Breaking Free of Literalism
Lesson Handout
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.
But, last of all, John, aware that the physical facts had been set out in the gospels, was encouraged by his disciples and divinely motivated by the Spirit, composed a spiritual gospel.
Clement of Alexandria, 150-215 AD
The lesson concludes with the Fig Tree Ministries article “Breaking Free of Literalism”—which shows how John warns his readers not to flatten his Gospel into literalism, but to step into the layered meaning he presents.
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