The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a YearSample

Week 50. Day 1. John 1-4.

Introduction to John

Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke which have a similar approach (hence called the ‘synoptic’ or ‘seen together’ gospels), John feels quite different. There is much less focus on the kingdom of God, and instead John’s gospel speaks of eternal life. In the synoptics Jesus is presented primarily as the Messiah/Christ (king in David’s line) whereas John spotlights Jesus’s divinity, in particular him being the Son of the Father. John also spends far more time discussing passion week: the week of Jesus’ death.

John tells us his purpose in writing in John 20:30-31:

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (NIV)

So as you read, look for what John says about

• the identity of Jesus (shown by the signs)
• what it means to believe in him
• what 'life' in him looks like

John 1-4

John 1:1-18 Prologue

Matthew and Luke begin with genealogies and Jesus in the manger. Where does John begin?

Which Old Testament passages might be being echoed?

How is Jesus presented in the prologue?

John 1:10-12:50 The book of signs

As you read Ch 1-4, as well as looking out for the features noted above, here are a few moments where you may wish to remind yourself of some Old Testament context:

1:29-34 Remember the Passover lamb (Ex 12)

2:1-12 Remember the prophecies in Isaiah 25:6-8, Joel 3:18, Amos 9:13.

3:1-14 Remember Ezek 36:25-27 (water and Spirit).

NOTE: Days 1-5 of each week contain the scripture reading for that week. Day 6 has just the 'key chapters'. If you want a briefer version of this plan that still takes you through the whole Bible, you could just read the key chapters featured on day 6. Day 7 has the podcast video where we discuss the week's reading.