Walking in His Truth: A 5-Day Journey Through God's StorySample

Day 4: The Son of God (in John)

King Jesus in Matthew is Servant Jesus in Mark, Savior Jesus in Luke, and Son of God in John. Of course, He is presented as all of them in each gospel, but these receive focused attention in each of these gospels respectively.

John was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He lived a long life and wrote other letters as well as the book of Revelation. In this gospel, John writes to non-Jews when he is an old man, sometime in the AD 80s–90s. Readers are encouraged to believe, as the key verse makes clear:

“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” (John 20:31 NIV).

John wants his readers to understand that belief or faith in Jesus is what God desires. Only belief in Jesus grants you eternal life.

John uses the number seven to make his case; it represents completion (as in creation). He presents seven signs that reveal Jesus’ deity and ability—Jesus turns water to wine, heals the official’s son, heals a lame man, feeds the five thousand, walks on water, heals a blind man, and raises Lazarus from the dead. Jesus can transform creation and even deal with death.

John also presents seven “I AM” statements from Jesus’ mouth as personal confessions that He is God (the term Yahweh means “I AM”): IAM the Bread of Life (6:35); the Light of the World (8:12); the Gate for the sheep (10:7–10); the Good Shepherd (10:11); the resurrection (11:25); the way, the truth, and the life (14:6); and the true Vine (15:1).

And John also presents seven key witnesses or confessions to Jesus’ deity—John the Baptist, Nathaniel, Peter, Jesus, Martha, Thomas, and John.

At its essence, the Gospel of John helps doubters believe. If you have doubts, read John. Throughout history, many theologians, scholars, and others have pointed those who are curious about God and His plan to begin in the book of John.

Ultimately, God the Father is revealed in His Son, Jesus, in grace and truth. Belief in Him grants eternal life.

Reflect: John focuses on belief in Jesus as the Son of God, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him. Do you truly accept and trust who Jesus says He is? If not, what’s holding you back, and how can you explore those doubts?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Your Son came into our midst to make You known to us, to bring us salvation, and to bridge the chasm between You and me. Amen.