The Gospel of John: The Hour Has Come
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
Now, we come to the beauty of October as we see Jesus. The Hour Has Come.
In the Scriptures we are inscribing this month, we pass through the final words of Jesus’ farewell and step into the garden where love and obedience meet in anguish. The teaching gives way to prayer. The prayer gives way to suffering. And the Savior moves forward, not as a victim, but as the willing Lamb of God.
This month, the Scriptures will reveal . . .
The Spirit Will Glorify Jesus – Jesus assures the disciples that the Holy Spirit will not speak independently but will take what belongs to Him and declare it to them. Everything the Father has belongs to Jesus, and the Spirit will continue the revelation. This is not a new message. It’s the ongoing, living presence of the Triune God. Jesus is preparing His friends to live in communion with the Spirit, even after He’s gone.
Sorrow Will Turn to Joy – Jesus tells His disciples that they will grieve deeply. But their sorrow will not last forever. Like a woman in labor, their pain will give way to something new: joy that no one can take away. This is not a promise of ease, but of hope. Their hearts will break,but God will meet them there.
Take Heart—I Have Overcome the World – As Jesus ends His teaching, He offers this remarkable line: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. He doesn’t offer avoidance. He offers assurance. Trouble will come, but victory already belongs to Him. In the face of uncertainty, He calls them to courage.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples, and for Us – In John 17, Jesus lifts His eyes and prays. He prays for the glory of the Father, for the protection and sanctification of the disciples, and for all who will believe through their message. That means us. He prays for our unity, for our holiness, and for the love of God to be made complete in us. This is the true Lord’s Prayer spoken not in ceremony, but in surrender.
The Garden of Gethsemane – Jesus crosses the Kidron Valley and enters the olive grove. It is dark. Judas arrives with soldiers. But Jesus does not hide. He steps forward and says, “I am He.” The power of His words knocks the soldiers backward. Still, He surrenders. He protects His disciples. And He drinks the cup the Father has given Him.
Possible location of The Garden of Gethsemane.
Peter’s Denial and the Trial of Jesus – As Jesus is taken to the high priest, Peter follows. He is afraid, but he is present. Three times he is questioned. Three times he denies. Meanwhile, Jesus is interrogated, struck, and mocked. The contrast is stark: one hides in fear, the other stands in truth. And still, Jesus will restore Peter. Still, love will not fail.
Jesus Before Pilate – Jesus is brought to the Roman governor. The religious leaders want Him executed, but cannot carry it out themselves. So Pilate questions Him: Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answers with quiet authority. His Kingdom is not of this world. He came to testify to the truth, and all who belong to the truth listen to His voice.
“Behold the Man” – After being flogged and mocked, Jesus stands before the crowd wearing a crown of thorns. Pilate presents Him, hoping the people will have pity. “Here is the man!” he declares. But the leaders cry out for crucifixion. The injustice is staggering, but Jesus is not undone. This is the path He has chosen. The hour has come.
How Will We Respond?
When Trouble Comes:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus doesn’t promise a pain-free life. But He promises Himself. When our world shakes, we remember: He has already overcome. His victory steadies our hearts.When We Feel Unworthy:
“I pray… for those who will believe in me through their message.” (John 17:20)
Jesus prayed for you.
Before the cross, your name was in His heart.
You are not forgotten.
You are loved.
You are part of His joy.When We Fail:
“You are not one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” (John 18:17)
Peter fell. Hard.
But the story doesn’t end in denial. Jesus would later restore him with love and purpose.
Failure doesn’t disqualify us. Grace rewrites the ending.When We Feel Powerless:
“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
The trial of Jesus looks unjust. It is unjust. But it is not out of control. Jesus is not powerless. He is purposeful. Even here, God is sovereign. Even here, love leads the way.
This month, as you inscribe these words, you walk with Jesus to the edge of the cross.
You hear His final teachings.
You witness His arrest.
You stand in the courtyard.
You feel the weight of the hour.
And yet, beneath it all, you are held by a love that knew this moment was coming … and went anyway.
Because the hour was not the end.
It was the beginning.
