THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN

OUTLINE : • BACKGROUND • LITERARY STRUCTURE • JOHN 20:11-18 ON MARY MAGDALENE • WHO IS JESUS IN JOHN?

CENTRAL THEME Jesus is the divineSon of God who reveals the Father, proving eternal life to all who believe in Him. M. Strauss. Introduction to the Gospel of John

Key verse John 3:16 For God so loved the world That He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him Should not perish But have eternal life. M. Strauss. Introduction to the Gospel of John

BACKGROUND • WHERE THE GOSPEL WAS WRITTEN • Ephesusin Asia - so that John’s Gospel is often called • the Ephesian’s Gospel • The claim rests on the testimony of Irenaeus • -Bishop of Lyons • -who had known Polycarp • -the personal friend of • the Apostle John and • others who had seen • Jesus

Ephesus

BACKGROUND • WHEN WAS THE GOSPEL WAS WRITTEN • ● The discovery in 1920 of the papyrus fragment of the • Gospel (now one of the chief treasure in John Rylands • Library in Manchester) proves that the Gospel was • circulating in Egypt about A.D. 130 • ● If we must allow a generation for the book to travel from • Ephesus – had been written not earlier than A.D. 100

BACKGROUND RYLANDS PAPYRUS

How early we date the Gospel depends on John’s knowledge about the Gospels of Mark and Luke If John knew the Gospel of Mark and Luke YES NO Earlier than 80 A.D. or earlier Earlier than 90 A.D.

BACKGROUND • THE LANGUAGE OF THE GOSPEL • GREEK - John obviously had Greek readers in mind. • This is why he translates Hebrew and Aramaic • words : Siloam, Gabbath, Golgotha for the • benefit of his readers

BACKGROUND • CHARACTERISTIC OF JOHN’S GOSPEL • Emphasis on Jesus’ identity as the Son who reveals • the Father • Simple vocabulary but deep theological significance • Key thematic terms: life, believe, abide, light • Strong dualistic perspective: people are either • “of God” or “of the world” • Miracles identified as “signs” revealing Jesus’ identity • Spiritual symbols and metaphors: water, Light, bread, • shepherd, gate • Jesus “I AM” statements • The motif of misunderstanding: people misconstrue • Jesus’ words

BACKGROUND • CHARACTERISTIC OF JOHN’S GOSPEL • Irony, especially concerning misperceptions of Jesus • Personal interviews (Nicodemus; Samaritan woman) • Dialogues and debates between Jesus and • the religious leaders • Chronology based on Jewish festivals, especially Passover • The “disciple whom Jesus loved,” a key but • enigmatic character • Clear statement of purpose: a call to faith in Jesus, • the Son of God • Teaching concerning the Holy Spirit as counselor or • advocate (paraclete) who will mediate Jesus’ presence

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • it was generally believed that John wrote to supplement and interpret the Gospels Mid - 20th Century argued for John’s literary independence P. Gardner-Smith and other scholars The stories which John and the Synoptics share come not from direct borrowing, but from the used of the common traditions. M. Strauss. Introduction to the Gospel of John

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS Mediating Positions Other Scholars like Gardner-Smith Minority of the Scholars still holds to John’s direct dependence on the Synoptics reject any link apart from the use of common traditions Denies direct borrowing but thinks John may know one or more of the Synoptics and assumes that his readers will be familiar with their content. M. Strauss. Introduction to the Gospel of John

