“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31
The gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that we would believe and live. The gospel clearly proclaims Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God lovingly sent by the Father to save those who believe. Jesus is God in flesh, the lamb of God, the bread of life, and the light of the world. In Him, there is hope beyond death because He is the resurrection and the life. By believing in Him, we have life in His name. Therefore, believe and live!
this week: John 1:1-18
Download this week’s Workout below.
Watch this week’s episode of the Ponder Pod to help you in your study of the Word.
Sunday:
Prepare to Gather & Sermon Notes
Archives:
Recent Messages & Workouts
study resources
Click the headings below to open resources within each category.
Reading Plans
Choose a reading plan. Commit to reading God’s Word every day. Download an option below, or create your own.
Principles for Choosing a Reading Plan:
- Have a plan. Be proactive, not reactive. Be purposed to be in God’s Word every day.
- Prioritize the whole counsel of God’s Word, not just what you are most familiar with.
- Prioritize God’s Word in its context, reading through whole books of the Bible rather than flipping to something different each day.
If you aren’t sure where to start, choose one of our two options above (Old Testament reading + John study, or New Testament reading + John study). Or, visit this website to create your own plan.
As an additional reading tool, use an Audio Bible. Click on the speaker icon on most Bible websites or apps to listen to the Bible read out loud. Read along with it, or listen while you drive!
Getting Started
ESV Study Bible: A study Bible provides helpful overview information with details on timeline, authorship, and themes. It also provides notes that can be helpful to answer quick questions that come up as you read.
Use a commentary to help you think more deeply about Scripture. Remember that commentaries are not infallible and should not replace your personal study of the Word. The following recommendations increase from most accessible to more scholarly:
- John – The Gospel Coalition (free online)
- Christ-Centered Exposition
- The Gospel According to John, D.A. Carson
Intro & Overview Resources
Introduction and Overview
- Watch: The Gospel of John – Youtube
- A full-length movie of the narrative of John’s gospel, where the only dialogue is the biblical text.
- Read: Bible Introductions – John – John MacArthur article
- Read: Introduction to John – ESV Study Bible article
- Read: The Gospel in John – Crossway article
Commentaries and Study Guides
- John – The Gospel Coalition (free online)
- Christ-Centered Exposition (accessible)
- The Gospel According to John (scholarly- D.A. Carson)
- Knowing the Bible: John (12 week study guide- The Gospel Coalition)
For Deeper Study
- Read: Signs of the Messiah – Kostenberger book
- Read: In the Beginning Was the Word – Hamilton book
- Watch: Look at the Book: John – Desiring God video collection
Spotify
- Listen: John – Album by Streetlights – Spotify album
- Listen: John – Scripture songs – Spotify playlist
- Listen to Scripture songs by various artists with your kids, as background music while you work, or to help you memorize God’s Word.
Chapters 1-4
John 1:1-18
Big Truth: Jesus is the revelation of God, the Word made flesh.
- Read: The Doctrine of Christ (John 1:1-18) – Sinclair Ferguson article
- Listen: Pictures of Jesus: The Word of God (John 1:1–18) – D.A. Carson podcast
- Read: What Did John Mean When He Called Jesus the “Word”? (John 1:1-5, 14) – James Hamilton article
- Watch: God Lived Among Us (John 1:14, pt 1) – Look at the Book
- Watch: Glory Full of Grace and Truth (John 1:14, pt 2) – Look at the Book
- Listen: God’s Final Message (John 1) – John Piper sermons
John 1:19-51
Big Truth: Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
- Listen: God’s Final Message (John 1) – John Piper sermons
- Read: Seeing the Way of Salvation (John 1:47-51) – Ligonier devotional
John 2:1-25
Big Truth: Jesus is the revelation of God, the Temple made flesh.
- Listen: Now That’s Better (John 2:1-11) – Sinclair Ferguson podcast
- Listen: Pictures of Jesus: The Temple of God (John 2:13–25) – D.A. Carson podcast
- Read: Jesus Cleanses the Temple (John 2:13-17) – Ligonier devotional
- Read: The Temple of Jesus’ Body (John 2:18-22) – Ligonier devotional
John 3:1-36
Big Truth: Whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life, whoever does not believe is under God’s wrath.
- Listen: Pictures of Jesus: The Gift of God (John 3:1–21) – D.A. Carson podcast
- Listen: Why Is Jesus Called “Son of Man”? – John Piper interview
- Read: Nicodemus: Incredulity, Indecision, and Identity – The Gospel Coalition article
- Read: Look and Live: Christ as the True Bronze Serpent – Joel Beeke article
- Watch: Look at the Book – John 3:16 – Desiring God
John 4:1-42
Big Truth: Whoever worships God must worship in spirit and in truth; Jesus is the Christ.
- Read: How Can We Worship in Spirit and in Truth? (John 4:24) – Crossway article
- Read: Jesus Christ, Anointed One (John 4:25-26) – R.C. Sproul article
- Read: Worship Isn’t About You: What I Learned After Years of Leading – Bob Kauflin article
Keep Scripture in front of you throughout the day by downloading these wallpapers from the book of John! View Wallpaper.