Topical Bible: Children: John

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Introduction:
The name "John" is significant in the New Testament, referring primarily to two key figures: John the Baptist and John the Apostle. Both played crucial roles in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and their contributions are foundational to Christian theology and the early Church.

John the Baptist:
John the Baptist is a prophetic figure who serves as the forerunner to Jesus Christ. His birth was foretold by an angel to his father, Zechariah, and his mother, Elizabeth, who was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:13-17). John is known for his ascetic lifestyle, living in the wilderness, wearing camel's hair, and eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4).

John's primary mission was to prepare the way for the Lord by calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. He boldly proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). John baptized Jesus, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. During this event, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, with a voice from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).

John the Baptist's ministry emphasized the need for spiritual renewal and pointed to Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). His unwavering commitment to truth eventually led to his imprisonment and martyrdom at the hands of Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-29).

John the Apostle:
John the Apostle, also known as John the Evangelist, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and the brother of James. He is often referred to as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). John, along with Peter and James, formed the inner circle of Jesus' followers, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2).

John is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), and the Book of Revelation. His Gospel is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and emphasizes the divinity of Christ, beginning with the profound declaration, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).

John's writings focus on themes of love, truth, and eternal life. In his first epistle, he writes, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19), highlighting the transformative power of God's love. The Book of Revelation, attributed to John, provides a prophetic vision of the end times and the ultimate victory of Christ.

Legacy and Influence:
Both John the Baptist and John the Apostle have left an indelible mark on Christian faith and theology. John the Baptist's call to repentance and his role in baptizing Jesus underscore the importance of humility and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. John the Apostle's contributions through his writings offer deep theological insights into the nature of Christ and the Christian life.

Their lives and ministries continue to inspire believers to live faithfully, bear witness to the truth, and embrace the love of God as revealed through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing to Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

John the Baptist Tells of Jesus' Work
... This John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt, and his food was ... To
the crowds that went out to be baptized by him he said, "You children of vipers ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/john the baptist tells of.htm

Jesus Praises John the Baptist
... than John the Baptist; and yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater
than he. "To what shall I compare the people of to-day? They are like children ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus praises john the baptist.htm

Fathers and Children'
... to be; and that turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts
of the children to the fathers, was only a small part of John the Baptist's ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

That Christ is the Bridegroom, Having the Church as his Bride ...
... the Bridegroom, having the Church as His bride, from which spiritual children were
to ... the glory of God." [4055] Also in the Gospel according to John: "Ye are ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/19 that christ is the.htm

The Children's Bible
The Children's Bible. <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... THE BOY
JESUS ASKS QUESTIONS. JOHN THE BAPTIST TELLS OF JESUS' WORK. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... viewed the rights which they inherited from him]: for I say unto you, that God is
able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham [John meant that their ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

Jesus' Estimate of John the Baptist.
... children sitting in the marketplaces, who call unto their fellows and say, 'We piped
unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn.' For John ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus estimate of john the.htm

The Promised Birth of John the Baptist.
... heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name
John. ... And many of the children of Israel shall he turn unto the Lord their God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the promised birth of john.htm

John's Introduction.
... many as received him [whether Jew or Gentile], to them gave he the right to become
children of God [comp. Romans 3:14-17; Galatians 3:26; iv.6, 7; I. John iii.1 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ii johns introduction.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
... children out of slavery and into freedom for Jesus' sake. In the memorable discourse
of the Lord Jesus with His disciples at the last supper, as given by John ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ix entire sanctification as.htm