John, meaning “Jehovah is gracious giver,” is a Gospel unique in its majestic glory. Here the Lord Jesus is manifested as the Creator Himself, the eternal, only-begotten, unique Son of God, sent from the Father to fully reveal His glory. This is much more than authority, service, or grace, but the light and love of the eternal God. He, a divine Person, is here the object of our adoring worship.

This Gospel is not therefore synoptic (that is, providing a general view of the Lord’s life and works on earth), as are the other three, but draws special attention to His person and to His words as witnessed even by His enemies: “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (7:46). The miracles and parables here recorded also provide clearest witness to His personal divine glory. It is here that we find those words from His lips, “Before Abraham was, I am” (8:58). The seven “I am” statements of John’s Gospel are well known. They speak of His divinity (cf. Ex. 3:14).

The calm, noble dignity of the record of His crucifixion also surely draws our rapt attention, for here is seen the burnt offering character of His service (Lev. 1), the burning speaking of everything ascending as a sweet savor to God. The burnt offering was the sacrifice predominantly for God’s glory. The sweet simplicity of the book gives it a wonderful drawing power for the most unintelligent; and yet its more hidden depths of meaning have awakened the unfeigned admiration of the most profound scholars.