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS Material found only in the Fourth Gospel (John), not in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) · Prologue (1:1-18) · "Signs," beginning with the Wedding at Cana (2:1-12) · Dialogue with Nicodemus (2:23–3:21) · Jesus and/or his Disciples Baptize People (3:22-26; 4:1-2) · Samaritan Woman at the Well (4:1-42) · Jesus Heals a Sick Man at the Pool of Bethesda (5:1-18) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS Material found only in the Fourth Gospel (John), not in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) · New Details at the Feeding of the 5000 (6:1b, 3-6, 8-9, 12b, 14-15) · Bread of Life Discourse (6:22-65) · [Woman caught in Adultery (7:53–8:11) - added later] · Jesus Gives Sight to a Man Born Blind (9:1-41) · Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (11:1-44) · Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (13:1-20) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS Material found only in the Fourth Gospel (John), not in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) · "Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" (13:23-25; 19:26-27; 20:2-10; 21:7, 20-24; cf.18:15-16?) · Last Supper Discourses, incl. "Paraclete" & "Vine and Branches“ (13:31–16:33) · Great Prayer of Jesus (17:1-26) · New Details at the Trial before Pilate (18:28–19:16) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPEL Material found only in the Fourth Gospel (John), not in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) · New Details at the Crucifixion (19:20-24, 26-28, 30-37, 39) · First Resurrection Appearance to Mary Magdalene alone (20:11-18; cf. Matt 28:9) · Resurrection Appearance to Thomas (20:24-29) · Another Resurrection Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias /Galilee;Dialogue between Jesus & Peter (21:1-25; cf. Luke 5:1-11) · First and Second Endings to John's Gospel (20:30-31; 21:24-25) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material familiar from the Synoptics, but not found in John • No Infancy Narrative • (but see John 1:14 - "the Word became flesh") • No Childhood Episodes • (but see 1:12; 13:33; 21:5 - believers are called "children") • No Baptism of Jesus • (but see 1:19-34 - John testifies about Jesus) • No Temptation in the Desert • (but see 8:44; 13:2, 27 - the role of Satan & the Devil) • No Calls to Repentance • (but see 1:29; 5:14; 9:41; 15:22; 20:23 - on sin and forgiveness) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material familiar from the Synoptics, but not found in John • No Sermon on the Mount; no Beatitudes • (but see 13:17; 20:29 - Jesus calls believers "blessed") • No Lord's Prayer • (but see 17:1-26 - the Great Prayer of Jesus) • No List of "Twelve Apostles“ • (but see 13:16 - messengers; 1:35-51; 6:67-71; 20:24; • 21:2 - disciples; "the Twelve") • No Mission of the Disciples during Jesus' Lifetime • (but see 13:20; 14:12; 20:21 - the risen Jesus sends them out) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material familiar from the Synoptics, but not found in John • No Parables • (but see 10:6; 15:1-8; 16:25, 29 • - a few "paroimia" or "figures of speech") • Few "Kingdom of God" Teachings • (only 3:3-5; cf. 1:49; 6:15; 12:13-15; 18:33-39 • - Jesus' role as "King of Israel") • Few "Ethical" Teachings • (only 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; cf. 14:21-24 • - "Love One Another" and "Love Jesus/God") Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material familiar from the Synoptics, but not found in John • Few Predictions of Jesus' Return • (only 14:3; 21:22-23 • - Jesus will "come again" or "come" to believers ) • No Exorcisms • (but see 7:20; 8:48-52; 10:19-21 • - Jesus is accused of having a "demon") • No Transfiguration Story • (but see 1:45; 3:14; 5:45-47; 9:28-29 • - Jesus is associated with Moses) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material familiar from the Synoptics, but not found in John • No Passion Predictions • (but see 5:18; 11:50-53 & 18:14; 12:24-25, 32-33; 18:31-32 • - talk of Jesus' death) • No Institution of Eucharist at the Last Supper • (but see 6:22-59; 13:1-20 • - Bread of Life discourse; Washing of Feet) • No Ascension Narrative • (but see 3:13; 6:62; 20:17 • - Jesus talks about descending and ascending) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics • Synoptics John • Jesus' ministry only Jesus' ministry spans • lasts about one year three Passovers (2:13; 6:4; 11:55) • Only one journey Multiple visits to Jerusalem • to Jerusalem (2:13; 5:1; 7:10) • John the Baptist is "Elijah"; John [the baptizer] is not Elijah, • preaches repentance but a "witness" to Jesus (1:19-36) • Jesus' ministry begins after Jesus' ministry overlaps • John the Baptist's arrest with John's (3:22-30) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics • Synoptics John • First four disciples Jesus calls First five disciples: • are two pairs of brothers: Andrew, an anonymous second Simon & Andrew, James & John one, Simon Peter, Philip, Nathanael (1:35-51) • Many "miracles" but few Only a few "signs" but several • longer speeches long monologues and dialogues • “Love God”; “Love one another” • “Love your neighbors”; (13:34-35; 15:12, 17; • “Love your enemies” focus within cmnty) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics • Synoptics John • Peter is the first and Mary Magdalene, • most prominent of the Martha of Bethany, • “twelve apostles” and the “Beloved Disciple” • are more prominent • as “disciples” of Jesus • Future Eschatology: Realized Eschatology: • “Kingdom of God” is coming “Eternal Life” now • (3:36; 5:24; 6:47-54) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPEL • Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics • Synoptics John • Opponents of Jesus Jesus' opponents usually • include Sadducees, called "the Jews" or "the world“ • Herodians, etc. • Opponents plot to destroy Opponents try to stone Jesus • /kill Jesus for various reasons for blasphemy • (8:59; 10:31-33; cf. 11:8) • Temple cleansing occurs Temple cleansing at the • one week before Jesus' death beginning of Jesus' ministry • (2:13-22) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics • Synoptics John • Anointing at Bethany Anointing at Bethany • by anonymous woman, by Lazarus' sister Mary, and objection by and objection by • anonymous people Judas Iscariot (12:1-8) • Last Supper is the Last Supper is not the • Passover Meal (Thursday eve) Passover meal itself, • but occurs before Passover, • which begins Friday eve • (13:1; 18:28) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS • Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics • Synoptics John • “Gethsemane”: “Garden” in Kidron Valley: • Jesus is betrayed Jesus identifies himself • through Judas’ kiss for arrest (18:1-11) • Jesus is crucified at Jesus is condemned to death at • 9:00 a.m. noon on the Day of Preparation • on the Day of Passover itself, before the Passover; and dies by 3:00 p.m. crucifixion & death occur • quickly that afternoon • (19:14, 31, 42) Felix Just, SJ

