Christology Assignment

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Feb 20, 2024

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Jesus as the Savior of the World in the Gospel of John NBST 515: New Testament Orientation June 26, 2023

Contents The Name Jesus and its meaning…….……………………………………………………… .... 1 The Divine Nature of Jesus……………………………………………………….…………….1 Jesus as a unique Divine Messenger……………………………………………………………4 Jesus’s Fulfillment of Israel’s and all Humanity’s Hopes and Needs………………………..8 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 11 ii

1 The Gospel of John portrays Jesus in many ways. However, one of the most critical portrayals in the Gospel of John is the portrayal of Jesus as the Savior of the World (John 4:39-42, New Kings James Version). The Gospel of John takes more time to highlight the divine nature of Jesus compared to the other three Gospels. This is not to say that the other three Gospels do not highlight this Divine nature of Jesus, but the Gospel of John goes much more in-depth in explaining why Jesus is Divine. As Elwell and Yarbrough point out, “He is God himself, incarnate in human flesh.” 1 Although this narrative unfolds in many ways, John does this in three categories. First, the divine nature of Jesus; second, Jesus as a unique divine messenger and third, Jesus as the supreme fulfillment of Israel's (or the Old Testament's) hopes and aspirations, the one who answers humanity's deepest needs and desires. 2 Through these three categories, the Gospel of John emphasizes and highlights that Jesus is not simply the Son of God but the ultimate and divine Savior of the World who will save humanity from sin and eternal damnation. The Name Jesus and Its Meaning Jesus is a unique name you do not see anywhere else in the Bible. It is essential to understand its meaning when discussing the term "Savior of the World" as it relates to Him. In Hebrew, Jesus means "saving" or "savior" in Latin. 3 In fact, during the Middle Ages, the literal interpretation of Jesus’ name was known as “savior.” 4 This is primarily because the Old English rendering of the name Jesus was with its Hebrew meaning: hælend , which translates to 1 Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey , 3rd ed., (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 97. 2 Ibid . 3 Damian Fleming, “ Jesus, that is hælend:Hebrew Names and the Vernacular Savior in Anglo-Saxon England.” Vol. 112 (JEGP, Journal of English and Germanic Philology, 2013) 26. 4 Damian Fleming, “ Jesus, that is hælend:Hebrew Names and the Vernacular Savior in Anglo-Saxon England.” Vol. 112 (JEGP, Journal of English and Germanic Philology, 2013) 27

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2 “savior.” 5 This is important to us as it shows that even during the Middle Ages, the connection between Jesus's name and his role on Earth is immediately evident to readers. 6 The Divine Nature of Jesus (John 1:1-5, 14-18) The Jesus we meet in the Gospel of John can be considered a "puzzle." A Man that is fully human but also God at the same time. A Teacher who confessed to being a healer, king, and someone who could provide life to others by his death. 7 John knew that Jesus was the promised Messiah; his writings show us that in many ways. Unlike some of the other Gospels, John does not mention the lineage of Jesus or the miracle birth in Bethlehem. Instead, John starts by teaching the reader about the Eternal Word (John 1:1-5) and how the Word was with God, and how the Word was God. John immediately lets the audience know that the Word (Jesus) is of a Divine origin and not an artificial origin. The fact that John chooses to start his writings with this divine revelation of Jesus tells the reader just how important Jesus is and the role He would have as the Son of God sent down from Heaven to save humanity. John then talks about how the Word became flesh and how He dwelt among us as a fully fleshed-out human being (John 1:14-18). John does not record the genealogy of Jesus as Matthew or Luke does, but he still lets the audience know that “the Word” becomes flesh like us and, therefore, can sympathize with humanity because of His fleshly nature. John wants the audience to know that just because Jesus is of divine origin does not mean He is blind to humanity's hardships, struggles, and desires. Through this revelation of the Word becoming 5 Ibid., 29 6 Ibid. 7 Dirk G. Van der Merwe “ The divinity of Jesus in the Gospel of John: The ‘lived experiences’ it fostered when the text was read” Vol. 75 ( HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies [Online], 2019)

