John Study – Set 1 (Chapters 1–4)
The Word Made Flesh, First Signs, and New Birth
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 1: John declares Jesus as the eternal Word, present from the beginning, through whom all things were made. John the Baptist testifies to Him as the Lamb of God. Jesus calls His first disciples.
- Chapter 2: Jesus performs His first miracle at Cana—turning water into wine—revealing His glory. He clears the temple, declaring His Father’s house is not for profit but for prayer.
- Chapter 3: Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being “born again” of the Spirit. He declares God’s love for the world in giving His Son, not to condemn but to save. John the Baptist testifies again that Jesus is greater.
- Chapter 4: Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at the well, offering living water. Many Samaritans believe. He heals the son of a royal official, His second miraculous sign.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Jesus the Eternal Word | He is God made flesh, revealing the Father. |
| Signs and Glory | Miracles reveal His divine identity and compassion. |
| New Birth | Entry into God’s Kingdom comes by the Spirit, not by flesh. |
| God’s Love | John 3:16 shows the Father’s heart to save, not condemn. |
| Living Water | Jesus satisfies the deepest thirst of every soul. |
3. Encouragement
“John does not begin with a manger—he begins with eternity: In the beginning was the Word.
That means your Saviour is not just a man—He is God who became flesh for you!
At the wedding, He turned water into wine, showing that He transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Nicodemus came with questions, but Jesus said, ‘You must be born again.’
That’s not a theory—it’s your reality.
And the Samaritan woman? Outcast, broken, yet He sat with her and gave living water.
Sister, that’s your Jesus—meeting you where you are and filling you with Himself.
4. Reflection Questions
- How does John’s opening (Jesus as the Word) deepen my view of who He is?
- Where in my life do I need Jesus to transform the “ordinary water” into “new wine”?
- What does being “born again” mean in my daily walk with Him?
- How can I live more fully in the truth of John 3:16—that I am loved and not condemned?
- Who around me is thirsty for “living water,” and how can I point them to Jesus?
John Study – Set 2 (Chapters 5–8)
Signs, Teachings, and the “I Am” Statements
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 5: Jesus heals a lame man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, sparking opposition from Jewish leaders. He declares His authority comes from the Father and that eternal life belongs to those who believe in Him.
- Chapter 6: Jesus feeds 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, then walks on water. He teaches that He is the Bread of Life, calling people to believe in Him for eternal life. Many turn away, but Peter declares, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
- Chapter 7: Jesus teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles, dividing opinions. He invites the thirsty to come to Him, promising rivers of living water (the Spirit). Religious leaders attempt to seize Him but fail.
- Chapter 8: Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery, exposing the hypocrisy of her accusers. He proclaims, “I am the light of the world.” He challenges the religious leaders, declaring, “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Authority of Jesus | His works and words flow directly from the Father. |
| Bread of Life | Only Jesus satisfies eternal hunger. |
| Living Water | Believers receive the Holy Spirit through Him. |
| Light of the World | Jesus exposes darkness and offers freedom. |
| True Freedom | Abiding in His word brings freedom from sin. |
3. Encouragement
Think of it—5,000 people fed from a boy’s lunch. What does that say? Jesus is more than enough!
He said, ‘I am the Bread of Life’—that means He is not just giving you something, He is giving you Himself.
And when the woman was caught in sin, everyone was ready to stone her.
But He said, ‘Neither do I condemn you—go and sin no more.’
Sister, that’s the Gospel. He does not leave you condemned—He frees you.
And when He said, ‘Before Abraham was, I AM,’ He was declaring His eternal nature.
That’s who lives in you—the eternal I AM!
4. Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus’ authority from the Father give me confidence in following Him?
- What does it mean for me to truly feed on Jesus as the Bread of Life each day?
- How can I live more aware of the Spirit as rivers of living water within me?
- Where do I need Jesus’ light to expose and heal areas of darkness in my life?
- How am I living in the freedom of “no condemnation” through Christ?
John Study – Set 3 (Chapters 9–12)
Healing, “I Am” Statements, and the Hour of Glory
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 9: Jesus heals a man born blind. Religious leaders question him, but he boldly testifies to Jesus’ power. Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.”
