In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— (1 John 1:1)
Are you familiar with the term the “Synoptic Gospels”? They are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke that describe the same events from a similar point of view. The Parable of the Sower serves as a good example (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20 and Luke 8:4-15) Why is the Gospel of John excluded?
John was a follower of Jesus and was able to witness his ministry first-hand. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke relied mostly on accounts from others. Secondly, all of John’s writings took place after he was 85 years old. This would be about 50 years after the on-earth ministry of Jesus. John was able to provide a perspective through his years of observance of the early church movement. The other Gospels were written nearer the time of Christ.
We need to remember that John also wrote three epistles and the Book of Revelation, in addition to the Gospel attached to his name. In this devotional, we will share some interesting insights relating to John seen through his writings. Hopefully, this will inspire a greater desire to study the Word, know the Word which results in knowing God (Who is the Word) in a greater way.
We will then consider the Seven Miracles contained in John’s Gospel in future devotionals. The recorded miracles in John are more than just miracles; they are signs and messages to the church of the last day.
John and the Number Seven
The number seven speaks of “completeness”. We know that God created the heavens and the earth in six days and then rested on the seventh. In the Book of Revelation, the number seven is mentioned 54 times. (Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, Seven Vials, Seven churches, etc).
John’s Gospel mentions “I AM” on seven different occasions.
I AM the Bread of Life John 6:35
I AM the Light of the World John 8:12
I AM the Door John 10:9
I AM the Good Shepherd John 10:11
I AM the Resurrection and the Life John 11:25
I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:6
I AM the True Vine John 15:1
There are seven different titles of the Lord mentioned in Chapter One.
The Word 1:1-2
The Light 1:9
The Lamb of God 1:29
The Son of God 1:34
The Messiah-Christ 1:41
The King of Israel 1:49
The Son of Man 1:51
John Receiving Revelation
Have you ever wondered why John was given the privilege of writing the Book of Revelation? It was due to his proximity and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you remember the events that took place at the time of the Last Supper? It was John who received the “Revelation” of the one who would betray Jesus.
Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. (John 13:25-26)
This is why John could speak with authority on the subject of abiding and the key to being fruitful (John 15). John also provided insights on how Jesus spoke of the future ministry of the Holy Spirit, and so much more (John 14:16-17, 16:13).
Read the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is usually recommended to people who have just received Jesus as Lord and Saviour? It reveals the life and ministry of Jesus from the person who was closest to Him during his ministry. As we draw closer to the last days, it should be recommended reading for all believers, seeing it contains needed revelation and insights that will prove helpful in preparing for His return.
We will examine each of the seven recorded miracles in future devotionals. Remember, these are more than just miracles, they are also signs that will enhance our understanding of the Glorious God we serve. Whether one is new to the faith or a seasoned believer, the writings of John are essential messages to all believers. The Seven Miracles and their references are noted below:
Changing Water into wine John 2:1-11
Healing of the Nobleman’s son John 4:46-54
Healing of man at Pool of Bethesda John 5:1-18
Feeding of the Five Thousand John 6:1-14, 26-71
Walking on Water John 6:15-25
The man Born Blind John 9:1-41
Lazarus being Raised from the Dead John 11:1-44
Monday: Matthew 4:21
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them,
Tuesday: John 13:23
Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Wednesday: Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Thursday: Revelation 4:1
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
Friday: John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Saturday: John 15:5
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Sunday: 1 John 1:5
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
