This simple "gold standard" should be taught in every SS program in the nation. It's simplicity is stunning. It is also very deceptive in that simplicity. Weighty thinking underlays and undergirds this handy, wonderful and profound volume. Again, it is simple. But, it is profound too.
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JOHN: THE WORD OF LIFE
1. The True Light—John 1.1-34, pages 11-16.
The true Light came into the world, shines in the darkness, and became flesh. John the Baptist is the voice preparing the way of the “LORD,” the “Word.” The “Word” made flesh stands in their midst. “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world” exclaims the Baptizer.
The “Word,” or eternal Son of God…or, as Episcopalians confess, “true God from true God, Light from light, begotten not made" (Nicene Creed)…made the world and had always been the Light of the world. The Word was with Adam in the “covenant of favor.” Adam violated the Word of God. But, the Word “shined” in Adam’s darkness and shined in the covenant of grace through the Old Testament ages. Now, His Majesty was made flesh and was in their midst. Even in the darkest periods, e.g. Babel, the wilderness wanderings, Judges, or the Exile, the “Light” shon in the darkness and the darkness never overcame the “Light of the world” (John 8.12), the everlasting “I AM.”
The Word made flesh. The Word became the Second Adam and Headman of the new covenant community, making atonement for them. He lived quietly in Nazareth as the Co-Creator of the heavens and earth and the nation to which He was born. Some would believe and receive Him while others would not. “Revelation” and knowledge of Him by faith was mediated by and through the shining “Light of the world.” John the Baptist claims “He’s in our midst…there He is…The Lamb that taketh away the sins of the world…”
2. Confessors—John 1.35-52, pages 17-21
By the “Light of the world” and by the means of His divine calling, others join Him, follow Him, believe and “confess” their faith. Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathaniel are illumined. When Jesus notes that He saw Nathaniel standing under a fig tree when Philip extended the apostolic call, he exclaimed, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God…the King of Israel.”
3. Life’s Renewer—John 2.1-12, pages 22-24
Christ reveals Himself as life’s renewer. Communion with Christ comes from Christ Himself. Christ shows up at a marriage feast in Cana. Mary, perhaps a widow at this point, prevails on her Son to work. The Hour of the Father has arrived for the “Light” to reflect His divine glory. Many guests were on hand. The embarrassed master of ceremonies runs short on wine. A rather minor matter for the “Co-Creator” of the heavens and earth—turning water into wine—His Majesty reveals His glory, Person, and abilities. His disciples believe. This small wedding event is a foretaste of far greater things at the final “Wedding Banquet.”
4. The Kingdom as Revelation—John 3.1-21, pages 25-29
The kingdom of God is hidden to the dead and darkened, then, like now. Revelation of the kingdom comes by the new birth or regeneration, birth from above and a second birth, then, like now. Many still believed in justification by deeds, merits and achievements. [Think Trent and Tractoes.] Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night claiming Jesus was a “teacher sent by God.” But, being rebuffed, Nicodemus is told that new birth is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. Only God can disclose it and cause it. It comes not by boasting and works, but by sovereign regeneration, not by the will of man, but the will of God (Jn. 1.12, inter alia). Only the Mediator and “Light of the world” discloses the kingdom of God.
5. The Bridegroom—John 3.22-36, pages 30-32
The Bridegroom receives the Bride from His friend (John the Baptist). John the Baptist had been baptizing. He and his disciples had been pointing to the coming King. But, Jesus began baptizing too and His followers were growing. Envy ensued amongst the penitential followers of the Baptist. The center of gravity was shifting from the Baptist’s ministry to Jesus's ministry. A hand-off of focus was at hand. The center of gravity was shifting. John the Baptist welcomed the shift of focus. John the Baptist served as the Bridegroom’s friend who delivers the Bride to the Bridegroom. He must increase and I must decrease; He who comes after me is above me and before me. As such, the Baptist’s disciples are recalibrated and given the new focus.
6. The Gift of God—John 4.1-42, pages 33-38
Living water is oxygenated, fresh and life-giving. [Think U.S. Marine in desert, 120 degree weather, blasting sun by day, hot winds making it worse, and war ops, efforts, fatigue and heavy thirst...where's the water?] The “Word” made flesh, the “Lamb of God,” the “Co-creator,” the “Light” of the world, is also the “Everlasting and Living Water.” Jesus engages the Samaritan woman. She attempts to get by on Him, but He reveals, teaches and discloses Himself to her. Christ is the Gift of the God to the nations, not just to covenantal Israel, but now to the Samaritans. It is I. Others joins the kingdom of God, including Samaritans.
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