- Chapter 10: Jesus teaches that He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, lays down His life for them, and gives them eternal security. The Jews are divided, some wanting to stone Him for claiming unity with the Father.
- Chapter 11: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, revealing Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” This miracle leads many to believe, but also intensifies opposition, with leaders plotting His death.
- Chapter 12: Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume, foreshadowing His burial. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, welcomed with palm branches. He predicts His death as the way He will draw all people to Himself.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Light of the World | Jesus opens blind eyes, both physically and spiritually. |
| Good Shepherd | He leads, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep. |
| Resurrection and Life | Jesus holds power over death, giving eternal life. |
| Sacrificial Love | His path to glory is through the cross. |
| True Worship | Mary’s extravagant devotion reveals the worth of Jesus. |
3. Encouragement
See the blind man—he had never seen a sunrise, never seen a face, and Jesus gave him sight.
Sister, that’s your story too—you were blind, but now you see.
And when Jesus said, ‘I am the Good Shepherd,’ He was saying: you are not lost, you are not abandoned—you are His.
And Lazarus—dead four days—walked out of the grave at His word.
That’s the same resurrection power now living in you!
Do not hold back like Judas, complaining about Mary’s offering.
Pour your life out at His feet—He is worthy of it all.
4. Reflection Questions
- Where has Jesus opened my spiritual eyes to see His truth more clearly?
- How do I experience Him as my Good Shepherd in daily life?
- How does Jesus being “the resurrection and the life” change my perspective on death and hope?
- In what ways can I follow Mary’s example of extravagant devotion?
- How can I live more fully in the truth that Jesus’ glory was revealed through sacrifice?
John Study – Set 4 (Chapters 13–17)
The Upper Room, Love, and Jesus’ Prayer
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 13: At the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, teaching servant love. He predicts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. He gives a new command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
- Chapter 14: Jesus comforts His disciples, promising the Holy Spirit as Helper. He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He assures them of His peace.
- Chapter 15: Jesus teaches, “I am the true vine; remain in Me.” He calls His disciples to bear fruit, abide in His love, and love one another. He warns of the world’s hatred.
- Chapter 16: Jesus prepares them for persecution, but promises the Spirit who will guide them into truth. He compares their coming sorrow to labour pains that will end in joy.
- Chapter 17: Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers—that they may be one as He and the Father are one, filled with His glory and love.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Servant Love | True greatness is shown in humble service. |
| The Way, Truth, and Life | Jesus is the only way to the Father. |
| Abiding in Christ | Fruitfulness flows from union with Him. |
| Gift of the Spirit | The Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and guide into truth. |
| Unity in Love | Jesus prays for His followers to live in unity that reveals God to the world. |
3. Encouragement
Imagine the King of glory washing feet. That is love defined—not a throne first, but a towel.
He said, ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’
Sister, that’s not a suggestion—it’s your new nature.
He is the Vine, you are the branch—you do not have to strive, you just remain.
And the Spirit He promised? He’s not far away—He lives in you, guiding you into all truth.
Jesus even prayed for you that night!
He prayed you would walk in unity, in love, carrying His glory.
Live like that prayer is answered—because it is!
4. Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus’ act of washing feet challenge my view of love and leadership?
- What does it mean for me to live daily in the reality that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”?
- How can I more intentionally “abide” in Christ to bear fruit?
- How do I rely on the Spirit as my daily Helper and guide?
- In what ways can I live out Jesus’ prayer for unity and love among His people?
John Study – Set 5 (Chapters 18–21)
Betrayal, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Restoration
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 18: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. He is questioned by the high priest and taken before Pilate. Peter denies Him three times, just as Jesus predicted.
- Chapter 19: Jesus is mocked, scourged, and crucified. He declares, “It is finished,” and dies. His side is pierced, fulfilling Scripture. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Him in a new tomb.
- Chapter 20: On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty. Jesus appears to her, then to the disciples, breathing the Spirit on them. Thomas doubts until he sees Jesus’ wounds and declares, “My Lord and my God!”
