The “Good News” story as presented in the Gospel of John has a clear climax. It is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate sign of God’s power, love, mercy, and grace for all mankind.
John tells us about Jesus’ ministry, words and teachings leading up to His crucifixion in chapter 12, verse 23-24 – “Then Jesus said to them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies it remains only a single seed but if it dies it produces many seeds.’” Here Jesus was speaking about His own death which would lead to salvation for many people.
In chapter 13 we see Jesus washing his disciples feet symbolizing his humility before His death on Calvary (13:1-17). In chapter 14 he promises that He will send another Comforter who will remain with believers forever (14:15-19). Chapters 15 & 16 deal with Him comforting his disciples by assuring them that He will not leave them alone but instead go away so they can receive spiritual help from the Holy Spirit (15:26-27; 16:7)
What is the real climax of the “Good News” story as presented in the Gospel of John?
These chapters set up what happens next in Chapter 17 when Jesus prays in “the great High Priestly prayer” asking God to protect His followers from evil forces (17:6-26). Here He also asks that those who believe may have unity among themselves just as he had been united with God during his life on earth (17:21). Then finally comes one of the most pivotal points in John’s gospel – The Crucifixion or Passion Narrative begins in Chapter 18 when Judas betrays him leading into trial before Pontius Pilate then onto Golgotha where he hung on a cross between two criminals(18:1—19;42). Not only does this bring an end to any physical suffering present due to torture inflicted upon him during these events ,but even more importantly brings an end to sin itself thus providing eternal salvation through faith in Him as our Lord and Savior . This is not just Good News! What could be better news than knowing that through this event we are now forgiven? And by believing ,we can now live eternally with Christ at our side!
This brings us full circle back around to Chapter 20 which starts off with Mary Magdalene seeing an empty tomb after running there early Sunday morning expecting still find her beloved master dead inside.(20 :1-2) After being told by angels He isn’t there she turns around right into Jesus himself standing alive facing her! She sees him recognizeing Him immediately as Master/Lord.(20 :16 ) Then later even doubting Thomas must put hands no wounds before fully accepting what everyone else already knew –Jesus was alive! They were witnesses witnessing firsthand Gods plan unfolding exactly how it was always meant too . This cemented their belief and allowed it spread out all across world becoming foundation upon which Christianity stands today Its true climax happened at moment where darkness yielded light –death gave way new life !