John

However, for anyone who has become proud of themselves for their discipline in reading God’s Word or the knowledge they are attaining, John puts a stop to that. From his first words, John takes the focus off the reader and onto the Redeemer. He makes certain that the primary attention is on Jesus—who he is, and how he works in real life.

As mentioned before, each book of the Bible has a purpose for being written and a specific audience in mind. Understanding the intended purpose is important when studying each book. When we examine John’s gospel, it’s helpful to know the purposes and targeted audiences of the other three gospels as contrasted with John’s account. 

We began with a vision of God and concluded with a vision of the eternal future for all those who follow him. In between the vision of God and the vision for the future, we have witnessed this truth: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Prov. 21:1). God is sovereign over all. He controls all things, and every action he takes has purpose and direction. As it is with kings and countries, so it is with our lives.

When the spotlight shines on you…will you use it to promote yourself, or will you use it to point others to Christ? Two options, but only one right answer.

He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

God was with John as he grew and “became strong in spirit.”

They knew that this child was destined for a special assignment, “for the Lord’s hand was with him.”

It started with the manger—Jesus a helpless baby. It moved to the cross—Jesus a sacrificial Lamb. But on that final day, He will come to judge with justice.

God was with John as he grew and “became strong in spirit.”