The Gospel of John presents Jesus very differently from the Synoptic Gospels.
In John, Jesus speaks more openly about his identity and expects people to hold specific beliefs about who he is.
John’s Gospel is the most belief-centered of the four.
Below are the main things Jesus expects people to believe about him according to John.
1. Jesus expected people to believe that he came from God.
This is the central belief in John.
Jesus repeatedly says:
- “I came from the Father.”
- “I have been sent by the Father.”
- “The Father and I are one.”
- “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
John wants the readers to believe that:
Jesus is the one who reveals the true nature of God perfectly.
2. Jesus expected people to believe that he existed before his human birth.
In John, Jesus does not begin at Bethlehem.
He is the eternal Word (Logos) who existed:
- “In the beginning with God”
- “Through whom all things were made”
Jesus says:
- “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
John wants readers to believe that Jesus has a divine, pre-existent identity.
3. Jesus expected people to believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God.
Unlike the Synoptics—where Jesus is more cautious—John shows Jesus openly affirming titles:
- Messiah
- Son of God
- King of Israel
- Son of Man with heavenly authority
John’s stated purpose is:
“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.” (John 20:31)
4. Jesus expected people to believe that he gives eternal life.
This is a major theme in John.
Jesus says:
- “I am the bread of life.”
- “I am the light of the world.”
- “I am the resurrection and the life.”
- “Everyone who believes in me has eternal life.”
John teaches that trust in Jesus brings life now and forever.
5. Jesus expected people to believe that he and the Father work together as one.
In John, Jesus acts with God’s authority:
- He judges like the Father
- He raises the dead like the Father
- He gives life like the Father
- He speaks the Father’s words
This is why Jesus says:
“I do nothing on my own.”
“The Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
John wants believers to see Jesus as fully united with God’s will and work.
6. Jesus expected people to believe in his “I AM” identity.
Throughout John, Jesus uses the divine phrase “I AM” (ἐγώ εἰμι) in powerful ways:
- “I am the good shepherd.”
- “I am the true vine.”
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
- “I am the bread of life.”
- “I am the light of the world.”
- “I am the resurrection and the life.”
These sayings show that Jesus expected people to believe that he embodied God’s saving presence.
Summary: What Jesus Expected People to Believe in John
According to John, Jesus wanted people to believe that:
1. He came from God and was sent by the Father.
2. He existed before creation—he is the eternal Word.
3. He is the Messiah and Son of God.
4. He gives eternal life to those who believe in him.
5. He is one with the Father and reveals God perfectly.
6. He embodies God’s presence through his “I AM” identity.
In short:
In the Synoptics, Jesus calls people to follow him.
In John, Jesus calls people to believe in him.
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