NIV LIVE: 30 Day Audio Bible ChallengeSample

Chapter 1

The book of John starts with the words “In the beginning” the same as Genesis. In the first verses of John, Jesus is referred to as “the Word”, John says that Jesus was with God and that Jesus was God. He says that all things were created through Jesus. John continues on to tell us of John the Baptist, and how he came to show us the way to Jesus. Also in the early parts of this chapter, we get a promise. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…” Continuing on in the chapter, we are told that Jesus came into the flesh. We are again told that John was sent to pave the way for Jesus. We are told that John sees the spirit of God descending on Jesus like a dove. Later, Jesus passes by and two of Johns’ disciples go and instead follow Jesus. The chapter ends with Jesus collecting quite a few early disciples.

Chapter 2

Jesus performs his first miracle of the book in this chapter. Having been invited to a wedding in which they had run out of wine, and having been encouraged by his mother. Jesus miraculously changes water into high quality wine. Later on in the chapter Jesus goes to Jerusalem for Passover. When he enters the temple and sees the people buying and selling inside. He makes a whip and clears their businesses form the temple. Seeing this, the disciples remember a verse from the Old Testament “Zeal For Your House Will Consume Me.” The Jews in the temple then ask for a sign of Jesus’ authority to do this. He responds by telling them that he can rebuild the temple in three days. It is revealed that the disciples remembered this after his death and resurrection and this was part of why they believed.

Chapter 3

Jesus meets a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus. Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Nicodemus does not understand. Jesus explains by saying that one must be born of water and the Holy Spirit in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Still no understanding, Nicodemus has Jesus explain further. Jesus continues by telling the Pharisee that the Messiah must be lifted up just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert. Jesus tells of God’s immense love for mankind and tells that he sent his only son as a sacrifice so that men might be saved from their sins. Jesus explains to Nicodemus that anyone who believes in the Son of God is not condemned.

Chapter 4

Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. He tells her of wells of living water that Jesus will give upon asking. Jesus also reveals to the woman that she does not have a husband and that she has been divorced five times. She is amazed that he accurately tells her the history of her life. She goes back into the town and tells them about Jesus. They are amazed and many believe because of her. He stays for two days and many more believe because of what he said. Later on, Jesus is approached by an official who asks him to heal his son. Jesus does so.