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96 | A Bird's-Eye View of the Gospel of John (Bible Study and Devotional)

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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The first words of John's Gospel launch us into eternity - "In the beginning was the Word" - before bringing us face-to-face with the astonishing reality that this eternal Word "became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Unlike the synoptic Gospels that rush through parables and miracles, John slows everything down, inviting us to linger in sacred moments and see Jesus through fresh eyes.

Written by "the disciple whom Jesus loved," this Gospel pulses with intimacy and wonder. From the wedding at Cana where ordinary water becomes extraordinary wine, to the garden where the risen Lord speaks Mary's name with such tenderness that her grief transforms to joy - John reveals a Jesus who knows us personally and loves us completely.

Throughout this bird's-eye journey, we explore the four beautiful sections of John's Gospel: the majestic Prologue introducing Jesus as the eternal Word; the Book of Signs showcasing seven miraculous works that reveal His identity; the Book of Glory focusing on His passion and Resurrection; and the poignant Epilogue where Jesus cooks breakfast on the shore and restores Peter after his denials. We ponder His seven powerful "I am" declarations - bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, resurrection and life, way, truth, life, and true vine - each addressing our deepest human needs.

This Gospel speaks directly to our modern spiritual hunger. Are you feeling empty? Jesus is the bread of life. Lost? He's the good shepherd. Stumbling in darkness? He's the light of the world. The invitation of John's Gospel isn't just to learn about Jesus but to experience Him - to believe and receive the abundant life He offers. As John himself writes, "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Dive deep into this transformative Gospel and discover how Jesus is calling your name today.

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Paula Behrens:

Have you ever wondered what makes the Gospel of John so different from the other Gospels? How did John develop such a deep connection with Jesus and what does it mean for your life today that Jesus is the Word made flesh? Friend, this isn't just history, it's an invitation into joy, intimacy and a life in His name. Stay with me because together we're going to take a bird's eye journey through the Gospel of John that will change the way you see Jesus forever. But first funny story.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you. Please take a moment to follow the show, leave a review and share with your friends who need a little biblical encouragement today.

Paula Behrens:

Friend, have you ever sat down with your Bible, a cup of tea and high hopes for a quiet moment with the Lord, only to find your mind racing with to-do lists, your spirit distracted or your heart dry? I remember a season when my spiritual life felt more like a checklist than a connection. I had a book of prayers, a seminary degree and even my favorite kneeling rail in my office, but, truthfully, I was just going through the motions at that time. I was hungry for more, more peace, more presence, more of God. I was showing up with all the right tools, but none of the soul satisfying stillness I craved. My time with God became something I did not something I delighted in. I craved intimacy with God, but I didn't know how to break out of that cycle of routine spirituality. Then the Lord gently reminded me he never asked me for polished prayers or perfect discipline. He just wanted my presence and from that moment on, I began creating a space to simply be with him. I built a new rhythm, one that was deeply rooted in grace, filled with scripture and supported by the soothing presence of his creation, including essential oils that helped me slow down and breathe in deeply. That sacred rhythm is what I now share in the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour.

Paula Behrens:

This one-on-one session is for the person who's ready to stop striving and start resting in God again. Whether you're spiritually weary, stuck in a routine or longing for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit, this hour is your invitation to begin again with grace, to create a personalized devotional routine that works with your real life, not against it. Together, we'll craft a practice that helps you feel grounded, nourished and deeply connected to God mind, body and spirit. You don't have to keep trying to figure it out all on your own. There's a simple way to grow in faith and draw near to God, and I'd be honored to help you find it. Let's breathe in his peace. Let's rediscover his presence. Let's begin again together.

Paula Behrens:

Book your Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

We are about to step into one of the most beautiful journeys in all of Scripture, a bird's-eye view of the Gospel of John. If you've ever longed to feel closer to Jesus or to see him not just as a figure in history, but as the living Son of God who calls you by name, this study is for you. The Gospel of John is different from the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Those books move quickly through the parables and ministry events. John though, slows everything down. He invites us to linger, to lean in close, to see Jesus with fresh eyes and to believe. Take a deep breath right here at the beginning. Inhale slowly, hold it for a moment and exhale. Let your heart be still. This isn't just another Bible study. It's an opportunity to encounter Jesus anew.

Paula Behrens:

Many scholars believe that when John referred to the disciple whom Jesus loved, he was actually speaking of himself. That little phrase tells us something important. This book is written by someone who truly knew Jesus' love and wanted us to know it too. He even tells us exactly why he wrote. In John, chapter 20, verse 31 he says, These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have Life in his name. Life, that's the word that pulses through John's Gospel. Life in his name, eternal life that starts the moment we believe. Friend, if you've ever felt dry, weary or stuck, this Gospel will refresh your soul. Pause for a moment and whisper to yourself, life in his name. Say it again, but this time as a prayer, Lord, I want life in your name.

Paula Behrens:

John's Gospel falls into four beautiful parts. First, the prologue in chapter 1, where we meet Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh. Then comes the book of signs, stretching from chapter 1, verse 19, through chapter 12, where seven miraculous works reveal who Jesus is. Next is the book of glory, chapters 13 through 20, focusing on Jesus' passion, death and Resurrection. And finally, the epilogue in chapter 21, where Jesus meets his disciples on the shore and restores Peter. Let's take a sweeping but interesting journey through each section.

