of John's Gospel that focuses on true discipleship with three lessons from Jesus' symbolic act of washing his disciples' feet.
In John 12 Jesus declares, "the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." This is the conclusion to the first half of the Gospel (chapters 2-12, The Word Among Us) and, at the same time, the introduction to the second half of the Gospel (chapters 13-20, The Hour of His Glory).
In John 11 Jesus provides a sign that points directly to himself as the Resurrection and the Life. He raises Lazarus from the dead to affirm the truth that life in this world is experienced through walking with him and life in the next becomes a reality through believing in him.
In John 10 Jesus follows up the sign of healing the blind man with teaching about himself as the Door of the Sheep and the Good Shepherd. This lesson ends the second major section of the Gospel, chapters 5-10.
In John 9 Jesus again declares, "I am the light of the world!" Paired to this declaration, he gives us a sign and concludes with these words, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains."
In John 8:12-59 we continue the dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish crowd at the Feast of Booths as Jesus shines light on his own nature and theirs.
In John 7:53-8:11 we consider a known but rarely talked about issue with a cherished passage that does not seem to belong where it is located. The problem of this story will give us an opportunity to introduce the important study of identifying the original words of Scripture.
In John 7 we consider the symbolism of the Jewish Feasts in the Gospel and specifically the symbolism of the Feast of Booths as it applies to Jesus' teaching in the temple, the debate of the people and the response of the leaders.
In John 6:52-71 we consider the second part of Jesus' dialogue with the crowd centered on his declaration, "I am the bread of life." Jesus offends the crowd and many disciples depart. What is Jesus doing? What do his words mean?
In John 6:1-51, Jesus performs an astonishing sign, but the masses following him resist what he offers them, insisting instead that he give them what they want. This raises a key question of faith. What do you want from Jesus?
In John 5:1-30, we listen to Jesus' speech after the healing of a lame man and ask, "Is Jesus really claiming to be equal with God in power and authority? And if so, what does that mean about the nature of God?"
In John 4:43-54, Jesus is received without being received just as in chapter 2 many had believed without believing. The harvest field does not appear to be as white in Galilee as it was in Samaria. Still, the nobleman and his household indicate there are some in Galilee who truly believe.
In John 4:27-42, we consider the effect of Jesus' gospel conversation on the Samaritan woman, the disciples and the Samaritan villagers.
In John 4:1-26, we listen in and learn from Jesus Christ principles for sharing the good news.
In John 3:22-36, we reconsider symmetry in the structure of John. We also focus in on the center of chapters 2-4, the second testimony from John the Baptist, and apply that testimony as a heart check to our own service for God.
In John 3:1-21, an influential, religious leader comes to Jesus at night, and though he has everything going for him, he cannot see the light Jesus reveals. But maybe we can.
In John 2:13-25, Jesus clears out the temple revealing truth about himself and motivating three different responses from Jewish leaders, his disciples, and people in the crowd.
In John 2:1-12, we begin part 1 section 1 Jesus Revealed with the first sign which was performed at a wedding in Cana. We consider both the big obvious lettering on the sign and also the smaller, easier to miss lettering.
In John 1:19-51, we start by considering the overall structure of day before moving on to the four days of witness described in this introduction to the narrative.
In John 1:1-18, we follow the chiastic structure of John's prologue to consider the major themes that will play out in his gospel, regarding the nature of Jesus, the nature of faith, and the nature of discipleship.