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOSPELS Material Significantly different in John and the Synoptics Synoptics John Women prepare spices Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus to anoint Jesus' body anoint his body after his burial before burial (19:38-42) Felix Just, SJ

BACKGROUND JOHN’S PURPOSE Why did John write his Gospel? “Now Jesus did many other signs in t he presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” - John 20:30-31

BACKGROUND JOHN’S PURPOSE There are internal conflicts in the mixed communities of Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans. The Johannine community is composed of these three social/ ethnic groups by the time of the writing of the Gospel. who had inadequate faith Samaritans Jews Gentiles who refused to believe in Jesus and who did not publicly confess their belief in Jesus N. Vargas. Word and Witness An Introduction to the Gospel of John

BACKGROUND JOHN’S PURPOSE Could it be that some Jews, Gentiles and Samaritan Christians were losing faith because of all the difficulties and challenges they encountered that it became necessary for the leaders of the community to persuade and affirm them in their faith, to strengthen them in their commitment to Jesus and to console them in their suffering. N. Vargas. Word and Witness An Introduction to the Gospel of John

BACKGROUND JOHN’S PURPOSE “ as a response to a complex situation of crisis of faith within the johannine Community” - Teresa Okure N. Vargas. Word and Witness An Introduction to the Gospel of John

BACKGROUND JOHN’S AUDIENCE • For whom did John write his Gospel? • religiously minded public in and around Ephesus • non-Christians • Christians N. Vargas. Word and Witness An Introduction to the Gospel of John

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. (John 2:11 ) Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. (John 2:23 ) … But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided. (John 9:16) He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.“ (John 3:2) Signs Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. (John12:37) and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. (John 6:2 ) Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?" (John 7:31 ) Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. (John 11:47) Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.(John 20:30)

Reveals Jesus’ glory, which provokes faith in Him as the self-revelation of GOD Reveals Jesus’ identity and mission and calls forth a decision from the hearers Signs “Semeion” – greek word JESUS A miracle that points to a higher reality, that is, the manifestation of the glory of

