Why the Gospel of John?

As Jesus neared the cross, He looked up to heaven and spoke these words to His Father:

"This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent--Jesus Christ."  (John 17:3)

And later John tells his readers the purpose for his book:

"But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name."  (John 20:31)

Lent affords us the opportunity to focus our attention on Jesus.  His incarnation (becoming like us) was an integral part of the Plan to bring us from life to death.  In Jesus we see Life as it was meant to be.  We see the Source of Life giving life.  We see Life offering His life so that we might live.

Maybe this is your first time reading the story of Jesus found in John.  Maybe this is your hundredth.  (Maybe it is somewhere in-between).  Take your time.  Soak in the words.  Let your imagination follow the story that unfolds.

We will begin with John chapter 1 on Monday.

But for today, ask God to open your eyes.  Practice slow, purposeful reading by meditating on just the first five verses of John.  What is John telling you about Jesus?   Read them here.

Starter Prayer...
Lord, I have become too familiar with Jesus.
I have grown accustomed to His story.
My heart is not enamored with Him the way that it once was.
My curiosity to know more has waned. 
Change that in me in these days.
May I find a new and deeper knowledge of Jesus 
that leads me to profound love and passionate worship.

Amen