3 Reasons to Study John
There is always something new to learn.
By J. Keener, BSF Video Producer
How well do you know the book of John?
For many of us, this Gospel account feels familiar. We may remember John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” his account of the woman at the well, or the moment when Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water to meet Jesus.
Wait, that account of Peter is not actually in John. What about the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’s birth story, or the parable of the prodigal son?
This is embarrassing. How could I get this wrong? I have read John before many times.
If you are like me, the Gospel accounts often run together. As many times as I read them, my fading memory is just not enough to keep my Bible facts straight.
But what if this reveals a deeper issue? Have I become complacent in my study of God’s Word?
God has something new to tell us every time we open Scripture, even the chapters we know intimately. When we substitute a cheap paraphrase from memory, we miss the life-giving truth of Christ.
If you think you have exhausted John’s Gospel, here are three truths that can offer a new perspective.
God has something new to tell us every time we open Scripture—even the chapters we know intimately.
1. What we return to reveals our hearts.
I remember a quote from my college days: “If you would tell me the heart of a man, tell me not what he reads, but what he rereads.”
Whether a favorite novel, movie, or TV series, we return to what we like. What we spend time reading, pondering, discussing, and hearing influences our preferences, opinions, and behavior. Unconsciously, the things we return to over and over shape our hearts.
The author of Psalm 119 says of God, “I seek You with all my heart… I have hidden Your word in my heart.”
To be a people shaped by God, we must return to His Word again and again. And this year, we can return to the Gospel of John. Through our study, we will read, ponder, discuss, and listen. We will soak in the words of Jesus, hiding them in our hearts and allowing them to shape our lives. Together, we can join in the discipline of reading and rereading His Word.
To be a people shaped by God, we must return to His Word again and again.
2. We have changed since we last read John.
I first read John when I was enrolled in the BSF Children’s Program sometime in the ’90s. Over time, my perspective changed.
I reread John in my twenties, shortly after getting married. When John the Baptist compared himself to the friend rejoicing with the Bridegroom, it impacted me in a new way. And after planning a wedding, I had a greater appreciation for Jesus’s involvement with wedding logistics in John 2.
I returned to John in my thirties after my father passed away. I cannot express how powerful it was to read Jesus’s reaction to Lazarus’s death with the two words, “Jesus wept.” I knew this story well. I had read it before, discussed it, and listened to many lectures and sermons about it. What struck me so intensely, as if it was new information, was the empathy and humanity of Christ. Jesus grieved and I was comforted. During that season, I desperately needed to read the promise in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
Miraculously, God’s Word relates to every experience life has to offer.
God never changes, but we do. Miraculously, God’s Word relates to every experience life has to offer. Scripture is deeply personal and only becomes more personal each time we return to it.
This year, I am a first-time father. I know God will reveal something new as I study John yet again.
So take a moment to reflect, how have you changed in the past month, year, or decade? What will the Gospel of John reveal to you?
3. We will gain a deeper knowledge of truth.
Do you ever feel bombarded by half-truths, misinformation, or downright propaganda?
In our current age many strive to sculpt their own “truth” from the vantage point of their individual circumstances or emotions. It is hard to cut through the noise. We are left with a daunting question.
Echoing the words of Pontius Pilate in John 18:38, we ask, “What is truth?”
From John 14:6, Jesus’s answer is simple, profound, and life-altering.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
If Jesus is the truth, then our response is clear. We should desire to learn all we can, examining His words and studying His life. Because once we know the truth, Jesus promised, “the truth will set [us] free” (John 8:32).
I have read John before, and I am reading John again. Not to get more head knowledge or to impress my Sunday school teacher. My hope is simple, to grow closer to God and learn even more about His love for those around me.
Whether you have just finished reading John, read it in the past, or never read it before, God has something new to tell you through this amazing book.
To experience the truth of John’s Gospel, go to https://join.bsfinternational.org/ to join a group.
J. Keener
BSF Video Producer
J Keener serves BSF’s Creative Team as Video Producer. He has been involved with BSF since childhood and is a third generation BSFer. He has seen God use BSF to do amazing things in his life and the lives of his friends and family.
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How or Can we get lessons or books from all the books of the Bible? I know you have studied other books from the bible, however I didn’t know about BSF at the time. I guess I worry that something may happen in this world, and I may never be able to get the studies. Thank you for all the studies I’ve
been involved with at BSF. They have tremendously helped me.
Dear Barb, great question! We only make 30 week materials available for that year’s BSF study but you can access studies by BSF on https://www.wordgo.org/
Thanks for this thoughtful message and reminder to dig deeper to Gods word , I believe that every time we study Gods word it speaks afresh with new meaning to our situations and challenges, thanks to the creative team and J Keener, be blessed!!
