Outline of the Gospel of John1. God’s glory revealed in signs and teachings
Chapters 1-42. God’s glory revealed in conflict and fulfillment
Chapters 5-113. God’s glory revealed in sending
Chapters 12-174. God’s Glory revealed in sacrifice
Chapters 18-21
Conflict: Jesus performs some kind of miracle or teaching in the context of each festival meant to challenge the Jewish people with who He really was
Fulfillment: each feast is replaced with the reality of who Jesus is as the Messiah, the Son of God
SABBATHdependence
“Jesus replied …”
middle voice indicates a formal, even legal, defense
Chiasmus in John 5:19-30
A (v.19) The Son can do nothing of HimselfB (v.20) greater works are coming, so that you will marvel
C (v.22) the Father gives the Son authority to judge
C’ (v.27) the Father gives the Son authority to judgeB’ (vv.28-29) do not marvel at this, something greater is
comingA (v.30) I can do nothing of my own initiative
Chiasmus in John 5:19-30
A (v.19) The Son can do nothing of HimselfB (v.20) greater works are coming, so that you will marvel
C (v.22) the Father gives the Son authority to judge
vv.24-25 THE GOSPEL
C’ (v.27) the Father gives the Son authority to judgeB’ (vv.28-29) do not marvel at this, something greater is
comingA (v.30) I can do nothing of my own initiative
The truth of the Gospel is that it is not work (or lack of work) that
saves you.
It is rest. Sabbath rest. A complete dependence on God.
And Jesus is God’s Sabbath Rest.
No longer do you have to work to earn God’s favor. You must
simply rest on the grace of Jesus Christ alone.
There is a huge danger that we would study Scripture seeking to get more life out of the words on the page than the One the words
are describing.
Jesus is not some cosmic being that is in need of our approval or
willingness to accept Him into our hearts.
He is Lord Supreme, and is worthy of our worship,
obedience, and sacrifice.