Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         The Gospel of John, last written of the four Gospels in around 90 CE. The “Prologue”, chapter 1 to verse 18, is considered one the most important statements ever penned.

2.         The Word, the Logos, becomes flesh in our world, actually “dwells” among us. This revelation is directed by John to a Gentile audience, indeed, the very “Jewish” Gospel is translated to be understood by the Graeco-Roman mindset.

3.         The first portion of the Gospel is built around seven “I am” sayings: I am the Bread of life, I am the light of the world, Before Abraham was, I am, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way, the truth, and the life, and I am the true vine.

4.         There are approximately 12 miracles, or signs and wonders, mentioned in the Gospel, maybe more. (When looking at all the Gospels, Jesus did many hundreds of miracles.) One of these is a resurrection account, that of Lazarus. There are no stories of Jesus casting out demons in this Gospel.

5.         Jesus tells a Jewish statesman about the “new birth” and that one had to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, which required the working of the Holy Spirit, meaning humans were incapable of doing it.

6.         Jesus speaks of an enemy that comes to “steal and kill and destroy,” but He has come to give life, even abundant life.

7.         In the second portion of the Gospel, starting with chapter 12, Jesus is moving toward the cross. He spends much time with the Twelve preparing them for what is coming.

8.         Then there is the account of the betrayal, arrest, conviction, crucifixion, and resurrection.

9.         During forty days following His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and on a number of occasions. There is no mention of Jesus’ ascension.

10.       The last incredible chapter of the Gospel has Jesus encouraging Peter, after his denials, and setting straight misinformation about the beloved disciple, whom all agree is John, son of Zebedee.