Brief Summary:
The gospel of John includes only seven miracles—John calls them “signs”—to demonstrate the deity of Christ and illustrate His ministry. Some of these miracles and stories, such as the raising of Lazarus, are found only in John. His is the most theological of the four Gospels, and he often gives the reason behind events mentioned in the other gospels. The gospel of John shares much about the approaching ministry of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension. There are certain words or phrases that create a recurring theme in the gospel of John: believe, witness, Comforter, life – death, light – darkness, I am, and love.
The gospel of John introduces Jesus Christ, not from His birth, but from “the beginning,” before creation. John calls Jesus “the Word” (Logos) who, as God Himself, was involved in every aspect of creation (John 1:1–3) and who later became flesh (verse 14) in order that He might take away our sins as the spotless Lamb of God (verse 29). The gospel of John includes several spiritual conversations, such as Jesus’ talk with the Samaritan woman that shows Him as the Messiah (John 4:26) and Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus that explains salvation through His vicarious death on the cross (John 3:14–16). In the gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly angers the Jewish leaders by correcting them (John 2:13–16); healing on the Sabbath, and claiming traits belonging only to God (John 5:18; 8:56–59; 9:6, 16; 10:33).
The last nine chapters of the gospel of John deal with the final week of Jesus’ life. Jesus prepares His disciples for His coming death and for their ministry after His resurrection and ascension (John 14–17). He then willingly dies on the cross in our place (John 10:15–18), paying our sin debt in full (John 19:30) so that whoever trusts in Him will be saved (John 3:14–16). Jesus then rises from the dead, convincing even the most doubting of His disciples that He is God and Master (John 20:24–29).
The Book of John Summary
Summary of the Gospel of John – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Matthew 7:15–23 contains a two-sided warning about false believers. A religious leader may appear respectable and wise, but you must look at the fruit of his life in order to know if he truly represents God. In the same way, it’s possible for a person to claim to follow Jesus, referring to Him as “Lord,” when they are not true believers. Only those who do the will of the Father will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven—which Jesus defines as beginning with true belief (John 6:28–29). Our good works might fool other people, and might even fool ourselves, but they cannot fool God.
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“John 7:15” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 7:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 7:15
15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never been educated?”
Context Summary
John 7:37–52 shows how Jesus’ public ministry challenges the traditional views of Judaism. This causes infighting among both the people and the Jewish leaders themselves. The people hear His words, see His miracles, and begin to wonder if Jesus really is the Promised One. Once again, the religious leaders attempt to arrest Jesus, but the officers are so impressed by His words that they leave Him alone. When Nicodemus, a Pharisee, makes a plea for due process, he is mocked and his suggestion is ignored. Moments such as this will eventually lead the Jewish leaders to extreme measures against Jesus.
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“John 7:38” Bibleref.com
What does John 7:38 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 7:38
8 He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.”
Context Summary
John 7:53—8:11 is one of the most famous stories of the New Testament. However, scholars do not believe it was originally found in this particular place in Scripture. The flow of the gospel of John seems interrupted by the story. Also, in ancient manuscripts, these verses are located in various places. This leads to the consensus that it is a true story, but not part of John’s original narrative of the Festival of Booths in chapters 7 and 8. Jesus’ response to a trap sprung by the Pharisees is masterful. Though He alone has the moral authority to execute the woman for her sin, Jesus instead chooses forgiveness. This highlights a major concept of Christian ethics: just because one has the power to do something does not mean it’s the best option.
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“John 8:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 8:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 8:8-10
8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Context Summary
John 8:12–30 includes the second of Jesus’ seven ”I AM” statements, as recorded in the gospel of John. Jesus’ reference to light was probably playing off of a ritual performed during the Feast of Booths, where lamps would be lit using wicks made from the robes of priests. This continues the dialogue of chapter 7, picking up where John 7:52 left off. The exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees will escalate, in part showing that Jesus was not afraid to directly castigate those who misled the people.
