Josh Moody helps those new to John to dip their toes in its waters, while also showing new depths to those more familiar with this Gospel. Jesus came to bring life to the full--and in showing us his seven signs, John pictures the fulfillment that comes from living life as a follower of the Word become flesh.
Josh Moody (PhD, University of Cambridge) serves as the senior pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and president of God Centered Life Ministries. He was previously a fellow at Yale University. Josh and his wife have four children.
The “For you” series has been a fantastic series for people who are wanting to begin applying the scriptures to their lives. This is a series for beginners through intermediate level of Christian maturity, and as always spiritual truths are applicable and appropriate no matter what level of maturity you are.
This book on John is a good starting point on a book in the Bible that is both simple in its message and complex, at times, in its level of sophistication, both at the same time. This book won’t leave you in the dust, but it will still challenge you to look a bit deeper if you are willing.
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.
I’m sure the author is a nice person. But as this is the 5th book in this series I’ve finished, I find this particular book dry, uninteresting, and definitely not as helpful as other books in the series. It seemed to be little more than just restating what scripture already said with only the very very occasional insight into the text itself. It was quite a disappointment
A good series & format for small group ministry, especially in conjunction with the Good Book Guide small group studies. This is a good but not outstanding volume - Moody hasn't quite mastered the skill of saying a lot in a few words which is so helpful in short commentaries. Some of his choices in interpretation or application would have benefited from slightly more space for justification.
I loved this devotional book. It made me see John in a whole new light. Every day I was excited to read the passage and come into the reflection. The questions were so insightful and confronting. Really recommend if you are reading John and want a companion to dig a little bit deeper.
This is a perfect layman's devotional commentary. Enough to keep you on track and help you apply Scripture. But not so much to bog you down. If you are looking for a very scholarly commentary, then this probably isn't for you. But if you're an average Joe wanting to dig into John, this is perfect.
Really love this series of commentaries. Truthful, thoughtful, and helpful. For the every day, Christian who wants to experience deeper connection with Christ through Bible study, this is a really helpful tool.