Sychar, Samaria

In verses 1-6, we learn why Jesus is in Samaria.

He's on his way to Galilee from Judea and stops off in Sychar.

Outline of John 4

1. The Samaritan Woman at the Well
   
2. Healing a Boy in Capernaum
   

Becoming Nothing

Am I willing to become nothing for Jesus?

No, I don't have this level of humility. That's unfortunate.

Another Look at John 3

Would I have been willing to ask questions like Nicodemus?

I wish I could say yes, but I'm afraid the answer is probably no.

Father and Son

John concludes chapter 3 with an overview of the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.

It is a loving relationship, and the two are one in spirit.

Aenon near Salim

We learn in verses 23-30 that John was able to baptize lots of people because he was stationed near lots of water, in Aenon.

Hmmm. Seems like an important prerequisite. I'd never noticed this detail before.

John says clearly in verse 30 about Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease"

Baptizing

In verse 22, we learn that Jesus' disciples baptized followers in Judea.

I'd never noticed this detail in the text before. I wonder how this will connect with John's baptizing people.

Salvation

In verses 1-21, we learn through Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus that salvation is freely available to all people.

Our responsibility is to love the light and the truth, not falsehood.

Key Chapter: Outline of John 3

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1. Jesus and Nicodemus
   
2. John the Baptist
   
   1. I am not the Christ
      
   2. Believe in the Son
      

Realism, Pessimism

Make some wine!
Sell in the Temple!
We'll hate you soon enough!

People are a pain.

He already knew

In verses 23-25, Jesus finds people believing in him as a result of his miracles.

But he has a realistic view of human nature, so he doesn't count on people's approval.

Figuratively Speaking

Jesus declares, in verses 18-22, that he would raise "this temple" in three days.

This cryptic statement didn't make sense until after Jesus' resurrection.

It's always dangerous using figures of speech when conversing with enemies!

Jesus Goes Ballistic

It's a bad idea to treat the Father's House like a market.

This is the angriest we see Jesus in the whole Bible.

While he's betrayed and crucified, he accepts the unfair treatment.

But mess with Jesus' Father, and there's hell to be paid.

Interesting that people today sometimes get angrier about sins against family members than about sins against themselves.

Jesus Chills

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After his first miracle, Jesus went with family and friends to Capernaum to hang out for a few days.

Parental Pressure

I find it fascinating that, as John reports Jesus' first sign and miracle, the Messiah was pressured into it by his mother.

It's so mysterious. Why would Jesus allow himself to be influenced in this way?

One thing's for sure, Jesus is fully human.

And when the master of the wedding feast tastes the wine, he's shocked. Usually hosts would save the cheap wine for after the guests were wasted.

Jesus was fully God, able to turn water into the finest wine available.

I suppose the creator of the universe, the creator of humanity and grapes and fermentation, would be able to produce the best wine. I wonder if it was a red or a white?

Outline of John 2

1. Jesus' First Miracle: Water into Wine
   
2. Jesus Cleanses the Temple
   
3. Jesus Doesn't Trust People
   

Nazareth?!

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Nathan has one of the best, snarky quotes in the whole Bible: "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?"

Just like Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, Philip introduced Nathan to Christ.

Jesus quickly melts away Nathan's skepticism with a description of his time under the fig tree.

It may be the one time we find Jesus surprised that someone believes in him so easily.

Rebranded

Jesus renames Simon. He becomes Peter, Cephas, "the rock."

I'm also proud of Andrew for bringing his brother to meet the Messiah.

Main Event?

In verses 19-34, John the Baptist clarified that his role was to prepare the was for the Christ.

How often do we mistake the messenger for the main event?

Big Jesus

In verses 10-18, John outlines Jesus' role in the history of humanity.

Moses brought the rule of God's Law. Jesus became God incarnate.

The principle is greater than the detail.

Big picture trumps minutiae.

PR 4 Jesus

Even Jesus had a PR corps.

His name was John.

Jesus in the Beginning

In verses 1-5, John establishes Jesus' pedigree as preexistent.

What about being the first, or the oldest, or the tallest carries such psychological weight in human beings?

It doesn't seem that age should be as relevant as character and authority. But infinite age places God in a position where many atheistic cosmologists wish to place the universe.

According to John, because Jesus created order out of chaos, he is our supreme ruler, our light.

I agree with the conclusion, but the psychology intrigues and confuses me.

Outline of John 1

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1. Jesus was in the beginning
   
2. John testified to the light
   
3. Law through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus
   
4. John is "the voice of one calling in the wilderness"
   
5. John baptizes Jesus
   
6. Andrew brings his brother to Jesus
   
7. Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel
   

Last Verse

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" John 21:25 (NIV).

Outline of John 18-21

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1. Judas' Betrayal
   
2. A Long, Crappy Night
   
3. Crucifixion
   
4. Death and Burial
   
5. Jesus' Resurrection
   
6. Jesus Appears to His Followers
   
7. Jesus Prepares Peter for Leadership
   

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John 13-17

• The Last Supper, including extended teaching and prayers
  

Outline of John 9-12

1. Jesus Heals a Blind Man, Controversy Follows
   
2. I Am the Good Shepherd
   
3. Jesus Resurrects Lazarus
   
4. Plot to Kill Jesus
   
5. Mary Anoints Jesus
   
6. Palm Sunday: Triumphal Entry
   

Outline of John 1-8

Image by The Newb via Flickr

1. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus
   
2. Water to Wine
   
3. Jesus' Ministry Goes Public
   
4. Discussion with a Samaritan Woman
   
5. Several Healings
   
6. Peter's Messianic Confession
   
7. Jesus Yells at the Feast of Tabernacles
   
8. Before Abraham Was, I Am
   

Greek NT

Neat online Greek NT here: http://bible.johndyer.name/

Why John Wrote His Gospel

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We read, in John 20:30-31, that John wrote this gospel to encourage non-Christians to put their faith in Jesus.

I am excited about the opportunity to study John's gospel for the next 23 weeks.

This works out well, because one of my annual goals is to learn how to read this book in Greek. I can combine the two efforts.

Timothy, PI

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul sends Timothy to check up on the Thessalonian church.

Timothy came back with a positive report.

I wonder if they recognized Timothy, or if he visited without being noticed.

It is clear that Paul valued Timothy's gifts and service.