1. In 2 Peter 3:18 God's people are given an important objective: to grow "in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2. To accomplish this growth we must go to the right source for information (John 5:39). 3. As we search the Scriptures we certainly need to include the writings of the apostle John because he knew the Lord personally (1 John 1:1-4). 4. We plan to study passages from the Gospel of John to help us grow in our knowledge of the Lord and His will. 5. Before we do so, let us cover information revealed about the inspired writer, the apostle John.
Discussion:
I. LET US CONSIDER JOHN'S PERSONAL INFORMATION
A. John's family 1. According to Matthew 4:21,: a. his father was Zebedee b. his brother was James. 2. By comparing Matthew 27:55-56 and Mark 15:40 we learn that his mother was Salome. B. John's profession 1. He was a fisherman (Matthew 4:21). 2. He and James were partners with Simon Peter (Luke 5:10).
II. LET US CONSIDER JOHN'S CALL TO FOLLOW JESUS
A. After calling Peter and Andrew (Mark 1:16-18), Jesus called James and John (Mark 1:19-20). B. Later, Jesus appointed John to be an apostle (Luke 6:12-16). C. John was 1 of the 3 apostles closest to the Lord (Mark 5:36-37; 9:2; 14:32-34).
III. LET US CONSIDER 3 OCCASIONS WHEN JOHN DEMONSTRATED A NEED FOR GROWTH
A. (Luke 9:49-50) He wanted Jesus to forbid someone who was casting out demons. B. (Luke 9:51-56) He and James asked Jesus if they should call down fire upon those who did not receive the Lord. C. (Matthew 20:20-28) He and James wanted what they considered to be prominent positions in the Lord's kingdom.
IV. JOHN IS MENTIONED A NUMBER OF TIMES WITH PETER
A. (Luke 22:7-8) Jesus sent them to prepare the Passover. B. (Acts 3:1-7) They healed a man who was born lame. C. (Acts 4:1-3, 13) They were taken into custody and demonstrated great courage. D. (Acts 8:14-17) They were sent to Samaria.
V. JESUS HAD GREAT CONFIDENCE IN JOHN
A. (John 19:25-27) Jesus committed Mary's care to John. B. The Lord gave John the responsibility of recording information that will lead people to believe that He is God's Son (John 20:30-31; 21:24-25).
