Introduction to The Gospel of Jesus Christ According to the Beloved Apostle John

 

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Life in Christ is a wonderful yet challenging journey through this difficult world as we eagerly anticipate the eternal life to come. The trials and temptations of this life take on meaning and purpose when we view them through the lens of God’s Word. According to the Bible, this life is preparing us for eternal life. There are lessons to be learned in the confusion and chaos of here and now that will make perfect sense in eternity. The Biblical truth is that while we tarry here, we are to grow up into Christ more and more every day.

Our spiritual growth requires nourishment. The Spirit teaches this truth with the words, “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). It is the truth that is found in God’s Word that nourishes, encourages, and heals our spirit, and empowers our spiritual growth in Christ.

As we journey through this marvelous gospel of Jesus Christ according to the apostle John, we are led by the Holy Spirit, our Teacher as He reveals truth through the words on these pages. It is God’s earnest desire to reveal Christ to us so that we might know Him… “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Jesus Christ came into our world to reveal the glory, grace, and truth of God to us… “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). As He traveled and ministered among us, Jesus gathered great crowds of followers…” And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick” (John 6:2). The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle John to record for us how often Jesus confronted the crowd of followers and challenged them to step closer to Him that they might become His disciples… “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples’” (John 8:31).

Our Father wants us to enjoy the blessings of life that are available to earnest disciples of His Son… “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” (John 20:30-31). John reminds us often that God has provided a teacher, the Holy Spirit, to lead diligent truth seekers in the wonderful process of discovering His truth as we read scripture… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). Earnest truth seekers come to God’s word with a humility and confidence that anticipates a faith maturing revelation of God’s precious truth as He transforms us from followers into disciples.

As a fellow disciple of Jesus Christ, I am blessed to share this journey of growth in Christ with you. As a pastor, I pray that the truth God has revealed here through His Word will help you to be built up and equipped as part of His body, the Church. And as a schoolmaster, I pray that the truth shared here will help you come to know and become more like Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).