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“John 8:21” Bibleref.com
What does John 8:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 8:21
21 Jesus said therefore again to them, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you can’t come.”
Context Summary
John 8:31–59 is a passage which dovetails with John 2:13–22, where Jesus drives corrupt businessmen from the temple. These Scriptures disprove any myths that Jesus was weak, timid, passive, or soft. In this exchange with the Pharisees, Jesus pulls no punches. Jerusalem’s religious leaders, and their followers, continue to resist Jesus’ preaching. They rely on arrogance and insults, to which Jesus responds with blunt, unfiltered condemnation. This culminates in Jesus making an overt statement of His own divinity, punctuating the debate by declaring ”before Abraham was, I am!”
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“John 8:42” Bibleref.com
What does John 8:42 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 8:42
42 Therefore Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven’t come of myself, but he sent me.
Context Summary
John 9:35–41 shows Jesus meeting with the man He has healed, formerly blind since birth. His healing, and subsequent conversation with the Pharisees, has resulted in the man being excommunicated from his synagogue. Jesus reveals His identity to the man, and explains how this episode summarized His earthly ministry. The Pharisees, once again, prove their spiritual stubbornness, giving Jesus an opportunity to connect greater knowledge with greater responsibility.
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“John 9:38” Bibleref.com
What does John 9:38 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 9:38
38 He said, “Lord, I believe!” and he worshiped him.
Context Summary
John 9:35–41 shows Jesus meeting with the man He has healed, formerly blind since birth. His healing, and subsequent conversation with the Pharisees, has resulted in the man being excommunicated from his synagogue. Jesus reveals His identity to the man, and explains how this episode summarized His earthly ministry. The Pharisees, once again, prove their spiritual stubbornness, giving Jesus an opportunity to connect greater knowledge with greater responsibility.
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“John 9:41” Bibleref.com
What does John 9:41 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 9:41
41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
Context Summary
John 10:1–21 continues directly from Jesus’ encounter with local religious leaders, after giving sight to a man born blind (John 9). Jesus’ references here to shepherds and shepherding are pointed barbs at these hypocritical, self-serving figures. In this section, Jesus actually creates three separate metaphors; these are not meant to be understood as a single analogy. The first comes in verses 1 through 6, the second in verses 7 through 9, and the third in verses 10 through 18. In doing so, Jesus explains how He differs from the corrupt leaders He confronts. He also delivers His third and fourth ”I am” statements, out of seven in this gospel.
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“John 10:9” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:9
9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.
Context Summary
John 10:1–21 continues directly from Jesus’ encounter with local religious leaders, after giving sight to a man born blind (John 9). Jesus’ references here to shepherds and shepherding are pointed barbs at these hypocritical, self-serving figures. In this section, Jesus actually creates three separate metaphors; these are not meant to be understood as a single analogy. The first comes in verses 1 through 6, the second in verses 7 through 9, and the third in verses 10 through 18. In doing so, Jesus explains how He differs from the corrupt leaders He confronts. He also delivers His third and fourth ”I am” statements, out of seven in this gospel.
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“John 10:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:10
10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
Context Summary
John 10:1–21 continues directly from Jesus’ encounter with local religious leaders, after giving sight to a man born blind (John 9). Jesus’ references here to shepherds and shepherding are pointed barbs at these hypocritical, self-serving figures. In this section, Jesus actually creates three separate metaphors; these are not meant to be understood as a single analogy. The first comes in verses 1 through 6, the second in verses 7 through 9, and the third in verses 10 through 18. In doing so, Jesus explains how He differs from the corrupt leaders He confronts. He also delivers His third and fourth ”I am” statements, out of seven in this gospel.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 10:17” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:17
17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, Isaiah 53:7-8 that I may take it again.
Context Summary
John 10:22–42 happens a few months after the controversy described in chapter 9 through the first half of chapter 10. Here, Jesus is cornered, in an overt threat, by the same religious leaders He has been castigating for years. He echoes the metaphors of sheep and shepherd He employed after giving sight to a blind man. Jesus points out that His teachings and miracles are all consistent with predictions of the Messiah, but these men refuse to accept Him. This culminates in another attempt on Jesus’ life, which He somehow avoids. This represents the last time Jesus will publicly teach prior to His crucifixion.
