A note of introduction...
Icebergs come in all different shapes and sizes—North Atlantic icebergs are usually peaked and irregular in shape; Antarctic icebergs are tabular, with flat tops and steep sides. But they all share a common trait: only about one-ninth of the total mass projects above the surface of the water. That means that the majority of the iceberg is underneath—hidden from view.
After spending several months meditating and writing study questions from this gospel account we have come to believe that most people “see” Jesus in the same way they would see an iceberg—breathtaking on the surface. There are so many things about Jesus’ life that just stick out. Those unusual impressive attributes that make up the Christ jump out at us as we read any of the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. But yet, that familiar, first glance view distracts us from seeing what lies below the surface.
The book of John in so many ways is like the tip of the iceberg: visible enough for one to realize that what lies below the surface is immense and powerful, yet out of plain sight. John’s gospel account states that the world isn’t big enough to completely explain Jesus—His works, His power, His glory. There is so much more to Jesus than meets the eye. This is the only gospel account that records Jesus’ seven “I am” statements (John 6:35; 9:5; 10:7; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:3); the only gospel that places Jesus with GOD before creation; the only gospel account that shows such a wide range of people (Nicodemus, the woman at the well, Lazarus, the blind man, etc.) trying to determine who Jesus is. From the beginning to the end, the gospel account of John declares the deity of Jesus—THE SON OF GOD—the grand picture beneath the surface. We invite you…no , we challenge you to think about Jesus in ways you never have before. Open your eyes, open your heart and open your mind and be prepared to stand in amazement at the story of the “one and only begotten Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
Like all other ILLUMINATION studies, this workbook is written from the New International Version. You should be able to answer all the questions by either examining the text or examining your life. Please be sure to pray before you begin each lesson.
We have grown so much in our understanding of Jesus as we have worked on this study guide. We pray the same blessing for you as you examine and meditate and think about Jesus in this gospel account written by the disciple that He loved.
Connie Barker and Karla Taylor
