The Gospel of John is very different than the other three gospels. It has completely different stories about Jesus and events take place in a different order than in the synoptic gospels. There are no parables in the Gospel according to John. Jesus is clearly depicted as God in this gospel, from start to finish.
A study Bible or a Catholic commentary on the Gospel of John is a good starting point:
- The Gospel of John (2nd Ed.): Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
- Gospel of John (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture)
If you are looking for resources related to the reading for a specific liturgical date, you can find that on the resources by liturgical date page.
Below are some resources, reflections, and social media graphics for the Gospel according to John.
Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John
Resources for John Chapter 1
Have a Prayer Service While Hanging a Wreath
Put out a wreath today for your Advent activity. Wreaths are commonly used during Advent and at Christmas, so tie this holiday tradition in with its spiritual meaning. Hang a…
Who Are You? Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection helps youth consider the question which was asked of John the Baptist: “Who are you?” There are many ways we can identify ourselves. How does our faith impact…
What Are You Looking For? Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth consider what they really desire in life and if their desires are aligned with the path of discipleship.
Resources for John Chapter 2
Do Whatever He Tells You
When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “”They have no wine.”” And Jesus said to her, “”Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour…
What Is in Your Church? Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth consider why they are at mass. Is their church a place where they meet God? Or is it something else? Do we bring the things…
Resources for John Chapter 3
Paper Toss Game (Youth Ministry or VBS Game)
This is an easy game for your youth group or Vacation Bible School. It is fun but also provides a lesson about the Holy Spirit. See the reflection questions and…
For God So Loved the World (John 3:16)
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did…
The Holy Spirit Is Like the Wind (Kite Activity)
This activity is to show children how the Holy Spirit is like the wind. We can’t see the Holy Spirit directly, but we can see the work of the Spirit.…
He must increase; I must decrease.
He must increase; I must decrease. St. John the Baptist (John 3:30)
Resources for John Chapter 4
Why Do We Consume But Are Not Satisfied? Background Material on Consumerism
We live in a world where we are constantly consuming. The teachings of the Catholic Church can explain our obsession with consumerism.
Reflection Questions for the Story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well
There are several different aspects of the story of the woman at the well which are interesting to reflect upon. Here are some questions for different ways to look at…
Resources for John Chapter 6
Whoever Eats My Flesh and Drinks My Blood Has Eternal Life
Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within…
Work for the Food That Endures for Eternal Life
Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. – John 6:27 (Social media graphic)
We Have Come to Believe That You Are the Holy One
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy…
Whoever Believes Has Eternal Life
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. – John 6:47 (Social media graphic)
Loaves and Fishes: Eucharist Lesson Plan
This Eucharist lesson plan will help youth understand that God provides for all of our needs. He especially cares for our spiritual needs through the gift of Himself in the…
Does It Last? A Timely Lesson Plan on the Eucharist
This lesson plan on the Eucharist will help youth understand that the material goods of this world will pass away. In the end, our union with Jesus Christ in the…
Taught By God – Lesson Plan on the Authority of Jesus
his lesson plan on the authority of Jesus will help youth consider what it means to be taught by God. And how does that impact our view of the Eucharist?
What do I bring to Jesus today?
It would be good to ask ourselves every day: “What do I bring to Jesus today?”. He can do a lot with one of our prayers, with a gesture of…
Resources for the John Chapter 8
Go See a Christmas Light Display
So spend a little time looking at the lights. Go see a large Christmas light display somewhere or just drive around your neighborhood and see how beautiful it looks. After…
Resources for the John Chapter 10
What Is Love? – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth understand the nature of sacrificial love. Love is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling. It is an intense desire for the well being of…
I Am the Good Shepherd
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my…
Resources and Lessons for John Chapter 11
Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God.
Martha said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Resources and Lessons for John Chapter 12
Dying to Live – Reflection and Discussion Questions
Jesus tells us that unless a grain of wheat dies and falls to the ground, it will remain just a grain. This reflection will help youth consider the question of…
Resources for Chapter 14
I Will Not Leave You Orphans
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live…
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled or Afraid
I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you…
Resources for John Chapter 13
Wash One Another’s Feet
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for…
Resources and Reflections for John Chapter 15
What Is Joy? – Reflection and Discussion Questions
This reflection will help youth think about the difference between joy and happiness. Even when life is difficult, we can still find joy through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Who Is Your Support – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth consider where they find support. Are the people and things which hold them up part of the healthy vine of Jesus?
I Am the Vine. You Are the Branches
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you…
Resources for John Chapter 17
Who Do You Belong To? – Reflection and Discussion Questions
This reflection will help youth consider what it means to “belong” to God. Do our lives reflect this belonging?
What Moves You? – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection encourages youth to consider how they see the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is a lesson for Pentecost in particular.
Resources for John Chapter 20
All Things Visible and Invisible – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth think about what it means to believe in something which can’t be seen. How do we know it is real?
Receive the Holy Spirit
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and…
Peace Be With You
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.…
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