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“John 10:28” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:28 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:28
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
(Read John 10:22-30)
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
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John 10 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
John 10:29
29 My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
Context Summary
John 10:22–42 happens a few months after the controversy described in chapter 9 through the first half of chapter 10. Here, Jesus is cornered, in an overt threat, by the same religious leaders He has been castigating for years. He echoes the metaphors of sheep and shepherd He employed after giving sight to a blind man. Jesus points out that His teachings and miracles are all consistent with predictions of the Messiah, but these men refuse to accept Him. This culminates in another attempt on Jesus’ life, which He somehow avoids. This represents the last time Jesus will
publicly teach prior to His crucifixion.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 10:30” BibleRef.com
What does John 10:30 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:30
30 I and the Father are one.”
Context Summary
John 11:17–27 describes Jesus’ encounter with Martha, Lazarus’ brother. By the time Jesus got word of Lazarus’ illness, His friend had already died, but Jesus delayed a further two days before coming to see the family. Martha is both heartbroken and resigned. She is confident that her brother will see eternal resurrection. Jesus confirms His role in salvation as He comforts her; she responds by affirming Him as the Messiah. This is the fifth of seven ”I Am” statements by Jesus in this gospel. In the following passage, Jesus will meet with Martha and Lazarus’ sister, Mary, expressing His sorrow for their pain.
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“John 11:26” Bibleref.com
What does John 11:26 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 11:26
26 Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Context Summary
John 11:38–44 describes the seventh and final miraculous ”sign” recorded in the gospel of John. This is by far the most spectacular, as Jesus restores life to a man who has been dead for four days. Lazarus’ death is confirmed to the point that his family hesitates to open his tomb, fearing what a putrefying corpse will smell like. For the benefit of the crowd, Jesus prays loudly, then commands Lazarus to arise. Lazarus does so, still wrapped in his burial shrouds. This display of divine power only increases the resolve of Jesus’ enemies to have Him killed as soon as possible.
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“John 11:44” Bibleref.com
What does John 11:44 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 11:44
44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
Context Summary
John 12:1–8 describes a dinner held at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus has recently raised Lazarus from the dead, in a spectacularly public miracle. As a result, the religious leaders of Jerusalem have banded together to have Him killed. In this scene, Mary sacrifices an extremely expensive container of oil in order to anoint Jesus. Judas objects to this, dishonestly claiming that his concern is for the poor which the ointment’s value could have supported. This is similar to an event related in Mark chapter 14, but not the same as the one recorded in Luke chapter 7.
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“John 12:3” Bibleref.com
What does John 12:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 12:3
3 Therefore Mary took a pounda] of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’s feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.
Context Summary
John 12:12–19 describes the triumphal entry: Jesus’ celebratory parade into Jerusalem a few days before Passover. To this point, Jesus has been relatively quiet about His mission, even asking people not to proclaim Him. Now, He fulfills prophecy by riding into the city on a donkey, as people shout ”Hosanna” and throw down coats and palm branches. This affirms the fears of local religious leaders, who worry Jesus’ popularity will attract the anger of the Roman Empire. As it turns out, most of these people misunderstand Jesus’ mission, thinking His plan is to overthrow the Romans to free Israel. This event is also described in Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–10, and Luke 19:28–40.
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“John 12:16” Bibleref.com
What does John 12:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 12:16
16 His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him.
Context Summary
John 12:27–43 represents the end of Jesus’ public ministry in the gospel of John. After being approached by non-Jewish people who believed in God, Jesus seems agitated as He anticipates His impending death. A voice from heaven affirms His mission, but to most people it simply sounds like noise or thunder. What Jesus means as a reference to crucifixion is misinterpreted by many as a prediction that He’ll be exalted: to be ”lifted up.” The people struggle to understand His message, and Jesus will leave them after warning that their time is short. This confirms Old Testament prophecies and reiterates how far some people will go in order to defy evidence of God.
