The Apostle John, often called the “beloved disciple,” was one of Jesus’ closest followers. His life and writings give us profound insights into the nature of Jesus, love, truth, and eternal life. John authored the Gospel of John, three epistles (1, 2, and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation, making him one of the most influential figures in the New Testament.
Here are 20 Big Ideas from the Life and Writings of John—each with its meaning, symbolism, and a key verse to help us understand his impact.
Table of Contents
1. John, the Beloved Disciple
Big Idea: John was uniquely close to Jesus, often leaning on Him and deeply understanding His heart.
Symbolism: The disciple whom Jesus loved
Key Verse: “One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.” – John 13:23
2. The Word Became Flesh
Big Idea: John emphasizes that Jesus is God in human form, the eternal Word made flesh.
Symbolism: The Word (Logos)
Key Verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1
3. Jesus, the Light of the World
Big Idea: John repeatedly describes Jesus as the light that overcomes spiritual darkness.
Symbolism: Light vs. darkness
Key Verse: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
4. The Power of Love
Big Idea: John’s writings emphasize that love defines God’s character and should define His people.
Symbolism: God is love
Key Verse: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 John 4:16
5. Born Again Through Faith
Big Idea: Salvation is through faith in Jesus, leading to spiritual rebirth.
Symbolism: Being born again
Key Verse: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” – John 3:3
6. The Good Shepherd
Big Idea: John highlights Jesus as the shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.
Symbolism: The shepherd and sheep
Key Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
7. The Vine and the Branches
Big Idea: Jesus teaches that abiding in Him is essential for spiritual fruitfulness.
Symbolism: The vine and branches
Key Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me… you will bear much fruit.” – John 15:5
8. The Footwashing Lesson
Big Idea: Jesus teaches servant leadership by washing the disciples’ feet.
Symbolism: A towel and basin
Key Verse: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
9. The New Commandment
Big Idea: Jesus commands believers to love one another as He has loved them.
Symbolism: Love as the defining mark of discipleship
Key Verse: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
10. The Presence of the Holy Spirit
Big Idea: John emphasizes Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Guide.
Symbolism: The Comforter (Holy Spirit)
Key Verse: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things.” – John 14:26
11. Jesus’ Prayer for Unity
Big Idea: Jesus prays for His followers to be one, reflecting the unity of God.
Symbolism: The Church as one body
Key Verse: “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” – John 17:21
12. The Eye-Witness Testimony
Big Idea: John directly witnessed Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, making his gospel an eyewitness account.
Symbolism: First-hand testimony
Key Verse: “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… this we proclaim.” – 1 John 1:1
13. Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearance
Big Idea: John records Jesus’ appearances to His disciples after the resurrection.
Symbolism: Jesus’ scars proving His resurrection
Key Verse: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27
14. Jesus Restores Peter
Big Idea: After Peter’s denial, Jesus restores him by asking three times, “Do you love me?”
Symbolism: Threefold restoration
Key Verse: “Feed my sheep.” – John 21:17
15. John’s Role in the Early Church
Big Idea: John became a key leader, teaching and guiding the early Christians.
Symbolism: The elder and shepherd
Key Verse: “The elder, to my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” – 3 John 1:1
16. Warning Against False Teachers
Big Idea: John warns against false teachings that distort Jesus’ identity.
Symbolism: The spirit of truth vs. the spirit of error
Key Verse: “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” – 1 John 4:2
17. The Vision of Heaven
Big Idea: John receives a divine vision of God’s glory and final victory.
Symbolism: The throne in heaven
Key Verse: “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven.” – Revelation 4:2
18. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega
Big Idea: John emphasizes Jesus as the eternal beginning and end of all things.
Symbolism: Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω)
Key Verse: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” – Revelation 22:13
19. The New Heaven and New Earth
Big Idea: John describes God’s final renewal of creation where there is no more death or sorrow.
Symbolism: The New Jerusalem
Key Verse: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” – Revelation 21:1
20. The Final Invitation
Big Idea: John closes the Bible with an invitation to come to Jesus.
Symbolism: The Spirit and the Bride say “Come”
Key Verse: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” – Revelation 22:17
Conclusion
The Apostle John’s life and writings reveal who Jesus is, the power of love, and the promise of eternity. Through his gospel, epistles, and Revelation, we see a disciple transformed by Christ’s love and dedicated to proclaiming the truth.
Which Big Idea from John’s life speaks to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comment