How to read John

Have you ever heard someone tell a new believer that they should start reading the book of John first?

Why does anyone say that? Of all four of the Good News books, John is by far the most complex book to comprehend.

First, as one read this, don't automatically assume that this goes with Matthew, Mark, or Luke. John is completely a different point of view. I'm not sure how else to say this. There is a lot of mystery in John that when you really try to understand what he is saying, you really don't get it. Don't try to understand everything at once. It is very important not to draw absolute conclusions, but simply ask questions, and realize that once you believe that you have an answer figured out, it really only leads to more questions.

For example, why does John begin with discussion "the Word." In Greek, this is the term "Logos," which carries a multiplicity of connotations. In Hebrew, the term would be translated as "Devarim," which is the Hebrew word for "Deuteronomy." So, now we can only begin to ask the question, "What does 'the Word' mean? Are we talking about "the law," or "the Torah?" Are we talking about Yeshua? Are they the same? How? Why? It's fun to read all of the different commentary on John 1. People's creativity on this chapter is out of this world. Google it. See for yourself.

Only one other piece of information I think is most relevant to understanding John. Everything in John connects to a Jewish festival. When you are reading, look for the clue words:

In John 1, there is an understanding that this is a Rosh HaShanah passage, because the language is a reference to Genesis 1:1. The creation account was the beginning of everything, thus the terms "in the beginning" used in both books. In addition, the reference to "Light" in John 1:4 and Genesis 1:3 have a connection.

In John 2, we see that there is a wedding, but then the text immediately jumps into Passover. John 2:13.

In John 3, we see that Nicodemus "came by night." There is a discussion about "born again" and "Light." Both of these concepts are Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) terms, especially the "born again" phrase. Each new month, the moon is "born again." This Rosh Chodesh could either be the one BEFORE Passover (Nissan) or the one AFTER Passover (Iyar).

From John 4, we could understand that this took place during the Counting of the Omer, because in John 5, we understand that it is "a feast," most likely Shavuot, but perhaps Sukkot.

John 6:4, it was the Passover again.

John 7:2, it was the "feast of booths," or "tabernacles," or Sukkot. This seems to be the context through chapter 9.

In John 10:22, we learn that this chapter takes place at the Feast of Dedication (Chunnukah).

In John 12:1, we read that it was Passover. Since both chapter 11-12 deal with Lazarus, it is safe to assume chapter 11 was a Passover passage, and not a Chanukah passage.

The whole rest of the book is Passover, unleavened bread, and Firstfruits.

Only chapter 21 may be difficult to place. We know it is during the Counting of the Omer, prior to Yeshua's ascension on the 40^th day of the Count.

    Therefore, as you read John, see if you can make connections to the feast on which He is discussing something.