The Gospel According to John

The Gospel according to John is the latest-written Gospel. The purpose of this Gospel, as stated by John himself, is to show that Jesus was the Son of God and that those who believe in him may have eternal life. Considering the depth of life-giving message, which John excavates from the miracles performed by Jesus, the scholars call it a “Spiritual Gospel”.

John introduces Jesus as the eternal Word of God, who has come from above to share the truth of God’s goodness and love. 

The Gospel is divided into two major sections: The Book of Signs and the Book of Glory. The Book of Signs recounts Jesus’ miracles, which he understands as Signs. Each Sign corresponds to one of the metaphoric “I am” statement:

“I am the bread which came down from  heaven” (John 6:41).

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

“I am the resurrection and the life”  (John 11:25).

The Book of Glory recounts the Last Supper, the Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Jesus is portrayed in the Gospel as the Lamb of God. In John 1:29, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming towards him and exclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World.” Besides giving this image, The Gospel gives far more focus to the mystical relationship between the Son, the Father and the Holy Spirit, that is something unique.

May we be filled with the life of Christ

Fr. Arul Joseph V.