SOUTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY

Fourth Gospel, E. Earle Ellis affirms the meaning of

6
James L Heflin John's writings for today. For one thing, John gives
assurance to our age, which is marked especially by
insecurity. Also, John gives the church guidance
concerning Christian unity. Finally, John speaks a
Preaching Values word of Christian witness in a "post-Christian world."
The love for John's Gospel and belief in its
in the relevance, along with familiarity with John, may make
the task of preaching from the gospel appear quite
Gospel of John simple at first. Yet, in many ways the book remains
a mystery and the shaping of sermons from it can be
difficult. The concept of the logos in chapter one
(1:1-5) presents a challenge to the most capable Bible
student. The Greek term translated "Word" is rich in
meaning, but the casual reader or typical listener in
I join my colleagues in this issue of the South
the Sunday congregation probably needs some trans
western Journal of Theology dedicated to the mem 7
ory of Huber L. Drumwright, Jr., in an expression of lation and interpretation. In the same verses, John
gratitude for his life and ministry. He was my friend asks us to think about the time before anything
and mentor. He had a special way of revealing his love existed, and then says the Word already was there.
by the very way he called a name. He loved his Lord Other passages also require great skill with language
supremely and loved his family, friends, students, and to communicate their meaning. For example, Jesus
colleagues with sincerity and depth. We loved him told the Pharisees, "Before Abraham was, I am" (8:58
and we miss him. I thank God for allowing my path KJV). The unity of Christ with the Father (as expressed
to cross that of Huber Drumwright. My life is better
because of fellowship with him.
The Gospel of John offers the preacher a vast James L Heflin taught at New Orleans
treasury from which to choose the jewels of sermon Seminary before coming to Southwestern
as Associate Professor of Preaching in
texts. Kyle M. Yates, distinguished Southern Baptist 1985 He co-authored Proclaim the
professor and pastor, says. "The Gospel of John is the Word, also in 1985
richest treasure possessed by man."1 Dwight E.
Stevenson, pastor and professor of preaching,
describes John as "the crown of the Gospels/'2
Herschel H. Hobbs, respected preacher and New
Testament scholar, observes that John has been called
"the Holy of Holies of the New Testament."3
Christians love the Gospel of John because of its
beauty, clarity, depth, and power. They regard its in John 17) is no simple matter to understand or
message, though written almost two thousand years explain to others.
ago, as one which has abiding value and relevance. On the other hand, Jesus as a sacrificial lamb (1.29)
may be understood quite easily with a little explana
This is true for a number of reasons. A. M. Hunter
4 tion. The metaphor of Jesus, "I am the vine, ye are
suggests three. First, John offers life to the believer
the branches," (15:5) clarifies the relationship of a
in Christ; it is the Gospel of Life. Second, it provides
disciple to the Lord. At times, these and other familiar
an in-depth view of the person and work of Christ.
passages may cause the preacher to hesitate, for fear
Third, "it presents the challenge of Christ and the
that all who listen already know everything which
Gospel in an existential way," a way that causes the
could be said about the text, or have heard it several
individual to think about "the ultimate issues of life
times. Yet the knowledge that the preacher's obliga
and death . . . as one committed to a decision on
5 tion is to tell the whole truth, coupled with the
them." certainty that all people need to hear the gospel,
Taking into consideration three New Testament compels the herald of God to preach from this
epistles which bear the name of John, as well as the beautiful New Testament book. The very nature of the
minister's call requires a telling of the riches of the
'Kyle M Yates, Preaching from John's Gospel (Nashville Gospel.
