Matt Carter - Exalting Jesus in John

The balance of biblical accuracy, clear outlines, captivating illustrations, and life-changing applications make this commentary a must-have addition to the library of every pastor and everyone else who wants to understand and apply the Gospel of John.

Stephen Davey , Th.M., D.D., senior pastor, Colonial Baptist Church, Cary, North Carolina; president, Shepherds Theological Seminary, Cary, North Carolina

Matt and Joshua provide an excellent resource on Johns Gospel. With a clear outline of content, a concise purpose for writing, and a faithful handling of the text as it points to Jesus, the authors give the reader a valuable resource for study and preaching. They herald a clear message to remind the reader, The gospel is the good news that you no longer have to wander about in the darkness and despair of sin, but you can enjoy the light of righteousness through Jesus Christ (p. 27). I commend this commentary as it will prove beneficial for many, for years to come.

Lane Harrison , D.Min., lead pastor, LifePoint Church, Ozark, Missouri

The Gospel of John has no shortage of commentaries, raising the obvious question: what sets this one apart from all the others? The unique contribution of Matt Carters work is rooted in his personal profile. Carter is both a highly successful church planter and long-tenured pastor who has built and led a large church through text-driven preaching. A church holding forth the truth in the heart of one of the most socially liberal cities in the country. A church that has multiplied itself many times over through planting new churches in their own city and in some of the most difficult countries on the planet. As a trustworthy, twenty-first-century pastor-theologian, Carter has not only produced a commentary, but a sermon and bible study starter for preachers and teachers seeking to accurately interpret and prophetically apply the Word of God to this radically changing culture.

Nathan Lino , senior pastor, Northeast Houston Baptist Church; president, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention

This commentary on John is incredibly practical. Written from a pastors heart, it provides both deep theological insight and practical application. Both ministers of the gospel and people in the pew need this work!

Jerry McCorkle , executive director, SpreadTruth Ministries, Bloomington, Illinois

As a pastor for more than twenty-one years, I appreciate a commentary that stands on solid scholarship while at the same time fitting comfortably in the pulpit. Any pastor, teacher, or small group leader will be able to open this book and find a Christ-centered resource at their fingertips which will enhance their preaching or teaching ministry. In fact, any believer reading this Christ-centered exposition will find themselves learning more about the Lord Jesus Christ and His place in Scripture. The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series seeks to exalt Jesus. This volume succeeds in meeting that goal!

Eric Peacock , D.Min., senior pastor, Westchester Baptist Church, High Point, North Carolina

As the church navigates an age of profound confusion and doubt, the Gospel of John serves as an immoveable anchor. This commentary is an invaluable tool for believers in understanding and applying Gods Word to our lives as we combat the litany of competing worldviews that surround us. This work remains faithful to the timeless truth of Scripture while challenging contemporary issues in a thoughtful manner. Believers will be well-served by using this book to supplement their efforts to delight in Gods Word and to live by faith in Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Kevin Peck , lead pastor, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas

John said the purpose of his Gospel was so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (20:31, ESV). This volume is a literary GPS in helping us arrive at that place. Carter and Wredberg wed exegetical integrity with sermonic beauty, and they combine historical accuracy with contemporary relevance, all to show us Jesus. Pastors, teachers, and all who love the Bible and its Christ will be helped greatly by this work.

Jim Shaddix , Ph.D., D.Min., W. A. Criswell Professor of Expository Preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Josh and Matt have given us a gospel-fueled treatment of John. You will discover, as I have, that this volume exposes areas you thought you had conquered. Worship your way through this exposition by these two ChristCentered Ninjas.

Kyle Shearin , D.Min., pastor of preaching and vision, Faith Family Church, Oak Grove, Kentucy

Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in John

Copyright 2017 by Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg

B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-8054-9654-3

Dewey Decimal Classification: 220.7

Subject Heading: BIBLE. O.T. JOHNCOMMENTARIES \ JESUS CHRIST

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the Christian Standard Bible Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture passages marked ESV are taken from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version). ESV Permanent Text Edition (2016). Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Scripture passages marked NIV are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

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SERIES DEDICATION

Dedicated to Adrian Rogers and John Piper. They have taught us to love the gospel of Jesus Christ, to preach the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, to pastor the church for which our Savior died, and to have a passion to see all nations gladly worship the Lamb.

David Platt, Tony Merida, and Danny Akin

March 2013

AUTHORS DEDICATIONS

For my son John Daniel,

I cannot express in words how thankful I am to God for placing you in my life. Your kindness, leadership, intelligence, and love for Jesus are a daily inspiration to me. I love you with all my heart.

Matt

For Cari,

Your love is shown in the way you lay down your life daily for our family. I cannot adequately express my affection and gratitude for you. I love you, Dear.

Josh

Acknowledgments

I , Matt, would like to thank Danny Akin for believing in me enough to ask me to be a part of this project; Jim Shaddix, Tony Merida, and Charles Harvey for the countless hours spent with me during the research phase of this project; Stephen Crawford, Halim Suh, Brice Johnson, and Travis Whitehead for your editing and contributions to the final work; Chris Osborne for teaching me to love and preach Gods Word; and lastly, Jesus, the subject of this commentary and the reason we labor, write, and preach.

I, Josh, would like to thank my brothers, Chris, Jason, and Justin, for walking the path of Christ with me; my parents, Dave and Sandy, for teaching me who Jesus is from the second I was born; both Redeemer and Calvary, who patiently listened as I labored with them through this Gospel; Erin Judd for deciphering my scribbles and protecting my schedule; and finally, my sons, Jack, Max, and Caed, who graciously put up with their fathers failure to live like Jesus. May you see the beauty of Jesus even through my brokenness.