Opinion : Pastor's Blog: First things, or the Gospel According to John

Some time ago, I undertook an in-depth study of the the Gospel of John. The personal benefit was so great I figured someday I’d get around to sharing what I learned with others. Now if you’ve read John’s Gospel only a time or two, or are generally unfamiliar with the book, it can be intimidating, even though this Gospel contains fairly simple ideas and concepts. So, in order to understand this truly magnificent Word of God, we need some background information. The author is John, the son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21). He wrote this Gospel in the latter part of the first century, along with three other letters (1,2,3 John) as well as Revelation. Aside for the apostle Paul, John wrote the largest amount in the New Testament. John was a fisherman by trade- first a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee and then a fisher of people, (disciple-maker). He was one of Jesus’ first disciples and remained with Christ until his ascension. John was probably the only disciple at Jesus’ crucifixion (19:26). He outran Peter to reach the empty tomb after Christ’s resurrection, and was the first disciple to recognize the risen Savior at Galilee (20:1-4). John is one of the best known disciples. Jesus called him the “beloved disciple”. The New Testament writers mention Matt/Mark five times, Luke three times, and John thirty-five times! History shows that after the resurrection, he pastored seven churches in Asia Minor, and was present at the church church council at Jerusalem in 49 AD. He was banished to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. He died as probably the only disciple to have escaped martyrdom. Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the ‘synoptic’ Gospels which means they present a summary or synopsis of the life of Jesus Christ. These authors give attention to the historical aspect of Christ’s ministry. But John is very different- his focus is upon the interpretation of the Christ whom he knew so well. John emphasizes the doctrinal and spiritual aspects of Christ’s person and ministry. So why did John write this book? John answers this question in John 20:31; “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” I love this! John, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes this book to introduce us to Jesus Christ, not simply to become acquainted with a real, historical figure, but so that we may believe he is Jesus Christ (the Messiah), the Son of God! To believe in him is to trust his promises! And those who trust his promises will have eternal life and deliverance from their sins! So this of course begs an important question: do you know Jesus Christ? Do you know him personally? All throughout John’s letter, he wants you to know Jesus better- even better than your wife or husband, children, boss, co-workers, pastor, or even your public officials! So do you really KNOW Jesus? Have you found life, eternal life, forgiveness of sins, real joy and gladness in him? If not, keep looking! He gives you this promise: “if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him” Deuteronomy 4:29 NLT. -written by Zach Zajicek, pastor of First Baptist Church