Anointed for the Mission: The Power, Calling, and Kingdom Teaching of Jesus
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 1
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 305 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these chapters, Jesus reveals Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual life, meeting humanity’s deepest needs for salvation, healing, and sustenance. He breaks cultural barriers to offer living water to the Samaritan woman, restores the weak and hopeless through miraculous healing, and declares Himself the Bread of Life who sustains eternally. Each encounter highlights the heart of God — compassionate, redemptive, and transformative — drawing people from superficial belief to genuine faith. Through these narratives, John presents Jesus not only as the miracle-worker but as the Messiah who satisfies the thirst and hunger of every soul, calling all to believe and receive eternal life through Him.
John 4
John 4 opens with Jesus intentionally traveling through Samaria, where He meets a Samaritan woman at the well — an encounter that breaks social and religious norms. In their conversation, Jesus offers her “living water,” symbolizing the eternal life and satisfaction found only in Him. Through this dialogue, He reveals His omniscience, exposing her past and leading her toward true worship “in spirit and in truth.” Her testimony transforms her village as many Samaritans believe in Jesus as the Messiah. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a royal official’s son from a distance, demonstrating that faith in His word brings life and confirming His divine authority over space and sickness.
John 5
In John 5, Jesus heals a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda, revealing His compassion and divine power. This miracle, performed on the Sabbath, stirs controversy among the Jewish leaders who accuse Him of breaking the law. Jesus boldly declares that He works in unity with the Father, revealing His equality with God and authority to give life and execute judgment. He teaches that those who hear His word and believe in the One who sent Him have already crossed from death to life. The chapter emphasizes that true faith recognizes Jesus as both healer and divine Son, sent to bring restoration and righteousness to the world.
John 6
John 6 highlights Jesus’ miraculous provision and the depth of His teaching about eternal life. He feeds over five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, revealing Himself as the true Provider and demonstrating God’s abundance. Later, He walks on water, showing His authority over creation and His ability to bring peace amid storms. When the crowds seek Him for physical bread, Jesus redirects them to a deeper truth — that He Himself is the Bread of Life, the One who satisfies spiritual hunger forever. Many struggle to accept this hard teaching, and some turn away, but Peter declares a foundational truth: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This chapter reveals that true discipleship means following Jesus not for temporary blessings but for the eternal life He alone gives.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name John comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means “Yahweh is gracious” or “God is gracious.” This is fitting for the Gospel, as it emphasizes God’s grace and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of John was written to reveal the divine nature of Jesus Christ and to invite people to believe in Him as the Son of God. John explicitly states this purpose in John 20:31, saying, “But 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.” Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes Jesus’ deity, His relationship with the Father, and the spiritual truths behind His miracles and teachings.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is traditionally credited as the author of this Gospel. Evidence supporting this includes:
Internal Evidence: John refers to himself indirectly as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20, 24).
Other Biblical References: Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, cite John as the author and indicate he wrote the Gospel while residing in Ephesus. John is also mentioned in Revelation 1:1-2, 9, where the author identifies himself as the one who received visions on the island of Patmos, traditionally understood as the same John.
External Historical Sources: Early church writings such as Irenaeus’ Against Heresies (circa AD 180) affirm John as the author. Papias (circa AD 60–130) also supports this attribution, noting that John, the disciple, wrote a Gospel while in Ephesus.
Key People:
Jesus Christ: The central figure, revealed as the eternal Word, the Son of God, and Savior of the world.
John the Baptist: The forerunner of Christ who testifies about Him as the Lamb of God (John 1:29–34).
The Disciples: Peter, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, and others who follow Jesus and witness His ministry.
Mary, Mother of Jesus: She is present at Cana and plays a role in Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1–5).
Nicodemus: A Pharisee who seeks Jesus’ teachings and learns about spiritual rebirth (John 3:1–21).
Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower who witnesses Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:11–18).
Conclusion
The Gospel of John concludes by affirming that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God and emphasizes the life-changing power of faith in Him. John presents Jesus not only as a historical figure but as the eternal Word who brings light, life, and salvation to all who believe. By witnessing His miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection, readers are invited into a personal relationship with Christ that leads to eternal life (John 20:30–31). The book leaves a clear message: belief in Jesus is the pathway to knowing God and receiving His gracious gift of salvation.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
John 4
In John 4, God reveals Himself as loving, relational, and compassionate toward those society rejects. Through Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, we see a God who breaks cultural barriers to reach the broken and the spiritually thirsty. He knows every detail of our lives yet offers grace and restoration instead of condemnation. The lesson God teaches here is that true worship flows from a sincere heart and that His salvation is available to everyone who believes, regardless of background or past mistakes.
