Vol. 4, No. 31 Nov. 05, 2005

Things NOT found in the Book of John

Written by Christopher Mentzer

Shortly after becoming a Christian, I began looking at the gospels a little more closely and since I do most of my studying at work, people notice me with the bible. A co-worker had told me that if anyone really wanted to get to know Jesus they should start in the book of John. I’ve also heard a Baptist preacher give a defense for the “Faith Only” doctrine by stating the word “believe” appears over 90 times in the book of John alone.

I wondered why there was this obsession to isolate John from the other gospels. I understand that there are things in John that discuss the deity of Christ, one in every chapter. But, there is so much that is NOT found in John but IS found in the other gospels.

First off there is no mention of Christ’ genealogy. In both Matthew (1: 1-16) and Luke (3: 23-38), it is listed. The importance of this is to show He is a Jew and is descended from the house of Judah.

Second, there is no mention of the His birth. With the exception of John: 1: 14, however, that doesn’t refer to the fact that He was born of a virgin (Lk. 1: 34-35).

Thirdly, there is no mention of his boyhood. This is important because one of the first times Jesus interacted with the teachers in the synagogue was at age 12 (Luke 2: 46-50).

Fourth, the temptation of Jesus is not found in the book of John but found in Matt. 4: 1-11; Mk. 1: 13; Luke 4: 2-13. The significance of this is to show that, like us, Jesus is tempted in all points (Heb. 4: 15).

The transfiguration is also not included but found in Matt. 17: 2; Mk. 9: 2; Lk. 9: 29-35. The importances of this event are: To strengthen and prepare Jesus for his sufferings (Lk. 9:31), to confirm the faith of the Disciples (Lk. 9:32), to present Jesus as The Messiah (Lk. 9:35) and to present the Superior Authority of Jesus (Matt. 17:5).

Another thing missing from the book of John is the collection of parables. The importance of the parables is given in Matt. 13: 10-11, “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11. And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”

The appointing of the apostles is also an important item not found in John (Mt.10: 2; Mk. 3: 14; Lk. 6: 13). It is these men that will continue the work of Christ (Acts 2: 1-4). They served as eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Pet. 1: 16) and preached the gospel everywhere (Acts 1: 8).

We find that the Great Commission is also not found in the book of John (Mt. 28: 19-20; Mk. 16: 15-16; Lk. 24: 47). It is here that the apostles are commanded to preach the gospel and baptized those who are believers for the remission of their sins (Acts 2: 38).

And finally, Christ’ ascension into heaven is also missing from John. Although is it described in more detail in Acts 1, we see a brief mention of it in Mk. 16: 19 and Luke 24: 51. The importance of this is found in John 16: 7 in which Jesus states, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.”

All four gospels were placed in the scriptures to tell of Jesus, his arrival, and his ministry. No one book is more important than the rest. All have been included for our benefit. As Paul writes, “16. Every scripture inspired of God `is' also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.”(2 Tim. 3: 16-17). That is EVERY scripture, not just a few verses or one book.