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“John 12:40” Bibleref.com
What does John 12:40 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 12:40
“He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.” Isaiah 6:10
Context Summary
John 13:1–11 begins the ”private” phase of John’s gospel, as Jesus meets with the disciples for a Passover meal. As usual, John skips details covered in other Gospels in order to add his own memories. Jesus performs the task of a lowly servant: washing others’ feet. Jesus reassures everyone that this task will make more sense later. Peter is offended by his master acting like a slave, but Jesus responds that washing is necessary for those who follow Him—and not all of those present are clean. That subtly points to Judas, who has already made plans to betray Jesus. A ”full-body” washing only needs to happen once, while ”foot washing” needs to be done more frequently. This helps explain the difference between once-for-all salvation, and routine confession of sin.
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“John 13:1” Bibleref.com
What does John 13:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 13:1
Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
Context Summary
John 13:1–11 begins the ”private” phase of John’s gospel, as Jesus meets with the disciples for a Passover meal. As usual, John skips details covered in other Gospels in order to add his own memories. Jesus performs the task of a lowly servant: washing others’ feet. Jesus reassures everyone that this task will make more sense later. Peter is offended by his master acting like a slave, but Jesus responds that washing is necessary for those who follow Him—and not all of those present are clean. That subtly points to Judas, who has already made plans to betray Jesus. A ”full-body” washing only needs to happen once, while ”foot washing” needs to be done more frequently. This helps explain the difference between once-for-all salvation, and routine confession of sin.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 13:5” Bibleref.com
What does John 13:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 13:5
5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Context Summary
John 13:31–35 contains one of the most powerful commands given to Christians: that love for others is the defining sign of faith for ”all people,” marking the life of a true believer. Jesus frames this as a new commandment, using His own example as the standard. In giving this charge, Jesus once again predicts His impending death and departure from earth.
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“John 13:34” Bibleref.com
What does John 13:34 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 13:34
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ infamously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
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“John 14:3” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:3-4
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ infamously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 14:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ famously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 14:7” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:7
7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.”
Context Summary
John 14:1–14 continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples at the last supper. He has recently mentioned a traitor in their midst and predicted Peter’s denials. That leads Jesus to reassure these men—reminding them that He has told them the truth and has all things in hand. In this passage, Christ infamously refers to Himself as ”the way, and the truth, and the life.” That is the sixth of seven such ”I Am” statements included in John’s gospel. This section includes Jesus’ words, personal experience, and evidence of His miracles as reasons to maintain trust.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 14:11” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:11 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:11
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
Context Summary
John 14:15–31 contains a prediction about the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to this as the Spirit of Truth, and promises that the Spirit will arrive to help the disciples carry on after Jesus is ascended to heaven. Throughout this section, a person’s love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined. As in prior statements, Jesus is focused on comfort and encouragement. He will continue to highlight the need to maintain faith, based on all He has said and done so far. Later, after advance warnings about what Christians will face, Jesus will return to describing the work and purpose of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant.
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“John 14:23” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:23 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:23
23 Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.
Context Summary
John 14:15–31 contains a prediction about the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to this as the Spirit of Truth, and promises that the Spirit will arrive to help the disciples carry on after Jesus is ascended to heaven. Throughout this section, a person’s love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined. As in prior statements, Jesus is focused on comfort and encouragement. He will continue to highlight the need to maintain faith, based on all He has said and done so far. Later, after advance warnings about what Christians will face, Jesus will return to describing the work and purpose of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 14:26” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:26 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:26
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
Context Summary
John 14:15–31 contains a prediction about the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to this as the Spirit of Truth, and promises that the Spirit will arrive to help the disciples carry on after Jesus is ascended to heaven. Throughout this section, a person’s love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined. As in prior statements, Jesus is focused on comfort and encouragement. He will continue to highlight the need to maintain faith, based on all He has said and done so far. Later, after advance warnings about what Christians will face, Jesus will return to describing the work and purpose of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 14:27” Bibleref.com
What does John 14:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
