John

The Gospel opens with the cosmic prologue: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. John the Baptist testifies about the light, and the first disciples—Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael—begin following Jesus.

Jesus performs His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine. He then cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, declaring it His Father's house. When challenged for a sign, He prophesies His own death and resurrection—destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.

Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. This chapter contains the most famous verse in the Bible: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, offering her living water that becomes a spring of eternal life. She becomes an evangelist to her entire village. Jesus also heals an official's son from a distance, demonstrating that faith transcends physical proximity.

Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. The religious leaders persecute Him, and Jesus makes stunning claims about His relationship with the Father, declaring that the Son gives life to whom He wills.

Jesus feeds five thousand and walks on water. He declares Himself the bread of life—whoever comes to Him will never hunger, and whoever believes will never thirst. Many disciples leave after His hard teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, but Peter affirms there is no one else to follow.

Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, teaching in the temple while the people are divided about His identity. Some believe, others want Him arrested. On the last day of the feast, Jesus stands and cries out that anyone who is thirsty should come to Him and drink.

Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery, telling her accusers that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone. He declares Himself the light of the world and teaches about spiritual freedom: you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. He makes the explosive claim: before Abraham was, I AM.

Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating that He is the light of the world. The Pharisees investigate and expel the man for testifying about Jesus. The healed man's growing faith contrasts with the willful blindness of the religious leaders.

Jesus declares Himself the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He teaches that His sheep know His voice and that He gives them eternal life—no one can snatch them from His hand. He proclaims that He and the Father are one.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, demonstrating His power over death. He declares: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live. This miracle becomes the catalyst for the plot to kill Jesus.

Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume. Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, and Greeks seek to see Him. He speaks of His death as a grain of wheat falling to the ground, promising that if He is lifted up He will draw all people to Himself. Despite His signs, many still do not believe.

At the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples' feet as an act of radical humility and servanthood. He predicts Judas' betrayal and gives the new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Jesus comforts His disciples, promising to prepare a place for them. He declares: I am the way, the truth, and the life—no one comes to the Father except through me. He promises the Holy Spirit as the Helper, and offers His peace: not as the world gives do I give to you.

Jesus teaches the allegory of the vine and branches—apart from Him, we can do nothing. He calls His followers friends and commands them to love one another, declaring that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for friends. He warns them the world will hate them as it hated Him.

Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth, convict the world of sin, and glorify Christ. He assures them that their grief will turn to joy, like a woman in labor. He declares: In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.

Jesus prays His high priestly prayer for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. He prays for unity among believers, that they may be one as He and the Father are one. He asks the Father to protect them and sanctify them in truth.

Jesus is arrested in the garden after Judas' betrayal. Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus is questioned by Annas and Caiaphas, then brought before Pilate. Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. Jesus tells Pilate His kingdom is not of this world.

Pilate has Jesus flogged, mocked, and presented to the crowd. Despite finding no guilt, he hands Jesus over. Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha and is crucified. He entrusts His mother to John, declares it is finished, and gives up His spirit. His side is pierced, and He is buried in a new tomb.

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb. The risen Jesus appears to her, then to the disciples behind locked doors, breathing on them and commissioning them. Thomas, who was absent, doubts until Jesus appears again and invites him to touch His wounds. Thomas confesses: My Lord and my God!

The risen Jesus appears at the Sea of Tiberias and orchestrates another miraculous catch of fish. He restores Peter with three questions—do you love me?—commissioning him to feed His sheep. Jesus hints at Peter's martyrdom and the beloved disciple's future. John closes noting Jesus did many other things not recorded.