Broadman Press, 1964), vu
2
Dwight E Stevenson, The Fourth Witness A Bethany Bible
6
Course, ed Glenn McRae (St Louis, Missouri Bethany Press, 1954), E Earle Ellis, The World of St John The Gospel and The
3 Epistles (Grand Rapids, Mich Wm Eerdmans Pub Co , 1984),
3
Herschel H Hobbs,/cwb A Study Guide (Grand Rapids, Mich 91-96
7
Zondervan Publishing House, 1973), 7 SeeF F Bruce The Gospel of John Introduction, Exposition,
4
A M Hunter, According to John The New Look at the Fourth and Notes (Grand Rapids, Mich Wm Eerdmans Pub Co , 1983),
Gospel (Philadelphia Westminster Press, 1968), 106-18 29, and William Barclay Introduction to John and The Acts of the
5
Ibid , 116 Apostles (Philadelphia Westminster Press, 1976), 146-60

32
 SOUTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY

Why John, when the New Testament contains four Series

gospels? For one thing, the Gospel of John is a dis- The introductory book sermon leads naturally to
tinctive gospel; it contains material the other gospel serial preaching, a program of continuous exposition
writers do not include. Jesus' miracle of turning water of verses, passages, and chapters. The preacher usually
into wine at the wedding feast in Cana appears only begins at chapter one, verse one, and carefully
in John (2:1-11). The story of Jesus' encounter with explains, illustrates, and applies the contents of the
Nicodemus (3:1-15) is reported only by John. No other entire book. The object of such a plan is to develop
gospel records the master's discussion with the the book's overall theme, which has been stated at the
woman at the well (4:1-42). beginning of the series and should be repeated
John's Gospel differs from the synoptics in numer- occasionally to aid the listener. This is an effective
ous other ways. John emphasizes Jesus' ministry in way to teach a Bible book. The minister who follows
Jerusalem. The style of Jesus is different in John. Also, this plan should state clearly at the beginning of each
the Fourth Gospel has a different arrangement.8 These sermon how the verse or passage for that sermon
distinctives of John offer the preacher good material relates to the series and to the whole book. Careful
for sermons. The whole of the Gospel provides the planning is required in order not to ramble or extend
preacher an amazing range of possibilities for preach- the series over too many weeks or months. Prepara-
ing a sermon or a series of sermons. tion may include the construction of an outline of
Book Sermon the entire book and a review of the outline before
The preacher may introduce the Gospel of John each sermon to check progress.
with a Bible book sermon. This kind of sermon may Alternatives to verse-by-verse exposition of a book
be done several ways.9 One of the best ways is the "key include series highlighting certain characters, events,
text book sermon." The term "key text" means "a text texts, or doctrines in the gospel. Selecting one of these
that in itself epitomizes the content, extent, or plans limits the scope of the series.
message of the book so well that it becomes a good People are interested in other people, and have a
preaching or teaching device for focusing the particular interest in biblical characters. Capitalize on
attention of the group on the book."10 John's own that interest by introducing your listeners to the
statement of purpose for writing, 20:30-31, provides personalities of John. The central character of the
a good text for such a sermon. The title "Why the gospel is Jesus Christ. John does not begin with the
Gospel?" would create interest in the sermon. With birth of Christ and the events which followed
this title, the sermon outline should suggest answers immediately, as do Matthew and Luke. He does not
to the question. John's answer starts with the phrase include the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee.
"in order that...." He wrote his gospel so that people Instead, he begins with the pre-incarnate existence
may believe in Jesus Christ and so that they might have of Christ and his early ministry in Jerusalem. John's
life through believing. portrayal of Jesus reveals that he is the eternal Son
The "key text Bible book" kind of sermon can of God. A sermon on Jesus, as John presents him,
introduce a book and, at the same time, create interest could be a description of the quality of Jesus'
and a readiness to hear sermons from the entire book. character. A title such as "Christ: God's Word to Man"
After preaching a book sermon, the preacher should seems appropriate to focus attention on Jesus as the
be prepared to develop a series along the line of communication of God with man through a person.
direction taken in the initial sermon. A sermon on Since the gospel is the story of Jesus, the preacher
20:30-31, for example, sets the stage for a series of may wish to do an entire series on him.
evangelistic sermons. The first person to appear in the gospel, after Jesus,
Whatever the decision about a thematic sermon, is John the Baptist (1:6). A man "sent from God" (1:6),
the goal of the first sermon of a series should be to he had the honor of serving as a witness to the light
provide listeners an overview of the entire book. of the world and as the forerunner for Jesus. His
Choices for setting the tone for the series may range ministry was dramatic and effective, so much so that
from a central verse to a central event to a central he could have claimed to be the Messiah himself. Yet,
person. John presents an opportunity to select any John pointed others to Jesus and minimized his own
one of these with equal confidence. While the Bible importance by comparison to that of the true Messiah.
book sermon is an effective way to preach, it is He had the distinct honor of introducing Jesus as "the
difficult to prepare. Lamb of God" (1:29). From the Baptist, Christians may
learn the lessons of bearing witness to the Son of God
and the importance of humble service.
