CHAPTER 9 JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S REVELATION TO THE WORLD

Organization of John’s Gospel Prologue – Highlights the theme of the Gospel The Book of Signs – Miracles and their teachings The Book of Glory – Explanation of Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection Epilogue: Resurrection Appearances – Differences between Jesus’ newly resurrected body and his former one

Background of the Gospel of John Date: likely between 90 and 100 AD – Earliest fragment of New Testament writing is from John’s Gospel: John Rylands Greek papyrus Author: John, the “Beloved Disciple” – Possibly written in several stages and edited by different people who were inspired by John Audience: diverse group that included Samaritan converts, Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians who were expelled from synagogues

Themes of the Gospel of John Strengthen the faith of the believers Win new converts Fight false ideas about Jesus’ full humanity or even his divinity Challenge followers of John the Baptist who wrongly believed he was the Messiah

The Uniqueness of John’s Gospel More mystical than the synoptics Emphasizes that Jesus Christ is true God and true man New characters appear Jewish feasts are highlighted over Jesus’ three-year ministry Center of Jesus’ ministry is Jerusalem Long, extended discourses rather than short sayings or parables Jesus is the focus of God’s Revelation— ”I AM” Very poetic

The Incarnation “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the word became flesh.”

The Incarnation sarks (Greek), carne (Latin) FLESH WE CANNOT BE HUMAN BEINGS WITHOUT BODIES! Docetism: an early heresy that was associated with the Gnostics that claimed that Jesus had no human body and only appeared to die on the Cross

The Importance of the Incarnation If Jesus Christ only seemed to be human, then he didn’t really die and rise. If Jesus Christ only seemed to be human, then our human nature is not healed. If Jesus Christ only seemed to be human, then we have never perceived the Glory of God.

Mary, the Mother of God By responding “yes” to God’s invitation to the Incarnation at the Annunciation, Mary was already collaborating with the whole work her Son was to accomplish.

Christology The study of Jesus Christ— trying to understand who he is John focuses on the heavenly origins of Christ and his fundamental identity as God’s only Son. The synoptics provide a narrative of Jesus of Nazareth and develop his story as an ascent to glory through the Paschal Mystery.

The Signs in John’s Gospel Sign 1: The Wedding at Cana Jesus changed the water into wine; we believe that he can change us. Water symbolizes baptism; wine symbolizes the Eucharist. Mary’s concern for others moved her to intercede.

The Signs in John’s Gospel Sign 2: Cure of the Official’s Son Power of Jesus’ word was enough to heal the son of a court official Jesus can rescue us from spiritual death. Shows the power of intercessory prayer (prayer for others) Sign 3: Cure on a Sabbath Jesus is the source of life. “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” Both the Son and the Father work on the Sabbath.

The Signs in John’s Gospel Sign 4 and 5: Multiplication of Loaves and Walking on Water Recall Moses’ miracles in Exodus after the first Passover Manna in the desert Walking through the Red Sea Jesus is the New Moses and the true Passover.

Bread of Life Discourse After these signs, Jesus tells his disciples that he replaces the manna of the Exodus. He is the source of eternal life—the Eucharist. The Eucharist brings about an intimate relationship between Christ and the Church. Peter: Master, to whom shall we go?

The Signs in John’s Gospel Sign 6: Cure of a Man Born Blind Contrasts a blind man who was given sight with those who had physical sight yet were spiritually blind. Remain faithful to Jesus and your faith will deepen. The Lord teaches that spiritual blindness is worse than physical blindness. Sign 7: Raising of Lazarus This most important sign prefigures Jesus’ own Death and Resurrection. Sums up all the signs Jesus is the way of life Jesus is the Resurrection Jesus is God (“I Am”). Faith is essential for us to gain eternal life.

The Last Supper John reports the Last Supper occurred on the day the Jews killed the lambs for Passover. Every Eucharist re-presents in an unbloody manner the one Sacrifice of Christ. Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. He promises to send the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit

Comparing the Resurrection Narratives All four Gospels agree on the following essentials: The Resurrection took place early in the morning on the first day of the week. Women were present at the tomb, definitely including Mary Magdalene. The stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. A messenger or messengers who spoke to the women were at the tomb; the women were to tell the disciples what took place.

The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus The Lord greatly desires to live in us, people united to him.

Passion Narrative Jesus is in control of the events of his Passion. John highlights the Old Testament prophecies concerning the crucifixion. Jesus entrusted his Mother to the Beloved Disciple, and symbolically, to the whole Church.

Resurrection of Jesus The central event of our Salvation! John shows how a personal encounter with Jesus, not an empty tomb, brings about faith. Jesus appears to the Apostles and commissions them to continue his work, to be missionaries