The Miracle of the Word of God

The gospel of John is different from the other the three gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels. All three were written about 30 years after the resurrection when the original disciples and eyewitnesses began to pass away. Up until this point, the gospel stories had been passed on by word of mouth. So the writer of these 3 gospels set out to preserve the story of Jesus for a Jewish audience.

The focus of these gospels is to show a Jewish audience that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah with a detailed account of Jesus' teachings, miracles, an healings. The Jewish audience did not need any spiritual background, they needed proof...and proof was delivered in signs and wonders.

Fast forward 30 years. The gospel has now begun to spread all around the Mediterranean world. As the gospel spreads, more and more Gentiles come in contact with this new religion based on a Jew who was crucified as a common criminal by the Roman leaders.

The gentiles knew nothing of the Jewish religion or the Hebrew Scriptures. This new religion was shrouded with mystery...they were rumored to be cannibals because of a mistaken understanding of the practice of communion. Confusion abounded.

It was into this setting that the Gospel of John was written. The Gospel of John was written for a gentile audience who knew nothing of Jewish history and heritage, of prophecies or commandments, or messiahs or saviors.

The Roman and Greek mind was attuned to philosophical thinking. The entire culture was permeated with a polytheistic viewpoint so presenting the true story of Jesus would be quite a challenge for any writer. This is why John started with his discussion on the nature of the LOGOS, rather than the genealogy of Jesus as Matthew did.

As the gospel story expanded throughout the world, a new approach was needed. This is one of the amazing aspects of Scripture...it is more than just a collection of random books. 

The writer of Hebrews had a sense of this same idea...

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Also...

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

So it was actually God who inspired John to write the his gospel in a way that would have the biggest impact throughout the world. Just another proof that God had a plan to redeem His creation and this plan was more intricately beautiful than we could imagine.

Prayer Emphasis: Thank God today for the miraculous power of His word that changes our hearts and redeems us from the clutches of destruction. In Jesus' Name, amen.