The purpose of John in writing his Gospel is clearly stated in [20]:30-31. To accomplish his purpose the apostle selects some of those things in the life and work of Christ that exhibit most clearly his true character and mission. In line with this, the general theme of the book appears to be the manifestation of Christ’s glory. (See the several references to “glory,” particularly 1:14; 2:11; 12:41; 17:5, 22, 24; the occurrences of “glorify,” as in 12:23,28; 13:31,32; 17:1,5; and the use of “manifest,” especially in 1:31; 2:11; 7:4; 21:1, 14.)

Prologue: The essential glory of Christ, 1:1-18.
This section introduces the principal character of the book and presents in a concise statement John’s interpretation of him. All else in the book is rooted in and grows out of this prologue.

1. His pre-incarnate glory, 1-9.
   1. As the Word of God, 1.
   2. As the Creator of the universe, 2-3.
   3. As the Light of men, 4-9.
2. His incarnate glory, 10-18.
   1. As the Saviour of men, 10-13.
   2. As the Revealer of God, 14-18.

I. The public ministry: the manifestation of Christ’s glory to Israel, 1:19-12:50.

1. The early testimony to Christ, 1:19-51.
   1. Of John the Baptist, 19-39.
      1. To the deputation from Jerusalem, 19-28.
      2. To the people, 29-34.
      3. To two disciples, 35-39.
   2. Of the first disciples, 40-51.
2. The first manifestations of Christ’s glory, 2:1-4:54.
   1. In Cana of Galilee, 3: 1-12.
   2. In Jerusalem, 2:13-3:21.
      1. The cleansing of the temple, 2: 13-25.
      2. The conversation with Nicodemus, 3:1-21.
   3. In Judea, 3:22-36.
   4. In Samaria, 4:1-42.
   5. In Galilee, 4:43-54.
3. The growing conflict between Christ and the rulers, 5:1-11:57. This section contains the record of controversies, conflicts, and discourses. Here are found some of Christ’s loftiest claims and mightiest miracles. He is shown to be the source and sustainer of life, the light of the world, the shepherd of God’s flock, the Son of God, Lord over death, and the promised Messiah. The entire section centers in the following events:
   1. The healing of the disabled man, 5:1-47.
      1. The miracle, 1-9.
      2. The reaction of the Jews, 10-18.
      3. The discourse of Jesus, 19-47.
   2. The feeding of the 5000 and walking on the water, 6:1-71.
      1. The miracles, 1-21.
      2. The discourse of Jesus, 22-59.
      3. The effect on the hearers, 60-71.
   3. The Feast of Tabernacles, 7: 1-8:59.
      1. The departure for the feast, 7:1-13.
      2. The discussions at “the midst of the feasts,” 7:14-36.
      3. The discourse “on the last day,” 7:37-52. 8:12-59. (The woman taken in adultery, 7:53-8:11).
   4. The healing of the blind man, 9:1-10:21.
      1. The miracle, 9:1-7.
      2. The consequent discussions, 9:8-10:21.
         1. The man and his neighbors, 9:8-12.
         2. The man and the Pharisees, 9: 13-34.
         3. The man and Jesus, 9:35-41.
         4. Jesus and the Pharisees, 10:1-21.
   5. The Feast of Dedication, 10:22-42.
   6. The raising of Lazarus, 11:1-57.
      1. The miracle, 1-44.
      2. The consequences, 45-57.
4. The conclusion of Jesus’ public ministry, 12: 1-50. Three incidents are recounted (vv. 1-36) showing the reactions of different groups of people to Jesus; these are followed by a summary paragraph (vv. 37-50) recapitulating the record contained in chapters 1-12.
   1. The manifestations of faith, 1-36.
      1. On the part of Mary, 1-11.
      2. On the part of the multitudes, 12-19.
      3. On the part of the Greeks, 20-36.
   2. The explanation of unbelief, 37-50.
      1. The underlying reason for it, as given by the evangelist, 37-44.
      2. The deeper implications of it, as given by Jesus, 44-50.

II. The private ministry: the manifestation of Christ’s glory to the disciples, 13:1-17:26.

1. Instruction, 13: 1-38.
   1. Concerning humility, 1-17.
   2. Concerning the betrayer, 18-30.
   3. Concerning the new commandment, 31-35.
   4. Concerning Peter’s denials, 36-38.
2. Consolation, 14:1-31.
   1. Through the prospect of the Father’s house, 1-11.
   2. Through the privilege of prayer, 12-14.
   3. Through the promise of the Spirit’s help, 15-26.
   4. Through the legacy of Christ’s peace, 27-31.
3. Exhortation, 15:1-16:7.
   1. To abide in Christ, 15:1-11.
   2. To love one another, 15:12-17.
   3. To endure the hostility of the world, 15:18-16:7.
4. Prediction, 16:8-33.
   1. Concerning the ministry of the Spirit, 8-15.
   2. Concerning the certainty of Christ’s triumph over death, 16-33.
5. Intercession, 17:1-26.
   1. Christ’s prayer for himself, 1-5.
   2. Christ’s prayer for the eleven apostles, 6-19.
   3. Christ’s prayer for all believers, 20-26.

III. The passion ministry: the manifestation of Christ’s glory to the world, 18:1-20: 31.

1. The betrayal, 18:1-11.
2. The trials, 18:12-19:16.
   1. Before the Jews, 18:12-27.
      1. Jesus led to Annas, 12-14.
      2. Peter’s first denial, 15-18.
      3. Jesus in the house of Annas, 19-24.
      4. Peter’s second and third denials, 25-27.
   2. Before Pilate, 18:28-19:16.
3. The crucifixion, 19:17-37.
4. The burial, 19:38-42.
5. The resurrection, 20: 1-31.
   1. The empty tomb, 1-10.
   2. The appearances of Christ, 11-29.
      1. To Mary Magdalene, 11-18.
      2. To the disciples, Thomas absent, 19-23.
      3. To the disciples, Thomas present, 24-29.
   3. The purpose of the book, 30-31.

Epilogue, 21:1-25.

1. The appearance of Christ to the seven, 1-14.
2. The conversation with Peter, 15-23.
3. The conclusion, 24-25.