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Written by Sparky Pritchard Thursday, 11 March 2010 22:49

The Gospel of John is beautiful in its profound simplicity.  Jesus’ words in John 16:28 – “I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father” – can be used to understand what John has done.  In chapters 1-10, we see Jesus who “came from the Father.” The stories and signs John chooses expose us to the Son of God revealing the Father through His works and words.  In chapters 11-21, we see Jesus “returning to the Father.” The events and signs John records show the Son of God glorifying the Father through the cross and tomb.

As we approach the Easter season, examine the flow of John 11-20.  These chapters are “framed” by two resurrections – Lazarus (11) and Jesus (20).  The thread running throughout is the glory of God as His plan from all eternity is fulfilled in the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.  And we could summarize this section with the statement, “Jesus’ death brings life.”  Examine what happens chapter by chapter as Passion Week approaches and unfolds before us.

In John 11 Lazarus is raised from the dead.  It is a demonstration of the glory of God (11:4) and anticipates the greater glory of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Here Jesus tells us point blank that he is “the resurrection and the life.”

John 12 relates an incident that prepares Jesus for his “burial” (12:7) as Mary breaks and pours a vial of ointment on the feet of Jesus.  Jesus also announces “the hour has come” for him to be glorified (12:23) and to glorify the Father (12:28).  Furthermore, He mentions that He will be lifted up (12:32-33).

In the Upper Room, Jesus washes His disciples feet (13:1-20) and speaks of the betrayer among them.  His challenge is that as He departs they would love one another (13:34-35).

Chapters 14 through 16 continue what is called the Upper Room Discourse as Jesus seeks to prepare them for His death and departure.  But He will send His Holy Spirit to be with them (14) … and work in them to produce abiding fruit (15) … and that they would also experience joy and peace (16).

In John 17 we listen in on the prayer of Jesus for His Father to be glorified and for His followers to be unified – “that they may all be one” (17:21).  And chapter 18 takes us to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is betrayed arrested and put on trial.

The shadows of sorrow and death hover over John 19 as Jesus is condemned, beaten, and crucified.  And out of the darkness we hear the cry, “It is finished!” (19:30).  The penalty for sin has been “paid in full.”

This section of John concludes on that glorious morning of the third day as the sun rises to reveal an empty tomb (20:1-9).  One by one … Jesus’ followers “see and believe” (cf. 20:8, 18, 20, 27).

And John writes, “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (20:31).  Do you have life?  Do you believe?