During these days of COVID-19, I often wonder if we are truly living. We are stuck at home, we are unable to see family and friends, and we’ve lost a sense of wonder. Josh Moody writes that John’s Gospel is an invitation to you to find life, and in John 1-12 For You, he helps us understand the first half of the Gospel of John.
God’s Word For You
God’s Word For You is a series of books by The Good Book Company that seeks to take you to the heart of a book of the Bible and apply its truth to your heart. They attempt to be Bible-centered, Christ-glorifying, relevantly applied, and easily readable. I found this to be especially true of John 1-12 For You.
This volume was written by Josh Moody, Senior Pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and President of God Centered Life Ministries. These roles are appreciated, as he draws us in to read more and more of John’s Gospel itself, and helps us to encounter more and more deeply Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God.
Guide
In just over 200 pages, Moody gives us a guided tour of the book of John. We read the literary and theological underpinnings, and like Nicodemus, we ponder what it truly means to be “born again.”
As is fitting for our current situation of COVID-19, Moody helps us see a picture of Jesus as the supreme Shepherd who takes care of his sheep. I was reminded that nothing happens to me without him allowing it. I am in the care of his loving hands.
Resource
What I appreciate most about this book series is the number of resources it has to offer. While it acts as a commentary, it can also be read as a devotional. Each section concludes with questions for reflection. These are usually personal application questions that are perfect for a small group study or Sunday School class.
There is a glossary at the back of the book with words that are specifically related to the book of John. These terms include depravity, fatalistic, incarnation, and Messiah. I received this book and John 13-21 as a set - and I highly recommend reading both to grasp the full picture of John’s Gospel.
Passion
This volume stops where some people would still not believe Jesus, even though he was doing so many signs and wonders. Moody calls it a “deeper blindness” due to hardness of heart. Therefore, a true encounter with Jesus is needed in order to truly live – and as this book makes clear in the Gospel of John, only Christ can change our hearts.
I received a media copy of John 1-12 For You and this is my honest review.