The Gospel of John
The Fourth Gospel — A Four-Lesson Study
The Fourth Gospel
This is a four-lesson course intended for a short series or special class for an adult formation or Sunday school class for adults. The leader's guide is presented here as four PDF files to be downloaded and used for leading the adult education class.
Class members should be encouraged to read the Gospel starting after the first class. In presenting this class the subject matter was reviewed during the course period rather than handing out copies of the guide. With any luck, the presentation will spark a discussion in the class on points that they find of interest.
Generally, it is better to allow the members to discuss the materials rather than try to cover all the topics for the day. After all, if something important is missed you can start with that the following week.
About the Gospel of John
The Fourth Gospel
The Gospel of John is known as the Fourth Gospel. Unlike the three Synoptic Gospels — Matthew, Mark, and Luke — John uses a different timeline and stands alone in its theological depth and literary style.
Not a Synoptic Gospel
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they 'view together' the events of Jesus' life. John's Gospel approaches the life and ministry of Jesus from a distinctly different perspective, emphasizing the divine nature of Christ from the very opening verse.
The Prologue
'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' John opens not with a birth narrative or the ministry of John the Baptist, but with a profound theological statement about the eternal nature of Christ as the Logos — the Word of God.
The 'I Am' Sayings
John's Gospel contains the seven great 'I Am' sayings of Jesus — the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way the Truth and the Life, and the True Vine — each a window into the identity of Christ.
Four Lessons
Each lesson is available as a downloadable PDF for class leaders and self-study.
Lesson One
An introduction to the Gospel of John — its distinctive character as the Fourth Gospel, its theological prologue, and how it differs from the Synoptic tradition. The stained glass from the Abbey Church at Subiaco provides a visual entry point into the world of John.
Lesson Two
A deeper engagement with the text of John — the signs, the discourses, and the 'I Am' sayings that distinguish this Gospel. The relationship between Jesus and the Father, and the meaning of eternal life as John presents it.
Lesson Three
The Farewell Discourse and the High Priestly Prayer — John chapters 14–17 — in which Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. The promise of the Paraclete (the Holy Spirit), the commandment to love one another, and the unity of the Church.
Lesson Four
The Passion, Death, and Resurrection in John — told with distinctive details not found in the Synoptics. The appearance to Mary Magdalene in the garden. Thomas and the wounds of the Risen Christ. The restoration of Peter. 'These are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.'