Although no specific Hebrew names are mentioned, God’s nature is displayed through El Roi (The God Who Sees) — the One who sees us in our need and meets us with compassion. Jesus saw the Samaritan woman’s pain and offered her “living water,” symbolizing the eternal satisfaction found only in Him. The lesson in this chapter is that God desires a personal relationship with us, transforming our emptiness into overflowing joy and calling us to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
John 5
In John 5, God’s character is revealed through His mercy, sovereignty, and power to give new life. Jesus heals the man at the pool of Bethesda, showing that God’s compassion reaches beyond human traditions or limitations. His authority to heal and forgive demonstrates that He works in complete unity with the Father. The lesson God teaches is that spiritual healing and restoration come through faith in Christ, not through human effort or religious routine.
This chapter reflects the nature of Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals), as Jesus restores the man who had suffered for thirty-eight years. It also reveals El Shaddai (God Almighty), who holds authority over life, death, and judgment. Through this revelation, God teaches that He is not bound by human rules or time — His grace moves when and where He wills. The lesson here is that we must look beyond rituals and rely fully on God’s power to bring true healing and spiritual renewal.
John 6
In John 6, God’s character is seen as both Provider and Sustainer. Through the feeding of the multitude and Jesus’ declaration as the Bread of Life, we see a God who not only meets physical needs but also satisfies the hunger of the soul. His actions display generosity, patience, and a desire for His people to trust Him fully. The lesson God teaches is that true fulfillment comes not from earthly things but from abiding in Christ, who alone gives eternal life.
This chapter beautifully reflects Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide), seen when Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish to feed thousands. It also reveals El Olam (The Everlasting God), as Jesus points to the eternal nature of the life He gives to those who believe. The lesson in this chapter is that God’s provision extends beyond the temporary — He calls us to depend on Him daily as our spiritual sustenance, trusting that His Word and presence will never fail.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4 reveal God’s compassion and His desire for a personal relationship with us?
What does Jesus’ knowledge of the woman’s past teach us about God’s omniscience and His willingness to forgive?
In John 5, how does Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man demonstrate God’s mercy and power to restore what seems impossible?
What does Jesus’ unity with the Father in John 5 show about God’s sovereignty and authority over life and judgment?
How do the miracles in John 6 reveal God’s character as both Provider and Sustainer?
What does Jesus’ patience with the crowd’s misunderstanding in John 6 show about God’s enduring grace toward His people?
How does God’s character in these chapters remind us that He sees our deepest needs and desires to satisfy both body and soul?
Questions About Themes:
What does the theme of “living water” in John 4 teach us about spiritual fulfillment compared to earthly satisfaction?
How does the story of the Samaritan woman illustrate the theme of breaking barriers between people and God?
In John 5, what is the central message behind Jesus healing on the Sabbath, and what does it reveal about God’s priorities versus man’s traditions?
How does Jesus’ declaration as the “Bread of Life” in John 6 expand the theme of spiritual nourishment introduced in John 4?
What does the crowd’s response to Jesus’ miracles in John 6 reveal about humanity’s tendency to seek temporary rather than eternal blessings?
How do the teachings in these chapters connect the ideas of faith, obedience, and eternal life?
What overarching theme ties these chapters together in revealing Jesus as the fulfillment of both physical and spiritual needs?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways are you seeking satisfaction from temporary sources instead of the “living water” Jesus offers?
How can you apply Jesus’ example of compassion from John 4 to engage with people who are often overlooked or misunderstood?
What area of your life needs healing or restoration, and how can you invite God’s power — like in John 5 — to bring renewal?
Are there any “religious routines” or traditions that have replaced genuine relationship and faith in your walk with God?
How can you depend on Jesus daily as your “Bread of Life,” especially when you feel spiritually weary or empty?
What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God’s provision when you face situations that seem impossible?
How can these chapters inspire you to move from simply believing in Jesus’ miracles to fully trusting in who He is — the Son of God who gives eternal life?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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