Paula Behrens:

The prologue in chapter 1 is breathtaking. It begins not with a manger or a star, but with eternity. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Can you feel the majesty of those words? Before time began, before creation, Jesus was there. He is the eternal Word, the Light shining in the darkness. And John tells us that this Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Pause for just a moment and let that truth sink in. The God of the universe chose to step into our world, not from a distance, not reluctantly, but personally and lovingly. Picture it, the eternal God wrapping himself in human skin, walking into our story, bringing Light that no darkness can overcome. Take a deep breath and whisper in your heart, the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Paula Behrens:

From chapter 1, verse 19, all the way through chapter 12, John shows us seven miraculous signs of Jesus. These are not just random acts of power. They are sermons in action. At a wedding in Cana, Jesus turns water into wine. An ordinary moment becomes extraordinary. Doesn't that sound like our own lives when he takes something plain and fills it with joy? Later he heals the official's son simply with his word, showing that his authority reaches across time and space. Then we see him at the pool of Bethesda, speaking to a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus restores what seemed permanently broken. On a hillside, with thousands gathered, he multiplies five loaves and two fish until everyone is satisfied. It's a picture of the bread of life, feeding our deepest hunger. On the water he walks in the midst of a storm, showing that fear and chaos are no match for him. Then comes the man born blind. Jesus not only gives sight, but reveals that true blindness is spiritual an inability to recognize him as the light of the world. And finally, outside the tomb of Lazarus, he calls: Lazarus, come out and the dead man lives again. Pause here and ask yourself which of these signs touches my heart most deeply today? Is it the transformation, healing, provision, power over fear, light in darkness, or resurrection life?

Paula Behrens:

Alongside all these signs, Jesus makes seven bold declarations, each beginning with I am. He says. I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the gate, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way, the truth and the life, and I am the true vine. Each statement echoes the voice of God in the Old Testament, when he told Moses, I am who I am. So which of these do you most need to hear right now? Do you need bread because you feel empty? Do you need a shepherd because you feel lost? Do you need resurrection because you feel stuck in despair? Maybe you need a vine because you're weary and long to stay connected. Whisper that statement quietly. Let it be an anchor for you today.

Paula Behrens:

From chapter 13 onward, John slows the pace. Nearly half of his gospel is dedicated to the final week of Jesus' life. It's often called the Book of Glory. In the upper room, Jesus kneels and washes the disciples' feet. Can you picture that? The Son of God stooping low with a towel around his waist? What love. He gives his friends a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. He comforts them with promises of the Holy Spirit, the advocate who will guide and remind them. And in John 17, he prays not just for the disciples sitting around him, but for you and for me. Imagine that, Jesus prayed for you on the night before he went to the cross. He prayed that you would be one with him, safe in his love, filled with his joy. Can you receive that truth? Jesus prayed for you. Then come the arrest, the trial and the cross.

Paula Behrens:

But in the Gospel of John, even more so than the other Gospels, Jesus emphasizes he is in control and that he willingly lays down his life. And then, in chapter 20, everything changes. The stone is rolled away. Mary Magdalene weeps in the garden, but when the Risen Jesus speaks her name, she knows it's him. Thomas doubts, but when he sees the scars he declares, my Lord and my God. Pause and imagine Jesus calling your name with the same tenderness he used with Mary. Can you hear it? Your name spoken with love by the Risen Lord.

Paula Behrens:

The Gospel closes in chapter 21 with a gentle scene. The disciples, still uncertain, go fishing. At dawn, Jesus meets them on the shore, cooks breakfast and shares a meal with them. And then he turns to Peter. Three times Peter had denied him. Three times Jesus asks, do you love me? And each time Jesus restores and recommissions him, feed my sheep. Jesus does not leave us in our failures. He meets us, restores us and calls us again into his mission. Take a moment right now and ask yourself, where do I need Jesus' restoring love right now?

Paula Behrens:

The Gospel of John weaves together beautiful themes. It proclaims that Jesus is God. It calls us to believe not just with our minds but with our whole hearts. It paints contrast between Light and darkness, inviting us to walk in the Light. It shows us that true glory is found at the cross and it invites us into intimacy with Christ, to lean against his heart, just as John did.

Paula Behrens:

And friend, John's words are not locked in the past. They are alive for us today. If you are weary, John says, rest in the shepherd's arms. If you are uncertain, John says, look to the way, the truth and the life. If you are stumbling in darkness, John says, step into the Light. If you are thirsty, he says, drink of the living water. This gospel is more than history. It's an invitation, an invitation to believe, to receive life and to live with joy. Every story, every sign, every word whispers the same truth, Jesus is the Son of God and in him is Life. Take one more deep breath, inhale his love, exhale your worries. As we've seen today in the Gospel of John, everything points us to Life in His name, Life that is full, free and anchored in His love.

Paula Behrens:

If you're longing to carry that same sense of peace into your everyday life, I'd love to invite you to a one-on-one Aroma of Christ coaching hour. Together we'll create a daily devotional rhythm that fits beautifully into your life and schedule and I'll walk you through a bonus Peace RESET, a gentle, spirit-led process drawn from the Aroma Freedom Technique by Dr Benjamin Perkus that helps release the weight of past memories and makes room for God's peace to flow in. If that sounds like the step your heart needs right now, head on over to paulabehrens. com/ coaching to book your session. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Friend, this is your time to breathe deep, reset and live fully in his name, today and every day. Book your session now, while the Peace RESET is still on the table.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more women like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next time as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into him and walking in his wisdom. See you next time.