The gospel of John will be the subject of my preaching for the beginning weeks of the New Year. I feel led in that direction, and will plan to follow that leading until there is an indication for a need to change.
John’s gospel is different from the other three gospels, which are called Synoptic Gospels. While all four gospels offer Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word, John focuses on Jesus as the eternal Word or Logos. The gospel of John does not begin with a baby in a manger, but rather with a God who existed in eternity past. The very first words of the gospel whisk us back to the words that open the Bible. Genesis 1:1 simply states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” John begins by saying, “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 1:12) Clearly, John’s opening thought is that Jesus is one with God. His purpose for writing is unmistakable.
This gospel also emphasizes the ultimate purpose for Jesus’ signs and miracles. Jesus was not to be followed because He worked miracles of feeding and healing. Rather, He was to be followed because the miracles He performed proved He was the Son of God. Even John’s written testimony of the miracles was penned to produce faith. “But 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.” (John 20:31)
— Terry A. Morrison