Start With John
Meeting Jesus in the Word
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:31 KJV
Why Start With John?
John's Gospel was written with one stated purpose: that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you might have life through His name (John 20:31 KJV).
No other book of the Bible presents Jesus Christ as fully, as clearly, or as accessibly. In John's Gospel, Jesus declares Himself the Word, the Light, the Lamb of God, the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Resurrection, and the risen Lord.
If you want to meet Jesus in the Word — begin here.
A John Reading Path
These chapters are highlighted as starting points. You should read the entire Gospel of John — these are key chapters to study carefully. Read slowly. Pray before you read. Ask God to open your eyes.
John 1
The Word Made Flesh
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 1:14 KJV
Who Jesus is — the eternal Word who became man, full of grace and truth.
John 3
Ye Must Be Born Again
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
John 3:3 KJV
The necessity of the new birth. What it means. Why it matters.
John 4
Living Water
"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
John 4:14 KJV
Jesus offers living water to a sinful woman. No one is too far gone.
John 6
Bread of Life
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
John 6:35 KJV
Jesus is the only lasting sustenance. The crowd's reaction — many turned away.
John 8
Continue in My Word
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:31-32 KJV
Discipleship requires continuance in the Word. Truth that liberates.
John 10
The Good Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
John 10:11 KJV
Jesus lays down His life. He knows His sheep and they know His voice.
John 11
Resurrection and Life
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
John 11:25 KJV
Lazarus raised from the dead. Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and life.
John 14
The Way, Truth, and Life
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:6 KJV
The exclusive claim of Christ. The Father, the Spirit, and the coming peace.
John 15
Abide in Christ
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
John 15:5 KJV
Abiding in Christ is the source of all fruit. Apart from Him — nothing.
John 17
Jesus Prays
Hear Jesus pray for His disciples and all who will believe. Remarkable intimacy and intercession.
John 19
The Cross
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Read slowly. Let the weight be felt.
John 20
The Resurrection
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:31 KJV
Jesus is risen. He appears to Mary, to the disciples, to Thomas. John's stated purpose.
What to Look For as You Read
Who Jesus Is
His identity: Word, Light, Lamb, Bread, Shepherd, Way, Truth, Life, Resurrection, risen Lord.
What Jesus Says About Sin
He does not excuse it. He exposes it. And He offers cleansing and new life.
What Jesus Says About Life
Eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3). It begins now.
What Jesus Says About Believing
Believing is not merely agreeing. It is trusting and receiving. John 1:12.
What Jesus Says About Following
Take up your cross daily. Abide in Him. Continue in His Word.
What Jesus Says About the Spirit
The Spirit convicts, guides into truth, glorifies Christ. John 16:8-15.
Reflection Questions for Every Chapter
Ask these questions after reading each chapter:
What does this chapter reveal about Jesus — His identity, character, or authority?
What does this chapter reveal about my own need — what am I lacking that Jesus offers?
What command, promise, or warning should I notice and take seriously?
What should I pray after reading this chapter?
John 20:31 KJV
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
Born Again 360™ Insight
This is John's stated purpose. He wrote so that you would believe. Read it in that spirit.