Why Read John’s Gospel First?

Have you ever wondered why ministers tell people new to the Bible to start by reading John’s Gospel? Perhaps someone told you that and explained why. Or maybe they said the Gospel of John was an excellent place to begin because it was easy to understand.

Gospel means good news or glad tidings. The Gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are four accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ from different viewpoints and emphasis.

Matthew wrote his good news account at the time for Jewish readers. Mark wrote for Roman readers. Luke’s gospel was primarily for the Greeks. But John wrote good news for the whole world, then and now.

I have read John’s Gospel more than any other Bible book. And every time I read it, I glean something fresh and fabulous – almost as though I had never read the text before.

Now, what stands out for me is how exquisitely John presents a most convincing account to make us all believers. Because John’s Gospel answers two questions most people want to know:

1. Who is God? and
2. How can a person come to know Him?

Let’s look at John’s life-changing reveal.

John’s Gospel account starts before creation.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ~ John 1:1-3

The Word (ho Lógos) existed in eternity before creation. The Lógos, face-to-face with God, was also God and part of the eternal Godhead that created the universe. Through Him, everything came into existence.

Life and Light in the Word

In Him is life, and the life is the light of all mankind. ~ John 1:4

In Him, life (zōē) exists. He is the source and essence of life. What emanates from Him is exquisite, radiant, brilliant, majestic, fabulous, authentic, transparent, pure, excellent, perfect, noble, exemplary, virtuous, praiseworthy, lovely, joyful, peaceful, wonderful, marvelous, spectacular, over-the-top life. THAT LIFE is the Light of humanity.

Indeed, The True Light came into the world to bring light and life to everyone. ~ John 1:9

John’s Gospel reveals the Word became human for our sakes

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ~ John 1:14

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. ~ John 1:18

No one had seen God in His visible essence until Christ displayed Him. He thoroughly made the Father known. Later, Jesus told his disciple Phillip, “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

The Revelation of the Way to the Father

In John 14:6, Jesus declared:

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

When Jesus came into the world He created, the world treated Him like a stranger. Many Jews knew the prophecies but did not receive Him.

However, to everyone who receives Him, He gives the privilege to become a child of God. (John 1:12)

So, John’s Gospel tells us who God is and how we can personally know Him.

John’s Gospel is Strategic

John’s Gospel is powerful because every incident or miracle he writes about proves that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world.

Called the Lamb of God, Messiah, Door to Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Life, Jesus Christ is divinity expressed or told out – precisely what the world needs today.

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these ae written 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

Hallelujah and Merry Christmas!