8
D. Moody Smith, John, Proclamation Commentaries, 2d ed.,
Other characters whom we meet on the pages of
rev and enl., ed. Gerhard Krodel (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986), the Gospel of John include Andrew (1:35-42),
2-24.
9
Nathanael (1:43-51), Mary and Martha, the sisters of
Chalmer Faw, A Guide to Biblical Preaching (Nashville Lazarus (11:17-37), Caiaphas (11:45-53), Judas
Broadman Press, 1962), 42ff. gives five major types of Bible book
sermons. (13:21-30), and Barabbas (18:38-40). Though he does
10
Ibid., 69-70. not give a complete biography on any of these, John

33
SOUTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY
gives enough information that the reader may know
something about the personality of each one.
An interesting variation of the character sermon,
which still introduces persons, is the interview
sermon. John tells of several meetings between Jesus
and well-known people. The fourth chapter is
devoted, almost completely, to the encounter of Jesus
with the woman at the well (4:1-42). Chapter eight
recounts the drama of the woman caught in the act
of adultery (8:1-11). In the story of the death of
Lazarus, found in chapter eleven, John tells of the
discussions Jesus held with Martha (11:17-27) and Mary
(11:28-40) concerning the resurrection.
One of the most dramatic scenes in John takes place
at the Last Supper when Jesus confronts Judas
(13:21-30). Later, the question posed to Jesus by
Thomas prompts one of the most famous sayings of
Christ (14:6). A passage more descriptive of the
personality of Thomas is found in chapter twenty,
following the resurrection. Thomas declared that he
would not believe in the risen Lord unless he saw with
his own eyes the marks of the nails in the Savior's
hands and touched with his own hand the side which
was pierced. Jesus appeared to him and invited him
to see and touch. In all the gospels the declaration
of Thomas which followed (20:28) is second only to
Simon Peter's Great Confession in Caesarea and
suggests a sermon on "Doubt Turned into Faith."
Two of the most famous interviews in the entire
ministry of Jesus appear in John. The first is the one
between Jesus and Nicodemus (3:1-15). The dialogue
moves quickly and the emotion is intense. During the
course of the conversation Jesus makes one of his best-
known statements about salvation: "Except a man be
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (3:3).
Puzzled by such a remark, Nicodemus asks how a
second birth can take place. His question is echoed
by persons in every generation. A sermon retelling the
verbal exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus may
ask: "How Can a Person Be Born Again?" and answer
with the reply of Jesus.
The other interview is with Peter on the seashore
following the resurrection (21:15-24). The drama
reaches a fever pitch as Jesus asks Simon Peter: "Do
you love me?" A retelling of this story provides the
preacher a moment to ask all contemporary disciples
about their love for the Lord and their willingness to
serve him.
The word which John used to describe the
miracles of Jesus is translated "sign" a number of
times and the passages in which it appears provide
a good outline for preaching through the book (at
least the first twelve chapters). Five events in the
gospel are called "signs": The turning of the water
into wine at a wedding in Cana (2: Ml); the healing
of the ruler's son (4:46-54); the feeding of the 5000
(6:1-15); the healing of the blind man (9:1-7); and the
raising of Lazarus from the dead (11:38-44). New
Testament scholars describe each sign as a "revelatory
act" of Jesus. John has three other such acts which
34
are not specifically designated by the term "sign."
They are: The healing of the lame man at the pool
of Bethesda (5:2-9); Jesus' walking on the water
(6:16-21); and the miracle of the large catch of fish
(21:1-14).
