I have been studying through John as part of a church-wide focus on using the SOAP method of Bible study. It is a great method, but it doesn't work so well for me. I found myself getting psyched out by the writing that was involved, not to mention the reading. I mean, it's great to read a whole chapter in Exodus, but when you're reading John, it's nice just to stop and reflect. I make it through about half a chapter, and then I read it again and meditate on it.
It troubles me how people take John out of context. Here is a book that must be read carefully in its entirety. Pulling out one verse or section and hanging all of your theology on that denigrates the purpose of the author and the Author. To illustrate, of course, I have to pull out individual verses, but don't believe a word I say if you haven't read the whole book of John for yourself! It is spoken and written in figures of speech which must be carefully and prayerfully understood through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Figures of speech can and will be misunderstood because there is a deeper intended meaning than the words portray. Jesus himself tells the disciples in chapter 16, "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will speak no more to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father." v.25. You could take that to mean the things that Jesus had just spoken to his disciples as He foretold His death and resurrection prior to verse 25, and that would be accurate, but clearly there are other "parables" that Jesus speaks in John where He relies on the figurative language to relay the weight of His message.
"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 2:19
"...unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 3:3
"...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst..." 4:14
"For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." 6:33
"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." 6:56
"You shall seek Me, and shall not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come." 7:34
"If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." 7:37
"I am the light of the world..." 8:12
"...and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 8:32
"...if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." 8:51
"If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains." 9:41
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved..." 10:9
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." 10:11
"...Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep." 11:11
"He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal." 12:25
"If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." 13:8
"I will not leave you as orphans..." 14:18
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser...and you are the branches..." 15:1,5
"A little while, and you will no longer behold Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me." 16:16
Don't take my word for it, take the Word's word for it. English is a plain language. I wish I could understand the original Greek to really enjoy the fullness of Jesus' words. In China, I had a friend whose mother said my face was a lovely apple. Her compliment was so much more special than if she had simply said she liked my face. But, surely, I could take it the wrong way, too. Who wants to look like an apple anyway?
Consider how John maintains the accuracy of the account, while transcribing the allegorical effect that depicts the heavenly nature of Christ. His words came from the Father, and they are full of wisdom and truth.
