Gospel of John facts for kids
The Gospel of John is an important book in the Bible. It is one of four "gospels" found at the beginning of the New Testament. These four gospels tell us about the life of Jesus. The Gospel of John is the fourth book in the New Testament, coming after the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
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Many people believe that John the Apostle wrote this Gospel. He was one of Jesus's Twelve Apostles and is often called "the disciple whom Jesus loved." John lived a very long life. He also wrote the Book of Revelation, which is the last book in the New Testament.
Contents
Understanding the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John shares many stories about Jesus's life that are also in the other gospels. However, it also includes many unique details and teachings.
Jesus as "The Word"
The Gospel of John starts by calling Jesus "the Word." This means Jesus is like God's perfect message or communication to the world. It says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." This part shows that Jesus was part of God. He came to live among people so they could understand God better and become "children of God."
Why the Gospel Was Written
The main reason this Gospel was written is so that readers "may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31). It wants to help people understand who Jesus is and what he did.
Special Parts of the Gospel
The book has a special way it is put together. It includes:
- Seven "Signs": These are amazing miracles Jesus performed. One important sign is when Jesus brought Lazarus back to life. This event hints at Jesus's own resurrection.
- Seven "I Am" Sayings: Jesus uses the phrase "I am" to describe himself in different ways. For example, he says, "I am the bread of life" or "I am the light of the world." These sayings help explain who Jesus is.
Influence in Popular Culture
The Gospel of John has had a big impact on many parts of our culture.
The Phrase "Born Again"
The phrase "born again" comes from the third chapter of John's Gospel. It means having a big, life-changing spiritual experience. This phrase became well-known partly because of Chuck Colson. He was a lawyer for President Nixon. After spending time in jail, he changed his life and became a prison reformer.
John 3:16
Chapter 3, verse 16, is one of the most famous verses in the entire New Testament. It says: "For God loved the world so much that He gave his only son (Jesus), so that whoever believed in Him, would not die but live forever." This verse became very popular online after Tim Tebow, a famous American football player, wrote "Jn 3:16" on his face during an important game.
Related pages
Images for kids
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John 18:31–33 on Papyrus 52 (recto; c. AD 150).
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Jesus giving the Farewell Discourse to his 11 remaining disciples, from the Maestà of Duccio, 1308–1311
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The Rylands Papyrus is the oldest known New Testament fragment, dated to about 125.
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Bede translating the Gospel of John on his deathbed, by James Doyle Penrose, 1902
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See also
In Spanish: Evangelio de Juan para niños