Favorite verses or texts suggest good possibilities
for a sermon series. When asked to recite verses they
love most, Christians often quote from John. "Let not
your heart be troubled . . . (14:1)" is a source of great
comfort. ". . . Ye shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free" (8:32) inspires confidence for
living the Christian life within the limits of freedom
granted through Christ. The prayer of Jesus in chapter
17 includes a specific request that future believers may
"be one" (17:20), and motivates contemporary efforts
toward church unity.
Some of the "golden texts" of the Bible are found
in the Gospel of John. Sermons on several of them
under the general title "The Golden Texts of John"
may refresh the spirit of both preacher and congre-
gation. The series could begin with John 3:16, THE
Golden Text of the Bible. Augustine said of this text
that it is "an ocean of thought in a drop of language."12
This one verse expresses the character of John's
Gospel and of the gospel itself. Other passages for
the series could include: "I am come that they might
have life and that they might have it more abundantly"
(10:10); "A new commandment I give unto you, That
ye love one another" (13:34); and "Peace be unto you:
as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you"
(20:21).
The Gospel of John is a sourcebook for the study
of some vital doctrines. The pre-existence of Christ
(1:1-5), the incarnation (1:14), salvation (esp. 3:1-21),
eternal life (3:16), the eternal home of the believer
(14:1-6), the crucifixion (19:17-25a), and the resurrec-
tion (20.1-18) are prominent. Others include worship
(4:21-24), judgment (7:19-24), the Supper (13:1-11),
and the lordship of Christ (13:13).
Among the gospel writers, John alone records the
words of Jesus about the Holy Spirit. The five "Para-
clete sayings" clarify the role of the Spirit. These are
the words of the Master himself and appear in
14.15-17; 14:25-26; 15:26-27; l6:4b-ll; and 16:12-15.
They are among the last of the teachings of Jesus prior
to his death.
A series may be developed employing the "I am"
sayings of Jesus. Seven of these occur in John and can
be followed chronologically to reveal Jesus' presen-
tation of himself. He said: "I am the bread of life"
(6:35); "I am the light of the world" (8:12); "I am the
door" (10:7); "I am the good shepherd" (10:11); "I am
the resurrection and the life" (11:25); "I am the way,
11
Fred B. Craddock includes these in the sign passages, under-
standing them to be signs, though the term itself is not used. See
Lloyd Bailey and Victor Furnish, eds., The Gospels, Interpreting
Biblical Texts, (Nashville: Abingdon, 1981), 127-28; and David
W. Wead, "The Literary Devices in John's Gospel" (Th.D. diss.,
University of Basel, Switzerland, 1970), 18-29.
I2
as cited in August Van Ryn, Meditations in John (Chicago:
Moody Press, 1949), 131.

the truth, and the life" (14:6); and "I am the true vine"
(15:1). These words sound a note of extraordinary
authority and will have great value as a series.
Other possibilities for series include: Key words,
such as logos, life, and light; key concepts, such as
way, truth, and life; and striking statements, such as
"Behold how he loved him!" (11:36), "Woman,
behold thy son!" (19:26), and "Behold thy mother!"
(19:27).
To do a good Bible book sermon or series, consider
the following pathway to preparation:
1. Become thoroughly familiar with the entire book.
Know its themes and purpose or purposes. Knowl-
edge of these is necessary to interpret the book or
parts of the book with accuracy. This preparation
requires numerous readings of the book.
2. Prepare a study outline of the entire book. This
likely will lead to the outlines of the sermons for the
series.
3. Write out a unifying theme for the series. This
will enable you to proceed toward a specific goal as
you preach. Without such a unifying theme the series
may tend to stray from the subject because of the
length of the gospel. A series should be long enough
to cover the book thoroughly, but the minister should
remind the listeners of his ultimate aim occasionally
to keep their attention directed toward the whole of
which each sermon is a part.
4. Plan for a specific block of time for the series.
5. Notify your congregation of your intentions and
invite them to prepare for the series by reading the
book through in their favorite translation and reread-
ing it in other versions. Such a notice will intensify
their interest in the sermons (and we all could profit
from such interest!).
6. Plan the series well in advance to allow yourself
ample preparation time.
7. Do thorough and specific preparation for each
sermon.
Language
Besides the wealth of sermon material, John's
Gospel contains other helps for the preacher in the
actual preaching of sermons. The Gospel contains
much imagistic language. The "I am" passages are
striking metaphors. In addition, the images of light
overcoming darkness, wells of living water, grains of
wheat planted and growing, and a house of many
rooms speak volumes. The passage about the shep-
herd and the sheep (10:1-6) is a meaningful parable.
Also, John tells stories in a compelling manner. He
relates the story of the crucifixion in forty-two verses
(chapter 19). His economy of words is admirable and
a good example of how to get to the point.
John sketches characters with brevity and clarity.
He describes John the Baptist as "a man sent from
God" (1:6). He reports that Jesus called Nathanael "An
Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" (1:47). John's
self portrait is that of a disciple "whom Jesus loved"
(13:23).
SOUTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY
The Gospel of John provides a vast collection of
resources for preaching. It presents Jesus as the Christ
of God. It serves as a source of inspiration. It contains
material not found in the other gospels. It echoes the
synoptic accounts of the essential doctrines of the
birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of
Jesus. We feel a sense of awe and search for more
superlatives when we speak of the worth of this
gospel. The ministers who prepare and preach series
of sermons on this great Bible book will enrich their
own Christian lives and the lives of all those who hear.
Resources
The sources consulted for this article relate pri-
marily to preaching from the Gospel of John. Among
those already cited, the following are quite helpful.
The volume by F. F. Bruce, The Gospel of John:
Introduction, Exposition, and Notes, does exactly
what the title suggests. Bruce outlines and comments
on the entire gospel and provides good documenta-
tion for further study. D. Moody Smith's John in the
Proclamation Commentary series is a valuable com-
mentary on the distinctives of John, along with an
analysis of the structure and theology of the gospel.
For help with sermon ideas consult Chalmer Faw,
A Guide to Biblical Preaching. This book helps
define the word "text" from its simplest to its most
complex meaning and contains examples of outlines
and titles.
Fred Craddock has written two volumes which are
valuable for preaching from John. One isJohn in Knox
Preaching Guides and the other is The Gospels in
Interpreting Biblical Texts. In the first, Craddock
presents an interpretative outline with sermon sug-
gestions. In a chapter of the second book he follows
basically the same pattern, continually giving hints
for preaching.
Other sources the minister will find helpful include:
Abbey, Merrill R. Encounter with Christ: Preaching
Ventures in the Gospel of John. Nashville: Abingdon
Press, 1961. This is a collection of sermons from the
Gospel of John, written while Abbey was a pastor.
Blackwood, Andrew W., Sr. Preaching from the
Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1941; reprint, Grand
Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1974. This older
work contains a helpful chapter on the book sermon
and another section on preaching from chapters in
John.
Guthrie, Donald. Exploring God's Word: A Guide
to John's Gospel. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986. This is a study
guide, complete with outline, from which the
preacher will glean numerous ideas for sermons.
Hobbs, Herschel H. An Exposition of the Four
Gospels. Volume 4. The Gospel of John. Nashville:
Broadman Press, 1968. Here is a good outline with
explanatory notes from a respected Southern Baptist
scholar/preacher.
McEachern, Alton H. "Narrative Preaching." In
Preaching in Today's World. James C. Barry,
35
SOUTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY
Compiler. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1984, 151-57.
A Southern Baptist pastor and author briefly tells
about the art of narrative, then includes a dramatic
monologue sermon on Nicodemus from John 3.
Stevenson, Dwight E. Preaching on the Books of
the New Testament. New York: Harper & Brothers
Publishers, 1956. This is one of the most helpful
books for preparing to preach from John. He suggests
a title for the entire book, gives the main features of
36
the gospel, outlines it, and summarizes its contents.
He offers some titles for sermons.
These books, along with the ones cited in footnotes,
will assist the preacher in his task of preparing to
preach from the Gospel of John. Refer to the other
articles on John in this issue of the Journal and the
technical works and commentaries cited in those
articles for outlining and doing the required exegetical
work in John.
 ^ s
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