Jesus performed 7 signs 1. Water into wine 2:1-11 2. Healing the nobleman’s son 4:46-54 3. Healing the lame man 5:1-15 4. Feeding the multitude 6:1-15 5. Walking on the water 6:16-24 6. Healing the blind man 9:1-41 7. Raising Lazarus 11:1-44

BACKGROUND THE AUTHOR John 21:24 (RSVCE) 24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

Papias • Bishop of Hierapolis Eusebius • supposed that Papias was talking about • two different Johns. • John – the author of the Gospel • John – the author of the Revelation quoted by • the note of Papias suggested that a certain presbyter who is a bearer of tradition in an earlier generation , a disciple of the Apostle, named John, was the author of the Gospel Irenaeus • Bishop of Lyons • a native of • Asia Minor • was convinced that Papias was referring to the presbyter and the disciple John as one and the same person He then transmitted to Asia Minor this tradition on the authorship of the Gospel of JOHN who spoke about his association with John, the one who had seen the Lord • was convinced that the Apostle John lived in Ephesus among the presbyters, one of them was polycarp Bishop of Smyrna - N. Vargas. Word and Witness An Introduction to the Gospel of John

LITERARY STRUCTURE DIVISION : 1: 1-18 PROLOGUE 1:19 – 12:50 PART ONE : THE BOOK OF SIGNS 13:1 – 20:31 PART TWO : THE BOOK OF GLORY 21: 1-25 EPILOGUE R.A. Brown. Introduction to the New Testament

DIVISION : 1: 1-18 PROLOGUE An introduction to and summary of the career of the incarnate Word • Identifying Jesus as the preexistent “Word” – (LOGOS) • God’s revelation • Who became a human to bring • grace and truth to humankind R.A. Brown. Introduction to the New Testament

DIVISION : 1:19 – 12:50 PART ONE : THE BOOK OF SIGNS -reveal Jesus’ identity and call people to faith in HIM 1. Initial days of the revelation of Jesus to his disciples under different titles (Jn 1:19 - 2:11) 2. First to second Cana miracles; themes of replacement and of reactions to Jesus (Jn 2-4): - changing water into wine - cleansing the Temple - Nicodemus - the Samaritan woman at the well - healing the royal official’s son R.A. Brown. Introduction to the New Testament

DIVISION : 1:19 – 12:50 PART ONE : THE BOOK OF SIGNS 3. Old Testament feasts and their replacement; themes of life and light (Jn 5-10): • The Sabbath ordinances to rest • Manna • The water and the light ceremonies SABBATH PASSOVER TABERNACLES DEDICATION Jesus, the new Moses The Bread of Life The Source of the Living water and the Light of the World Jesus is consecrated in the place of the Temple altar John 5:1-47 John 6:1-71 John 7:1-10:21 John 10:22-42 R.A. Brown. Introduction to the New Testament

DIVISION : 1:19 – 12:50 PART ONE : THE BOOK OF SIGNS The rising of Lazarus and its aftermath (John 11-12): - Lazarus raised to life - Jesus condemned to death by the Sanhedrin - Lazarus’s sister Mary anoints Jesus for burial - entry to Jerusalem - the end of the public ministry - the coming of the hour signaled by the arrival of the Gentiles R.A. Brown. Introduction to the New Testament

DIVISION : 13:1 – 20:31 PART TWO : THE BOOK OF GLORY -Jesus’ passion is repeatedly described as His glorification • 1. The Last Supper (John 13:1-38): • - the meal • - washing of the feet • - Judas’ betrayal • - intro to discourse • love commandment • Peter’s denial foretold • and Jesus’ Last Discourse (John 14-17): • Division One • - Jesus departure • - Divine indwelling • - the Paraclete • Division Two • - vine and branches • - the world’s hatred • - witness by the Paraclete • - repeated themes of Division One • Division Three • - the “Priestly ” Prayer R.A. Brown. Introduction to the New Testament

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN