How to Read the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is the best place to start reading the Bible, written so that you would come to know and believe in Jesus. Here's how to read it well.

John wrote his Gospel with a clear purpose: that you might believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in His name. It's warm, deep, and accessible, the doorway most people should walk through first.

Start at the beginning

John 1 opens with the eternal Word who became flesh. Read it slowly; it frames everything that follows.

Watch the 'I am' sayings

Jesus says 'I am the bread of life,' 'the light of the world,' 'the way, the truth, and the life.' Each reveals who He is.

Notice the seven signs

John records seven miracles he calls 'signs', each one points beyond itself to Jesus' identity.

Linger over chapters 13-17

Jesus' last words to His friends, including His prayer for you. Some of the most tender passages in the Bible.

Read it toward belief

John's goal is faith. Read asking, 'Who is this Jesus, and will I trust Him?'

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

John 20:31 · King James Version (public domain)

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