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New Testament. BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary. The Gospel of the Beloved Disciple. Distinct Differences Gospels/John. Why is John so different? Who was the author? –anonymous; disciple whom Jesus loved, beloved disciple, tradition=John (which one?)
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New Testament BCM 103Dr. Dave MathewsonGordon College/Denver Seminary
Distinct Differences Gospels/John • Why is John so different? • Who was the author? –anonymous; disciple whom Jesus loved, beloved disciple, tradition=John (which one?) • Purpose of writing: Jn 20:30f
John’s distinctiveness • How is John distinct? --Jn. 1:1-18 prologue • In the beginning Gen. 1:1; • Word becomes flesh dwells among his people • Word as Logos • Jesus (Word) reveals God • Word identified with God himself • Word becomes flesh (1:14) • 1:18 no one has seen the Father except Word who makes him known
John’s distinctiveness • Prologue • Jesus becomes bridge between God and humanity (Word become flesh) • Possible responses to Jesus outlined there: rejection, his children etc.
Structure • The book of Signs (1-12) • The book of Glory (13-21)
Key Texts in John • Chap 3 – Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night; Jesus confronted by Pharisee at night • Chap 4 – the Samaritan woman at the well • Chap 14-17 – Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples • Chap 21 – Jesus reinstates Peter
John emphasizes: “I AM… • …the bread of life” (6.35) • …the light of the world” (8.12) • …the door” (10.9) • …the good shepherd” (10.11) • …the resurrection and the life” (11.25) • …the way, the truth and the life” (14.6) • …the true vine” (15.1)
John Emphases • Stress on Jesus’ deity: Jn 1:1 • Thomas “My Lord and my God” • John 1:14 Word became flesh and dwell among us, we have seen his glory—cf. OT Tabernacle –God is present • John as theological Gospel
John’s Emphases • Word/Logos title for Jesus 1:1 • Logos used in OT as God’s speech • Greco-Roman also used it—Stoicism physical world animated by Logos • In John Jesus offers eternal life; other Gospels offer the kingdom • Promises Holy Spirit on Jesus departure
John’s Emphases John’s Dualism Above Below Light Darkness Life Death
Introduction to the Parables • Parables were common with Jewish Rabbi’s • Imagery parallel to Jewish Rabbi’s (sheep, mustard seed…) • Distinctiveness is the message Jesus
Parable Hermeneutic • Allegorical interpretation: second level of meaning, deeper level of meaning • Augustine’s example of Good Samaritan using allegorical method of interpretation
The Parable of the Good Samaritan • A certain man = Adam • Jerusalem = city of peace • Jericho = Adam’s mortality • Thieves = the devil and his angels • Beat him = persuaded him to sin • Left half-dead = died spiritually • Priest and Levites = OT • Samaritan = Christ • Oil = comfort of hope • Donkey = Christ’s incarnation • Inn = the church • Money = life to come • Inkeeper = Paul
A Corrective to Reading Parables • Adolph Jülicher: the parables are metaphors that communicate only one main point. • Today: the goal of the interpreter is to find the one main point communicated by Jesus in the parable. • Main characters and their significance
Luke 15.11-31 • Father – God who accepts sinners who turn to him in repentance • Younger Son – the one who turns to God for forgiveness • Older Son – the one who should respond in joy when God grants forgiveness to those who do not deserve it—no response of older son given…