3 flesh, humanity can better accept Jesus as someone who shared in our struggles both physically and emotionally. The author of John knew this when he was writing the scripture. Elwell and Yarbrough explain that "John is writing so that readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing have life in his name.” 8 By choosing to reveal the Lord’s divine origin and then his transformation into a fleshly being, the reader not only knows about the divine origin but also understands the human aspect of Jesus. Although Jesus has many names, the Gospel of John also calls him something else not seen in the other three Gospels. John calls Jesus "the Lamb of God (John 1:29,36).” This phrase is a unique one that refers to sin offerings that happened in the days of the Old Testament, which used a sacrificial lamb. This phrase was spoken by John the Baptist, who says, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me (John 1:30).” John is referencing the divine nature of Jesus as someone who came before him (John) even though John was born before Jesus physically appeared on the Earth. John the Baptist baptizes Jesus of Nazareth and bears witness to Him, saying, "And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God (John 1:34)." Dr. Stacy refers to these phrases about Jesus as a "portrait." 9 That is, John is allowing the audience to see Jesus as he saw Jesus, as the divine and ultimate sacrifice from God that would lead humanity to salvation through Himself. For the reader to understand who Jesus was and still is today, this "portrait" that the Gospel of John paints for us helps the audience see Jesus as the author of John saw Him. Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus on Jesus as the “God-Man," while 8 Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A historical and theological survey . (Baker Academic, 2013), 97 9 Robert Wayne Stacy, “The Four Gospels: Luke & John,” Course Video

4 John focuses more on His divine nature. 10 In the Gospel of John, Jesus is much more active than reactive. Dr. Stacy points out that the “vulnerable and victimized” Jesus we see in the synoptic Gospels disappears entirely. 11 One example given is that the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness after fasting is gone entirely from the Gospel of John. While this event is heavily touched upon in Matthew and Luke, it only appears briefly in Mark. The Gospel of John leaves out this critical event altogether. John does not aim to paint Jesus in the same human-like manner as the Synoptic Gospels. In John, Jesus is always the one mostly in control of every situation He is directly involved with. The Gospel of John goes to great lengths to portray Jesus as the ultimate "Hero" of the story. Think about Superhero movies today. When you see heroes like Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and so on in these big blockbuster movies, you see them as the ones in control, always going to great lengths to save others in need. Just as Hollywood portrays these heroes as all-powerful good guys who always win in the end, so too does John as he portrays Jesus as the ultimate Hero who triumphs over the forces of evil. Jesus as a unique Divine Messenger The Gospel of John portrays Jesus as someone who finds His ultimate and eternal source in God, the Father. 12 John the Baptist told some of the Jews and his disciples, "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth (John 3:31)." John the Baptist came to prepare the way and to be a messenger proclaiming that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. John the Baptist referred to Jesus's Heavenly nature when he said, "He who comes from 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A historical and theological survey . (Baker Academic, 2013), 98

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5 above is above all." Even though Jesus was fully human, just like him (John), he realized that Jesus was the one true Messenger from Heaven. Elwell and Yarbrough point out that each writer of their respective Gospel has a particular point or a series of points they are each trying to present. 13 The author of John wants to establish very early in his Gospel that Jesus is the Divine Messenger that was promised to the Jews long ago. The Gospel of John wastes no time presenting the many miracles and teachings of Jesus. This is important as through these teachings and wonderous miracles, the reader can see the power of Jesus, the divine messenger, in action. John 3 records "The New Birth," in which Jesus tells a man named Nicodemus how he can enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus says to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3)." Confused, Nicodemus wonders if Jesus is talking about another physical birth from his mother. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that the birth he is referring to is of a spiritual nature and that without it, he nor anyone else will not be permitted into the kingdom of Heaven. This revelation from Jesus shows the reader his divine origin with such insight and wisdom. Jesus also says what ends up becoming probably the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” It is very fitting that the most well-known verse in the Bible comes from Jesus, as the Gospel of John records Him. Through this divine revelation, Jesus tells us that God cares so deeply for the world that He is willing to sacrifice His only Son so that the world might be saved through Him (Jesus). 13 Ibid., 57

6 It is important to note that even sinners can still be a part of the family of God through faith and salvation. 14 Even though we can all be a part of God’s family, it is essential to note that Jesus is the only eternal Son of God. 15 Why is this important when talking about the Gospel of John? To fully understand who Jesus is entirely; we must understand that He is the only true Son of the living God. This is why the Gospel of John refers to Jesus as the Son of God and, more specifically, God the Son. 16 John calls Jesus “Lord” (13:14; 20:28; 21:7) several times and also God (1:1; 5:18; 10:30) several times as well. 17 John does this primarily so the reader can know that Jesus is fully human and God simultaneously. It is important to note that within the Holy Trinity, we read about in scripture, there is unity and, at the same time, diversity. 18 Understanding the nature of the Trinity is essential when attempting to understand Jesus' role as a Divine Messenger. John the Baptist declares, "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known (John 1:18)." John tells the reader that Jesus has seen the Father and that he is one with the Father as well. Is this a contradiction from John? No, it is not by any means. The Gospel of John tells us that the Father and the Son are indeed the same, but they have operated as two separate entities. When you add The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised he would send as a comforter (Acts 1:8), you find three distinct Holy Beings who are indeed one but operate as three separate entities. The fact that Jesus Christ is the second person 14 Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A historical and theological survey . (Baker Academic, 2013), 98 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid. 17 Ibid. 18 Ibid.

7 of the Holy Trinity enables him to be considered a divine messenger who came down from Heaven to save humanity. If Jesus were only a regular human being from ordinary human parents, then it would be easy for humanity to reject Him as, in the eyes of the world, Jesus would possess no heavenly or spiritual authority. The Gospel of John portrays Jesus as someone who knows and understands where His power and authority come from. The Gospel tells us, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3).” Dr. Wayne Stacy points out that “In John, Jesus is a glorious figure who was the word of God, incarnate, completely motivated and moved from above, always acting, never reacting.” 19 This is an excellent description of the Jesus of Nazareth in the Gospel of John. If Jesus Christ is supposed to be the one faithful Savior of humanity, He must not be passive in such a sin-filled world. Instead, He challenged authority, healed sickness, and spoke with ultimate wisdom as the Gospel of John recorded Him. Another unique aspect of the Gospel of John is the divine knowledge that Jesus was shown to possess. Through John, we can see that Jesus not only knows the thoughts and feelings of others around him but also knows of future events, such as Peter denying him thrice or how his death will unfold. 20 While all four Gospels highlight the divine knowledge and insight that Jesus has, John does so to such an extent that Jesus appears to possess this knowledge at all times, regardless of His location or whether He chooses to share it. 21 One example of this is when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26). Jesus is aware of the sinful life the woman is living when He encounters her. He tells her of her five partners, and she immediately surmises 19 Robert Wayne Stacy, “The Four Gospels: Luke & John,” Course Video 20 Jeffrey Tripp, “Jesus’s Special Knowledge in the Gospel of John,” Brill , June 10, 2019 https://brill.com/abstract/journals/nt/61/3/article-p269_3.xml?language=en. 21 Ibid.

