Sunday 03:11:12

Each of the four Gospels is unique. Matthew is written from a perspective that proves Jesus is the Messiah. Mark is written from a brief, action-packed perspective, showing that Jesus is the Servant-Savior. Luke is written from a historical perspective, very detailed, and focused on Jesus’ humanity. More than 90% of John’s gospel isn’t mentioned in the other gospels. There is no genealogy, no record of Jesus’ birth, transfiguration, temptation. There is no record of the appointment of the apostles. There is no account of Jesus’ parables, no ascension. But what John recorded for us is a profound unfolding of Jesus’ divinity, even from the first verse. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Just in the first chapter, Jesus is described by six names. • The Word – (1:1, 14) • The Light – (1:5, 9) • The One and Only – (1:14) • The Lamb of God – (1:29) • The Son of God – (1:34) • The King of Israel – (1:49) There are only eight recorded miracles in John, six of them unique to the gospel. Each one is recorded to demonstrate an aspect of Jesus deity or authority. Jesus’ true identity is described by the titles he is given, specifically by who he said he is. • I am the bread of life (6:35) • I am the light of the world (8:12; 9:5) • I am the gate (10:7) • I am the good shepherd (10:11, 14) • I am the resurrection and the life (11:25) • I am the way, the truth, and the life (14:6) • I am the true vine (15:1) • I am (8:58) John 8:48-59 v. 48 – “Samaritan” may be saying he was no better than a Samaritan because they thought he was lax in following the law. Or they may have been suggesting that his father was Samaritan. “Demon possessed” trying to discredit him? V. 49 “I honor my Father” Jesus, over and again in John says, I only do what I see my Father doing. I only say what my Father has given me. I only judge and give life because my Father has given me that authority. Always honoring, glorifying his Father. v. 50 “There is one who seeks my glory” the Father glorifies the Son, specifically through the resurrection. v. 51 “if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” over and over John records Jesus as eternal. He is the life. But not only is he life, but he shares his life with men who will believe in him. v. 52-53 “[they’re] all dead” “who do you think you are?” v. 54 “my Father glorifies me” v. 55 “I know him and keep his word” Jesus is the only One who truly knows God and truly kept his word. v. 56 “Abraham rejoiced at my day.” God told Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed (Gen 12:1-7; 15:1-21). Abraham saw this through the eyes of faith. Jesus, a descendant of Abraham blessed all nations through his life, death, resurrection, and offer of salvation. v. 57 “You have seen Abraham?” v. 58 “Before Abraham was born, I am” Jesus emphatically declared the same thing God had said about himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Jesus expressed the eternity of his being and his oneness with the Father. “I am eternal.” “I am one with the Father.” All the gospel writers had a difficult task. How do you capture the life, death, resurrection of Jesus? How do you write about his authority, his glory, his teaching? John 20:30-31 Imagine trying to describe the majesty, glory, and humanity of Jesus. How would you do it? What would you say? How has Jesus revealed to you that he is “I am.”