Believe, Life, Light & Truth in John

Believe and other words in the Gospel of John - Part 16:

“Believe” is found 100 times in the Gospel of John but it is not the only word used more often in John than in the other NT books, there are many others and all of them point to the purpose of John’s Gospel. The Holy Spirit inspired each of the Gospel’s authors to record Jesus’ ministry according to his particular view or perspective; Matthew presents Jesus Christ as God’s perfect King; Mark as God’s perfect Servant and Luke as God’s perfect Man. The theme of John is to present Jesus as God Himself and many of the words therein emphasize this.

“Believe” first occurs in John associated with the words “Light” and “world” in relation to John the Baptist’s mission: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:6 - 126 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

. Just as the lenses of our eyes must have light in order for our brains to discern objects, so Jesus was the means (God’s Light) for Israelites to discern He was their Messiah (Christ).

•The Greek word translated “light” is “phos” from which, along the Greek “pherein,” we get our English word phosphorous. “Phos” or “Light” is found 23 times in John’s Gospel, more often than in any other NT book (70 times total in the NT).

•The Greek translated “world” is “kos’mos” from which comes the English “Cosmos.” The dictionary defines “Cosmos” as “the universe seen as a well ordered whole.” “Kos’mos” or “world” is found 79 times in John’s Gospel, more often than in any other NT book (187 times total in the NT).

The Cosmos/world was made by Jesus Christ, John 1:1010 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

, for it was He as the pre-incarnate Word of God who spoke it into existence, Genesis 1, Hebrews 1:22 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

. And whereas Satan or Lucifer was transformed into an angel of light (Isaiah 14:1414 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

; 2 Cor. 11:14) Jesus Christ was the “true light,” John 1:99 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

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•“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:55 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

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•“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:1212 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

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•“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:4646 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

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•“Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.” John 11:99 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

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John the Baptist introduced Jesus to Israel as the Light of the World and it was just a matter of believing He was their Messiah in order for anyone in Israel to be part of the Kingdom He preached. But in spite of the fact Jesus did nothing but good during His 3-year ministry and proved His Deity by many signs - miracles - wonders, Israel’s leaders rejected Him and the majority in Israel followed them and gave Him over to the Romans to crucify. This seems illogical but Jesus explained why and how it happened. After stating that all who believed on Him would not perish but have everlasting life, John 3:1616 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

, Jesus told Nicodemus: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:1919 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

. They didn’t believe in Him because they didn’t want the light to reveal their evil deeds; they loved the darkness.

There are many other unique words in John’s Gospel that point to the Deity of Christ and the mission of His ministry, some of which follow:

•The Greek “men’o” translated abide, remain or dwell, etc., found 41 times in John’s Gospel out of the 120 total times in the New Testament. (It is only found 12 times total in the other 3 Gospels.)

•The Greek “pater’” translated Father, found 138 times in John, far more than in any other NT book. It is used 418 times in the NT.

•The Greek “loudai’os” translated Jews, 71 in John out of the 198 in the NT. It’s only found 17 times total in Matthew, Mark and Luke but occurs 82 times in the book of Acts, which I hope to address when we get to that book.

•The Greek “ale’theia” translated truth, found 25 times in John, far more than in any other book; it is used a total of 110 times in the NT.

•The Greek “amen” translated verily is found 51 times in John out of the total 152 in the NT. Significantly, John is the only book where it appears as “verily, verily,” which is to emphasize the greater authority with which Jesus as God spoke, thus with double importance.*

Also unique to John is a truth expressed by a short phrase not found in the other Gospels. Jesus stated 3 times in John that He lay down His life Himself (on his own volition because none could have taken it).

•“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:1515 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

•“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 10:1818 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

•“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:1313 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

All 4 Gospel accounts describe Peter trying to protect Jesus by cutting the ear off the high priest’s servant when they came to take Him, but each Gospel account provides something different about that incident, depending on the purpose of each.

•In Matthew’s account (Matthew 26:46 - 5646 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

) Jesus tells Peter to put the sword away because if He wanted to He could pray to His Father Who would send 12 legions of angels for protection - this He spoke as God’s King.

•Mark’s account (Mark 14:42 - 5342 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

) tells of a young man dressed only in a linen cloth following Jesus who momentarily laid hold on Jesus, but then ran naked, leaving his cloth behind. Some assert this was Jesus’ servant, the author of Mark who fled, in contrast to Jesus who did God’s will by staying to be taken for crucifixion - God’s perfect Servant.

•Luke’s account (Luke 22:47 - 5347 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

) is the only one where Jesus refers to Himself as “The Son of Man” because He was fully man (as well as God). Only in Luke does it reveal that Jesus healed the servant’s ear. The physician Luke wrote this book - Jesus was God’s perfect man.

And only in John’s account (John 18:1 - 121 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

) do we read that Jesus knew all things that were going to occur, this because He was God. And only in John do we learn that, after Peter cut off the ear of the servant, Jesus said “the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” verse 11. This fits perfectly with Jesus’ statements that no one could take His life; that He voluntarily lay it down. He was the Creator and Sustainer of Life, He was perfectly Holy, even Satan did not have the power of death over Him. But He drank that bitter cup to the end; allowing Himself to be taken, cruelly treated, hung on a cross in indescribable agony for 3 hours until He’d finished what He came to do before uttering “it is finished,” i.e., “paid in full,” then yielding up His life. And whereas the other 3 Gospels describe the disciples abandoning and running away from Him when He was taken, only John states “Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.” John 18:8 & 98 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

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The Gospel of John emphasizes the fact Jesus was indeed the Great “I AM.” Many years before His incarnation, it was He talking: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:1414 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

. During His ministry Jesus identified Himself as such to the Samaritan woman at the well, John 4:2626 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

; to His disciples in the storm, John 6:2020 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

; to the Jews, that if they didn’t believe they would die in their sins, John 8:2424 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

; when He spoke of His death, John 8:2828 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

and when He said to them “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:5858 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

. (The Jews tried to stone Him, John 8:5959 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

, when He said this because they knew that by referring to Himself as “I AM” He was claiming to be God.) He also used this term when speaking to His disciples, John 13:13 & 1913 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

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But the 3 times He referred to Himself as “I AM,” when they came to take Him to be crucified, John 18:55 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

, 6 & 8, are particularly informative. For, whereas all four Gospel accounts describe the betrayal and capture of Jesus, only in John do we read “As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he (the word he is not in the original), they went backward, and fell to the ground.” John 18:66 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

. The shear force of His Word blew them back on their behinds. What a picture this conjures ... they were like fragile paper cutouts before an all-powerful force ... yet He, Almighty God, let them do to Him what they willed, because of His love for mankind.

*The Companion Bible (http://www.companionbiblecondensed.com/NT/John..pdf), page 1511 has a list of words unique to the Gospel of John. (Note it indicates the word “believe” is found 99 times but according to the Concordance, the Greek word usually translated believe is actually there 100 times, one occasion being translated “did not commit,” John 2:2424 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

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