Breaking Free of Literalism in John’s Gospel

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This short lesson continues our introduction to John 3 by moving from the theories of inspiration (how John participates in the communication of God’s Word) to one of John’s most important rhetorical devices.

Throughout his Gospel, John structures conversations where:

     1. Jesus makes a statement

     2. The listener takes it too literally

     3. Jesus then provides a deeper explanation

We’ll walk through several examples of this pattern, helping us see how John guides his audience toward a deeper, spiritual understanding of Jesus’ words.

The lesson concludes with the Fig Tree Ministries article “Breaking Free of Literalism”—showing how John warns his readers not to flatten his Gospel into literalism, but to step into the layered meaning he is presenting.

​👉 Stay tuned for Part 3, as we continue unfolding the rich introduction to John 3.

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Lesson Handout(s)

Lesson 29 Main Handout:

fig_tree_ministries_john_week_29_rhetorical_devise_john_chapter_3.pdf
File Size:	150 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Article: Breaking Free of Literalism

fig_tree_ministries_john_breaking_free_from_literalism.pdf
File Size:	210 kb
File Type:	pdf

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