The Gospel of John: It Is Finished, But Not Over
Welcome to Inscribe the Word, the Gospel of John. This year, we are slowly and intentionally writing through John’s Gospel, and we invite you to join us.
Inscribe the Word is a spiritual practice rooted in the discipline of Scripture writing—taking time to handwrite passages of the Bible as a way to slow down, reflect, and meditate on God’s Word. By writing Scripture, we engage our minds and hearts in a deeper way, noticing the richness of each word and allowing the truths of the Bible to sink more deeply into our souls. It’s not about how much we write but how intentionally we engage, creating space for the Holy Spirit to speak, teach, and transform us through the living Word of God.
This year, we invite you to slow down and savor the Gospel of John. The Gospel was written to reveal Jesus in a way that invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. John doesn’t just tell us what Jesus did—he shows us who Jesus is: the Word made flesh, the Light of the world, and the Bread of life. By inscribing this Gospel, we’re creating space to meditate on each verse, letting its truths settle in our hearts and minds.
We’re not rushing.
From January to November, we’ll focus on one section of John each month, with a new theme that highlights the richness of this Gospel. December will be a time of reflection, journaling through how these Scriptures have spoken to us.
If you prefer to Inscribe another topic or theme this year, CLICK HERE for our ITW Collection.
This January, we inscribed John 1:1-John 2:11, and we saw Jesus as The Light of the World.
This February, we inscribed John 2:12-4:6, and we went from the cleansing waters of baptism to new creation and being born again.
This March, we inscribed John 4:7-5:14, and we went from broken to whole in the hands of Jesus.
This April, we inscribed John 5:15-6:27, and we saw Jesus as the Bread of Life and our total sustenance.
This May, we inscribed John 6:48-7:46, and we saw Jesus as the giver of Living Water and having the words of life.
This June, we inscribed John 7:47-9:24, and we saw Jesus as the Light of the World
This July, we inscribed John 9:25-11:34.
This August, we inscribed John 11:35-13:20
This September, we inscribed John 13:21-16:14
This October, we inscribed John 16:15-19:8
Now, we come to the end of John’s Gospel. It is finished, but it isn’t over.
In the Scriptures we are inscribing this month, we reach the cross and beyond. This is the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, but not the end of the story. Here, the Son of God breathes His last, and with that breath, opens the way for new life.
Here, death is real, but it is not final.
Here, failure is raw, but it is not the last word.
We do not walk lightly through these chapters.
We walk with reverence.
We walk with awe.
We walk as witnesses to a love that could not be killed, and a life that could not stay buried.
This month, the Scriptures will reveal . . .
Jesus Before Pilate (Continued) – Pilate questions Jesus again, disturbed and conflicted. Though he finds no basis for a charge, political pressure wins. The crowd shouts for crucifixion, and Pilate finally hands Jesus over. The injustice is staggering, but Jesus remains silent, like a lamb to the slaughter. He is not at the mercy of Rome. He is laying down His life in obedience to the Father.
The Crucifixion – Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha. There, He is lifted up, not just in suffering, but in glory. John records each detail with deliberate precision: the sign above His head, the casting of lots, the care for His mother, the sour wine. And then, the final words: “It is finished.” This is not defeat; this is the victory cry of the Savior. The debt has been paid. The veil has been torn. Redemption is complete.
The Burial of Jesus – Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, men once fearful, step forward in courage to honor the body of Jesus. They prepare Him with costly spices and wrap Him in linen, laying Him in a new tomb. Even in death, He is loved. Even in darkness, the seeds of resurrection are sown.
The Empty Tomb – On the third day, Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb only to find the stone rolled away. She runs to tell Peter and John. They find the linens lying there, undisturbed. But Mary stays behind and becomes the first witness of the Risen Lord. He speaks her name, and her sorrow turns to joy. This is the beginning of a new creation. The Gardener has come to restore what was lost.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples – That evening, Jesus enters the locked room where the disciples hide in fear. His first words: “Peace be with you.” He shows them His wounds, breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, and commissions them to go. But Thomas is not there. And so, Jesus comes again . . . for him. “Stop doubting and believe,” He says. Faith doesn’t always come easy, but Jesus meets us where we are.
The Restoration of Peter – Beside another fire, on another morning, Jesus meets Peter. He is broken, forgiven, and uncertain. Jesus does not shame Peter. He feeds him. And then He asks, “Do you love me?” Not once, but three times, mirroring Peter’s denial with mercy and calling. Peter is not discarded. He is restored and given a purpose: Feed My sheep.
If Everything Were Written… – John closes his Gospel with a note of wonder: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down... the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” This is not the end. It’s only the beginning. Jesus is still alive. His story is still unfolding, and it is unfolding in us.
What Do We Carry From the Cross?
Forgiveness that is Final:
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
The work of salvation is done. We do not strive to earn it. We receive it with awe and humility. Jesus didn’t die to improve our lives. He died to give us new life. Nothing more needs to be added. It is finished.Hope that is Alive:
“Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (John 20:16)
When Mary heard her name, everything changed.
The risen Jesus still calls our names. Hope rises when we realize: He’s alive, and He sees us.Faith that Is Not Flawless, but Real:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
Thomas doubted, but Jesus didn’t reject him. He revealed Himself. Faith is not about getting everything right. It’s about staying close enough to recognize Jesus when He comes.Love that Restores:
“Do you love me?... Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)
Peter failed publicly. Jesus restored him personally. Your story is not over. Your failure is not the final chapter. His love reclaims, recommissions, and releases us to live with purpose.
This month, as you finish inscribing the Gospel of John, you are not just closing a journal. You are witnessing the risen Jesus call your name. You are standing in the place of the disciples. You may feel broken today, but you are beloved.
You are being sent into the world with His peace, His Spirit, and His love.
The cross was not the end.
The resurrection was not a surprise.
And your story, like John’s Gospel, is not finished . . . It is only just beginning.