Everytime I open the Bible I learn something new despite having read thankyou particular bible verse before.
The experience is always different each time.
This Fall will be my sixth time studying the book of John since I began BSF 45 years ago.
There is always something new I learn as I walk through chapter by chapter, verse by verse with Jesus.
I am anticipating new nuggets to be discovered in our upcoming BSF year.
In my opinion, John is one of the best studies for inviting those who have never studied the Bible.
When are the John lessons available for purchase?
Dear Julia – lesson books and materials will be available mid June and July. We will email members when the material is available
I look forward to doing John again, I was reading this book to my grandson Isaiah on the morning of his passing back in 2008 at the age of 10years old. He was heading out the door to go home and I ask him to come back up the stairs, He ask me what I wanted, and I told him I wanted a hug and to let him know that I loved him. He hugged me and told me he loved me. I didn’t know that would be my last hug from him. He fell at the playground near his home and a friend helped him up. The friend said do you want me to walk you home. His response was where I’m going you can’t come. Sounds a little familiar, doesn’t it? He passed away from an aneurism the very next day. I can tell you that I look forward to our meeting in the sky and repeating my study of John to see what GOD has in store for me this coming year..
Jo – what a beautiful testimony of a precious young brother in Christ. Thank you for sharing!
What a testimony of trust and faith in Jesus. Looking forward to the study in John.
John writings are more than just his heart-led gospel, but the NT bible also provides us his letters to his fellow believers in Christ.
As his relationship with GOD grew, John was gifted the most remarkable revelations directly from his long arisen Jesus.
These three parts of John writings show how John himself was transformed over the years, through his devotion to the essential Love for Jesus, and his knowledge of scriptures, and his love for his brothers.
John has given us his personal understanding and inspiring journey with Jesus, and his promises.
It seems to have taken years….but shows us that we too can dwell for years in the old and new testaments and bear similar fruit!
J.Keener, loved reading how meaningful the study of John has been for you at every stage of your life. I’ve done this study as well and know God’s heart for me. It’s one of love. I’m studying John again this coming year to see what He has to say to me about my heart for Him and others in
this season of my life. Thank you for sharing.
When does this Bible study start?
Hey Linda! Depending on where you are in the world, the start date changes slightly. Most classes start at the beginning of September. You can sign up and find a group by visiting this link: https://join.bsfinternational.org/
I would like to sign up for the fall John study
Hi Dianne! You can sign up for the John study at this link: https://join.bsfinternational.org/
are you talking tome?
Yes! That is the link to sign up for the John study in the Fall
So excited to study John in the fall. Thank you BSF for all the studies.
The Book of John is the best read for anyone and it is applicable in today’s world but I have questions. When do we or BSF begin to start pushing back against the evil in front of us?The latest evil is mutilating children physically and mentally. When do we say something and DO something? We can pray but Jesus did not instruct the Apostles to pray only. Jesus instructed them to act. Now , sadly, we have to react. Are we complacent? Are we afraid we could hurt someone’s feeling or are afraid we could be shunned?
Robert – thank you for sharing! God has placed each of us strategically to share the gospel with those around us. In this year’s John study we will be studying the truth of Jesus and praying that members will prayerfully consider how God is calling them to actively impact their communities for Christ. Praying for wisdom as you seek clarity on how to respond to the conviction of the Spirit! Your heart for those around you is evident!
Thank You BSF for giving us the privilege to Study again the Book of John!
This is a Gift for all that want to study again and again the Book of John!
With BSF we must study! And that is why I love each year to continue
growing in the word of God! Such a minister BSF offer to all those who
love studying God’s word.
Looking forward to the study of the gospel of John, to know and draw closer to Jesus through the great ‘ I Am’s’
Thank you J for your reasoning regarding next year’s study in John. I have studied John through BSF 2 and 1/2 times so I was going to “take a break” next year and not do BSF. Now, after reading his blog, I realize that at 76 I don’t have the luxury of doing so. My relationship with the Lord will only stay strong as long as I remain committed to Him and to His Word each and every day. Praise His name in all the earth!
Thank you for sharing.I am ready to study the book of John for the 2nd time.
I have been part of BSF since 1985 when I joined because I was desperate to know God in a truthful way. I’ve studied John in BSF before but after studying The Divided Kingdom I can’t wait for September for this new study. and Revelation! How awesome! Thank you BSF for all that you are doing to bring the Word in Truth in a fresh new way.
Well said and a great reminder on how God speaks every time we open scripture
I love my BSF study, I find peace and love in my class and with my fellow classmates. I miss the studies so much in our time off and I am really looking forward to studying John again.The blog reaffirmed why it is So important to stay in the word.
