New Here?
Let's Connect
9785 East Madison, St. Helen, MI 48656
Phone(989) 389-3111
Donate

John

HomeJohn
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

That You May Believe

A Study Guide for Seeing Jesus as the Son of God

1. Introduction: The Purpose of John’s Gospel

  • Written by John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples.

  • Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), John’s Gospel focuses less on chronology and more on identity.

  • John 20:31 says, “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ… and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Reflection: If you want to know who Jesus truly is—not just what He taught—John is where to start.

2. The Word Became Flesh (John 1)

  • Jesus is called the Word (Logos)—eternal, divine, Creator.

  • “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)

  • John the Baptist declares Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away sin.

Takeaway: Jesus didn’t just come from God—He is God. Fully divine, fully human, fully Savior.

3. Signs and Conversations That Reveal His Identity (John 2–11)

  • Water turned to wine (John 2) – revealing His power to transform.

  • Conversations with Nicodemus (John 3), the Samaritan woman (John 4), the man at Bethesda (John 5).

  • Feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the blind—each a sign pointing to who He is.

  • Raising Lazarus (John 11) foreshadows His own resurrection.

Lesson: Every miracle in John is a message—Jesus is not just powerful, but personal.

4. The “I Am” Statements of Jesus

John records seven powerful identity claims of Christ:

  1. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

  2. I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)

  3. I am the Door (John 10:9)

  4. I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

  5. I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

  6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)

  7. I am the True Vine (John 15:1)

Truth: Jesus isn’t one option among many. He’s the only way to eternal life.

5. The Upper Room and Final Teaching (John 13–17)

  • Jesus washes the disciples’ feet—modeling servant leadership.

  • He gives a new commandment: “Love one another” (John 13:34).

  • Promises the Holy Spirit (John 14–16).

  • Prays for His followers in John 17—including you.

Encouragement: Jesus prepared His disciples—and us—to live in the world, not escape from it.

6. The Crucifixion and Resurrection (John 18–21)

  • Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and crucified—but remains in control the entire time.

  • He dies with purpose, saying, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

  • Three days later, He rises again. Appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas—inviting faith.

  • Peter is restored in love and commissioned again.

Hope: The cross was not the end—it was the victory. The empty tomb changes everything.

7. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On

  • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”

  • John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”

  • John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world…”

  • John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life…”

  • John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…”

  • John 20:31 – “These are written so that you may believe…

8. Questions for Discussion or Journaling

  1. Why do you think John focuses so much on who Jesus is rather than just what He did?

  2. Which “I Am” statement stands out to you the most right now—and why?

  3. How does Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3) speak to the idea of being “born again”?

  4. What does John 17 reveal about Jesus’ heart for His followers—including you?

  5. How do you respond personally to Thomas’s doubt and Jesus’s invitation to believe?

  6. What is one way this Gospel helps you know Jesus better—and trust Him more?