Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today we venture into the Gospel of John. This book of John summary by chapter offers a quick glance through the book in the Bible.
It is a book that showcases the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. John, the beloved disciple, pens this Gospel with a heart full of adoration, and through his words, we experience the depths of Jesus’ love and His gift of eternal life.
(Also Read: The Book of Luke Summary by Chapter)
Table of Contents
The Book of John Summary by Chapter
Chapter 1 – The Word Became Flesh
In Chapter 1, John begins with a majestic prologue, declaring Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God. He is the light that shines in the darkness.
John the Baptist testifies about Him. Jesus calls His first disciples, and Nathanael acknowledges Him as the Son of God.
Chapter 2 – The Wedding at Cana and Clearing the Temple
In Chapter 2, Jesus performs His first miracle at a wedding in Cana by turning water into wine, revealing His glory.
He goes to Jerusalem and drives out merchants from the temple, referring to His body as the temple that will be raised in three days.
Chapter 3 – Jesus and Nicodemus
In Chapter 3, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, visits Jesus at night. Jesus tells him about the necessity of being born again to see the Kingdom of God.
John the Baptist testifies about Jesus again. The famous verse, John 3:16, declares God’s love through Jesus.
Chapter 4 – The Samaritan Woman
In Chapter 4, Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at a well, revealing Himself as the living water and the Messiah. Many Samaritans believe in Him.
Jesus heals an official’s son from a distance, displaying His power over life.
Chapter 5 – Healing at the Pool and Equality with God
Chapter 5 has Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, leading to conflict with the Jewish leaders.
Jesus declares His unity with the Father and His authority in giving life and judgment.
Chapter 6 – Feeding the Five Thousand and Walking on Water
In Chapter 6, Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish. He walks on water and calms His disciples.
He teaches about being the Bread of Life, which causes many to turn away. Peter confesses Jesus as the Holy One of God.
Chapter 7 – Jesus Teaches at the Feast
In Chapter 7, Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. There’s division among the crowd regarding who He is.
He teaches in the temple and promises the Holy Spirit to those who believe.
Chapter 8 – The Woman Caught in Adultery and Jesus, the Light of the World
Chapter 8 presents Jesus saving a woman caught in adultery. He declares Himself as the Light of the World and the Son who sets people free.
The Pharisees challenge Him, and He reveals His pre-existence before Abraham.
Chapter 9 – Healing of the Man Born Blind
In Chapter 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, causing a stir among the Jewish leaders.
The man testifies about Jesus, and Jesus speaks about spiritual blindness.
Chapter 10 – The Good Shepherd
In Chapter 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of the Good Shepherd, declaring that He is the gate for the sheep and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He makes a distinction between a hired hand who flees when danger comes and Himself, who protects and knows His sheep intimately.
There’s division among the Jews about His words. Some say He is demon-possessed, while others are amazed by His teaching. Jesus continues to assert His unity with the Father, which ultimately leads the Jews to attempt to seize Him, but He eludes their grasp.
Chapter 11 – The Raising of Lazarus
In Chapter 11, Lazarus falls ill and dies. Jesus waits two days before going to Bethany. Upon arrival, Jesus comforts Martha and Mary and raises Lazarus from the dead, revealing His power over death.
Many believe, but some report to the Pharisees, and a plot to kill Jesus intensifies.
Chapter 12 – Jesus Anointed and His Triumphal Entry
Chapter 12 begins with Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume. Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly as crowds hail Him as King.
Jesus predicts His death and glorification. Some Greeks seek Jesus, and His voice is heard from heaven.
Chapter 13 – The Last Supper and Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
In Chapter 13, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, setting an example of service and humility. He predicts His betrayal by Judas.
Jesus gives a new command to love one another and foretells Peter’s denial.
Chapter 14 – Jesus, the Way to the Father
In Chapter 14, Jesus comforts His disciples, declaring Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He promises the Holy Spirit, the Helper.
He assures them of peace through faith in Him.
Chapter 15 – The Vine and the Branches
In Chapter 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches, emphasizing the importance of abiding in Him to bear fruit.
He reiterates His command to love and warns about the world’s hatred towards His followers.
Chapter 16 – The Work of the Holy Spirit
In Chapter 16, Jesus teaches about the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world and guiding believers into truth.
He promises to turn their grief into joy and encourages them with the victory they have in Him.
Chapter 17 – Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer
Chapter 17 is Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. He prays for His glorification, for the protection and sanctification of His disciples, and for the unity and love of all believers.
Chapter 18 – Jesus’ Arrest and Trial
In Chapter 18, Jesus is arrested and brought before Annas and Caiaphas. Peter denies Him. Jesus is taken to Pilate and questioned.
Chapter 19 – The Crucifixion
In Chapter 19, Jesus is flogged, crowned with thorns, and crucified. He entrusts His mother to John and declares, “It is finished” before dying.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Him.
Chapter 20 – The Resurrection
Chapter 20 reveals the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Lord. Jesus appears to His disciples and gives them authority to forgive sins.
Thomas, absent during Jesus’ first appearance, later believes upon seeing Him.
Chapter 21 – Jesus Reinstates Peter
In the final chapter, Chapter 21, Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. They catch a large number of fish at His command.
Jesus reinstates Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him and instructing him to feed His sheep. John concludes by testifying to the authenticity of his account.
(Read Also: The Book of Acts Summary by Chapter)
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, our hearts are surely ablaze as we come to the end of the Gospel of John. We’ve traveled through divine revelations, miracles, and the ultimate act of love in Christ’s sacrifice. Let’s hold tightly to the gift of eternal life through our precious Savior, Jesus Christ, and let His love guide our steps each day. May His Word dwell richly within us as we continue in His grace. Amen!