I am very happy can joining BSF
I will return with the same group.
Thank you
I really liked J’s second reason for reading John – We have changed since we last read John. How true that is and I hadn’t thought of it. I’m excited to see what God reveals to me this time!
What will the costs be for the lesson/notes book? Will they be the same spiral binder? What about shipping?
Hi Cathy! This information will be available beginning in June. You will receive an email and then can view the details for pricing and shipping on the BSF Store. Thanks!
Thank you J. You have encouraged me today.Very recently my BSF group leader went home to heaven. He now rests from life’s pain and illness in the presence of his Lord. But I lost a friend and mentor.So again thank you for reminding me that Jesus knows.
Thank you. Your blog, and others, help to see another’s perspective and spark my perspective.
For certain, J is on point with his analogy.We have been BSF students, members and facilitators for over Ten or more years.God has indeed given my wife and me new incites into books of the Bible that we have studied multiple times.
Love BSF for the past 8 years and know that I will enjoy John next year. I don’t know about anyone else but I have enjoyed the encouraging 15 – 30 minutes videos this year and would love to see more of them this coming year.
Thanks again and looking forward to next year already!
I have been in BSF for many years I had privilege of knowing Ms Johnson when I was a leader and I can say no matter how many times I read study the Bible it is new to me in life Gods word is never old it is new everyday
I am in agreement with all of these comments! It will be my third time studying John in BSF through the years and I am just as excited about it as I was the first time! God does speak to us differently in His Word in the different phases of our spiritual journey in life!
Me pueden mandar la información en español referente a el evangelio de Juan Bendiciones
BSF tiene unos grupos en español – https://join.bsfinternational.org/ o https://www.bsfonline.org/. Puedes mandar un correo electrónico a bsfblog@bsfinternational.org para más información.
Enjoyed reading “J’s” perspective on the Book of John! I, too, have studied John before and agree a lot can happen between studies so life has changed and that means the meaning in the study speaks to us in a new way as we grapple with life and move forward to where God wants us to go, to serve, to contribute. I feel this way about each study…life happens and God’s Word is relevant in our lives with the “in-betweens” of study. Praise God for BSF and each study. Looking forward to new insights and discernments within the study of John! Praise God for “J” who is a young man serving the Lord! May God continue to enlighten him in wondrous ways! Keep on keeping on J!
Okay, I needed this! Next years study will be my fifth time with John – I was not looking forward to it – but I love BSF so would join. This article reminds me all those other studies were at different stages in my life’s journey. I am now in midst of health issues and perhaps end of that journey. I look forward now to new insights God will have for me. Thank you.
I have not studied John before but I love BSF it has helped me grow in Christ.
I know it will be a blessing.
Thank you Suzanne! You mirrored my thoughts exactly. Having been in BSF since 1985, I thought, “Again?” But I will soon be 91 and I want to be where I can immerse myself in His word each day that He gives me.
Thank you so much for your sharing your experience, with the book of John , with us. It was so powerful for me. God bless you!
I love being in fellowship, around the women of God, studying the Word of God. Discovering the attributes of Christ as the Way, The Truth and The Life. In a blind world there are people doing what is right in their own eyes.
In BSF we are digging for the hidden treasures of Truth only to be revealed under the drawing anointing power of the Holy Spirit’s Spotlight of scriptures.
Doing my BSF Homework is teaching me how to feed my spirit on the Bread of Life, exposing the tendencies my flesh, empowering me for service in God’s kingdom. I started BSF in 2009 when I had stage 3b Breast cancer. I now have no cancer because God is a healer.
How can I order the book for the study of John?
Hi Barbara, all members will receive an email when the John study book becomes available.
Every time i do a BSF study, i find myself wishing that everyone i know were delving into God’s Word with us also. It’s more important than ever to know & understand what scripture really says. False religion, twisted scripture are so common. The only way to spot the gross misteachings is to know Gods Word so well, that we that recognize the counterfeit immediately. Satan would prefer we are too busy, too lazy or too comfortable right where we are, to diligently seek truth. He wants to keep us in darkness. God Word, righly divided brings light into this dark & confusing world. So for those who have never done a BSF Study… you’ll be so glad you decided to step into God’s Word in a way you likely nene have before.
I am so excited to study John the Gospel!!!
Praise the Lord.Thank you for the 3 reasons for studying the book of John.
Blessings
Cannot wait to study John! It will be my second time, and I’m thrilled that the Revelation study will follow immediately. May many people attend this upcoming study, mature, and magnify God – and invite more people to join the 2024 study!
i love the blogs shared!