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8 He is a prophet (4:17-19). Through His divine wisdom, Jesus was also aware of those who sought to do him harm, such as the disciple Judas who would go on to betray Him. Jesus highlights this in John 6:70. He refers to Judas as a "devil" but knows that Judas' betrayal leads Him directly to the cross. Although Jesus could have disposed of Judas from the twelve, He chose not to because He knew he had to be handed over to be crucified. This type of divine insight that Jesus possesses lends credence to His status as a divine messenger and Savior. Through His divine insight and wisdom, Jesus continued to offer newer and bolder ideas to the people he encountered. 22 Concepts such as the "Bread of Life" and "Living Water" that Jesus talked about to different audiences were so profound and different that, in some cases, His audience outright rejected him because they did not understand what He was saying. Jesus also used parables when discussing topics such as the kingdom of Heaven. When Jesus did this, he often used these sayings to explain unique concepts to His audience. The Gospel of John's use of parables by Jesus also highlights His divine wisdom. Jesus Fulfillment of Israel’s and All Humanity’s Hopes and Needs The Old Testament contains stories and wonders before Jesus physically appeared on Earth. However, the Old Testament is not just a simple collection of old stories from long ago; It is also a book of prophetic nature that looks to the future for ultimate fulfillment. 23 In John 1:49, Nathanael refers to Jesus as the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel.” From this interaction between Nathanael and Jesus, Nathanael views Jesus as the Son of God and the one true Leader 22 Tucker S. Ferda, “Flesh from Heaven: The Text of John 6.52 and Its Intertext,” New Testament Studies 65, no. 3 (2019): 371– 387, https://doi.org/10.1017/s0028688519000110 . 23 Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A historical and theological survey . (Baker Academic, 2013), 98

9 of Israel. While Nathanael does not call Jesus “Savior,” Nathanael views Jesus as the answer to what the Israelites had hoped for throughout the Old Testament. We also see other references to the Old Testament in the Gospel of John. One of these is in John 6:27, which emphasizes Jesus as the divine envoy, given the Seal of the Sender, which has similar imagery to prophet-like Moses' typology (Deut. 18:15-22). 24 In Deuteronomy’s passage, we see a couple of qualifications that the prophet must possess. The prophet must come from the Israelites (18:15) and hear directly from God (18:18). We can see that Jesus meets all these qualifications because He and the Father are one, and Jesus is a direct descendant of the Israelites. This is not to say that Jesus is Moses incarnate or even another Old Testament prophet that has come back to life like others had suggested (Luke 9:18); instead, He is far greater than any of the older prophets. Conclusion While all the Gospels highlight the divine nature of Jesus of Nazareth, none go as far as the Gospel of John in their portrayal of Jesus as the divine Savior of the world. The Gospel of John wastes no time telling us who Jesus was before He arrived on Earth. John structures itself to highlight Jesus' divine nature right from the beginning. The Gospel of John highlights Jesus as a unique divine messenger, unlike anything that had appeared on Earth. John highlights Jesus' divine wisdom and is the only Gospel referencing Jesus as the "Lamb of God." The Gospel of John also highlights that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel's and Humanity's hopes and needs. The Gospel of John does all of this to show that Jesus Christ is the faithful Savior of the World. 24 Lee, Dorothy A. 2022. " Jesus’ Spirituality of [Af]filiation in the Fourth Gospe l" Religions 13, no. 7: 647.

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11 Bibliography Ferda, Tucker S. "Flesh from Heaven: The Text of John 6.52 and its Intertext." New Testament Studies 65, no. 3 (07, 2019): 371-87, https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu? url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/flesh-heaven-text-john-6-52-intertext/ docview/2217936974/se-2. Fleming, Damian. " Jesus , that is hælend : Hebrew Names and the Vernacular Savior in Anglo- Saxon England." JEGP, Journal of English and Germanic Philology 112, no. 1 (2013): 26-47. muse.jhu.edu/article/497705 . Lee, Dorothy A. “Jesus’ Spirituality of [Af]Filiation in the Fourth Gospel.” Religions 13, no. 7 (2022): 647. Stacy, Robert Wayne, “The Four Gospels: Luke and John” Course Video, NBST 515 Tripp, Jeffrey. “Jesus’s Special Knowledge in the Gospel of John.” Novum Testamentum 61, no. 3 (2019): 269–88. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26674922. Van der Merwe, Dirk. "The divinity of Jesus in the Gospel of John: The ‘lived experiences’ it fostered when the text was read" HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies [Online], Volume 75 Number 1 (November 14, 2019) W., Elwell, Walter A.; YARBROUGH, ROBERT. Encountering the New Testament a Historical and Theological Survey . 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2013.

Christology Assignment

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