The Gospel of JohnSample

When we open our Bibles to read, we’re never alone. The Holy Spirit is here to helps us, to make the Word of God alive, stir our hearts, transform us and redirect our lives, all for the glory of Christ (John 16:14).

Here are some guidelines to help reading the Bible:

SOAP:

• Scripture
• Observation
• Application
• Prayer

Scripture: Read the text until you can say what it says in your own words.

Observation: Ask questions to help you see more in the text (start with the background to get into the world of the original readers):

1. Who wrote this?
2. When and why did they write this?
3. What is the main aim/theme of the book (letter, story)?
4. What is the genre (is it a story, poetry, wisdom, apocalyptic) and how does it influence the reading of the text?
5. What are the main arguments, themes or images used? (Hint look at the verbs in the passage.)
6. How does it relate to the next book or letter? (Bigger context.)

Application: Ask the questions:

• What does this passage mean in my life today?
• How do I respond? 
• How do I apply Scripture in my life now?

Prayer: Meditate on the Scripture you read, pray and reflect. Worship the Lord and ask Him to reveal His truth to you. 

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Before starting the devotional on the Gospel of John, take some time to do a study on the historical context of the Gospel of John, the themes and characteristics, the aim and purpose of the book. Journal it down and then begin by reading the prologue and starting the devotional. 

John’s first three verses, those words — “word of God”— bring us to the first words of John’s Gospel. John 1:1–3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”

Read the scripture and then answer the following questions.

Reflective questions:   

• How is Jesus described?
• Why do you think John begins his gospel with this description of Jesus?
• Where does this description of Jesus evoke in you wonder, worship, or thanksgiving? 

Ask God to show you Himself more clearly through this study of John.