- Chapter 21: Jesus appears by the Sea of Galilee, providing a miraculous catch of fish. He restores Peter by asking three times, “Do you love Me?” and commissions him to feed His sheep. John concludes by affirming his eyewitness testimony.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| The Cross | Jesus’ death completes redemption—“It is finished.” |
| Resurrection Hope | The risen Christ brings peace, joy, and the Spirit. |
| Faith Over Doubt | Thomas’ journey shows the blessing of believing without seeing. |
| Restoration | Peter’s denial is met with forgiveness and recommissioning. |
| Witness | John writes so that we may believe and have life in His name. |
3. Encouragement
When Jesus said, ‘It is finished,’ He was declaring sin’s power broken, forever.
Nothing left undone, nothing half-done—your redemption is complete!
And when He rose, He came to fearful disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
That is His word over you too—peace, not fear.
Thomas doubted, but when he saw, he confessed, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Sister, you do not need to see—you believe, and that makes you blessed.
And Peter—who denied Him three times—was restored and commissioned.
That’s the heart of Jesus: not to discard you when you fall, but to restore and send you again.
4. Reflection Questions
- How does “It is finished” shape the way I live in freedom and confidence today?
- What does the resurrection mean for my daily hope and peace?
- Where am I tempted to doubt, and how can I choose faith in those moments?
- How do I relate to Peter’s restoration, and what does it mean for my own calling?
- How can I live as a witness, helping others believe and have life in Jesus’ name?
Overall Summary of John
1. Big-Picture Summary
The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Son of God, eternal and divine, who became flesh to reveal the Father and bring eternal life. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John focuses less on chronological events and more on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words and works.
John highlights seven miraculous signs and seven “I Am” statements that reveal Jesus’ identity and mission. From the opening—“In the beginning was the Word”—to the closing—“that you may believe”—the Gospel calls readers to see Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to believe in Him for life everlasting.
2. Major Movements
- The Word Revealed (Chs. 1–4): Jesus as the eternal Word, first disciples, new birth, and living water.
- Signs and Teachings (Chs. 5–12): Healings, feeding 5,000, “I Am” declarations, and raising Lazarus.
- The Upper Room (Chs. 13–17): Foot washing, promises of the Spirit, vine and branches, and Jesus’ prayer for unity.
- The Cross and Resurrection (Chs. 18–21): Betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection appearances, Thomas’ confession, and Peter’s restoration.
3. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Jesus as the Son of God | He is eternal, divine, and one with the Father. |
| New Life | Belief in Him brings eternal life, freedom, and transformation. |
| Signs and Glory | Miracles point to His identity and reveal His glory. |
| The “I Am” Statements | Jesus is Bread, Light, Door, Shepherd, Resurrection, Way, and Vine. |
| Love and Unity | His command is love, and His prayer is that His people be one. |
4. Encouragement
John pulls back the curtain and says: ‘See Him! This is not just a man—this is God with us.’
Every sign points to His glory, every ‘I Am’ reveals His nature.
Bread of Life—He feeds you.
Light of the World—He guides you.
Good Shepherd—He lays down His life for you.
Resurrection and Life—He conquers death for you.
Sister, this Gospel ends with an invitation: that you may believe.
And when you believe, life—real life—flows in you.
So live like it’s finished, because it is.
Live like He’s risen, because He is.
And let the world see the Son of God through you.
5. Reflection Questions
- How does seeing Jesus as the eternal Word deepen my faith in His divinity?
- Which of the seven “I Am” statements speaks most directly into my life right now?
- How do the signs (miracles) in John build my trust in Jesus’ power and compassion?
- How am I living in the love and unity Jesus prayed for in John 17?
- What does John’s purpose—“that you may believe and have life”—mean for my daily walk?
Are You Ready to Move From Reading to Transformation?
You’ve explored the overview of the Gospel of John — now it’s time to encounter Jesus personally and let His words transform your heart, identity, and destiny.
Start Your Journey Here and receive my free Gospel of John Bundle as a gift to you ❤️
Related Resources for the Gospel of John
For those who would like to go deeper, the following PDF resources have been created to accompany this book.
- The Gospel of John – A Guided Heart-Transformation & Devotional Encounter
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Activation Challenge Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Chapter Reflection Question Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Encounter Moment Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Father’s Voice to Your Heart Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Identity Declaration Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Intimate Prayers of Surrender & Encounter Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Key Themes & Lesson Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John – Words of Encouragement Cards
- Wholly Yours: The Gospel of John Bundle ( Includes all the 9 products above)