CST100 CA

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CST100 Critical Assignment An Introduction to John By Samantha Dizon Submitted to Dr. Joe Slunaker Due by Day 3 of Week 8 - No Exceptions

1 Introductory Issues The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels, these books or stories tell the story of the life of Jesus. The Gospels are supposedly written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, this paper focuses on the Gospel of John which is known to be an eyewitness account of the Gospel. Many church leaders like Theophilus of Antioch identify John as the author of this gospel (Michaels, 2010, p. 32). This assumption can be solidified by reading John 21:24, the author is described as a disciple of Jesus (John 21:24). John’s gospel can be set apart from the other three because of its clear differences compared to Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The first three gospels are called synoptic gospels meaning that they are clearly connected (events and order) when looked at together. John does not include the same events or order in the other gospels mentioned which makes his gospel intriguing to theologians (Bruner, 2012, p. 14). The Gospel of John was presumably written between 90 and 100 CE (Michaels, 2010, p. 46). Since this Gospel came years after the other three synoptic Gospels, it is the last Gospel to be written. In John’s Gospel, he wrote about Jesus’ life and ministry on earth like his birth, teachings, and redemption. All these events were happening in the first century during the rule of Pontius Pilate. When John wrote this gospel, a new generation was rising in the church and he had written the gospel to help this new generation understand (Michaels, 2010, p. 50). At the time of this gospel, the church was experiencing heavy persecution from Emperor Domitian. While John was writing this gospel, he would have been harassed by others and he may also be banned from the synagogue. The primary purpose of this gospel is to spread the word about who Jesus is. It is stated in the verse, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and

2 that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). This gospel is meant to secure God’s people in their faith and love for Him (Mullenburg, 1932, p. 43). In addition to his writing, he discussed Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and word-of-mouth testimony from those Jesus had healed. He also used Scripture to further help the new generation of the church to understand who Jesus is. Literary Structure I. Introduction (1:1-51) A. Prologue (1:1-18) B. John the Baptist (1:19-34) C. Gaining of disciples (1:35-51) II. Jesus’ ministry (2:1-12:50) A. Turning water to wine (2:1-11) B. Cleansing the temple (2:12-22) C. Discussion with Nicodemus (2:23-3:21) D. John the Baptist (second appearance) (3:22-36) E. Discussion with a Samaritan woman (4:1-42) F. Healing the official’s son (4:43-54) G. Pool of Bethzatha healing (Jerusalem) (5:1-47) H. Feeding of 5,000 (6:1-71) I. Feast of Tabernacles (7:1-52 – 7:53-8:11 added later) J. Jesus the Light of the World (8:12-59) K. Healing the blind man (9:1-41) L. Jesus the Good Shepherd (10:1-42)

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3 M. Raising Lazarus from the Dead (11:1-44) N. Condemnation of Jesus (11:45-57) III. Entry to Jerusalem (12-19) A. Anointing of Jesus’ feet (12:1-11) B. Entry into Jerusalem (12:12-19) C. Jesus’ death predicted (12:20-50) D. The Last Supper (13:1-38) E. First goodbye to disciples (14:1-31) F. Second goodbye to disciples (15:1-16:33) G. Jesus’ last prayer (17:1-26) H. Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial (18:1-19:42) I. Empty tomb and resurrection (20:1-31) IV. Epilogue: Jesus’ appearance to Peter and others (21:1-25) As stated in the section before, the gospel of John is different compared to the other three. The outline and structure of this gospel are one of the reasons why it is unique. In addition to the structure being unique, the content of Jesus’ teaching also provides a difference. As stated in previous paragraphs, the aim of this gospel is to convince people about Jesus’ ministry and God’s kingdom, this is seen in the writing style used where many examples are shared about the ministry of Jesus on earth to help readers understand God’s kingdom better (Mullenburg, 1932, p. 43). In the first three parts of this outline, John introduces John the Baptist and Jesus’ disciples to start the gospel. Chapters two to twelve revolve around Jesus’ ministry and miracles on earth. This part of the gospel is meant to support the primary purpose of the book. The last few chapters relate to Jesus’ last days with his disciples before his death. Lastly, the epilogue is speculated to

4 be added later on after the original writing of the gospel. The last chapter speaks of the appearance of Jesus after the crucifixion by the Sea of Galilee to Peter. It is described in the text as the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples. Place in the Storyline It is stated in our textbook, God’s Big Picture, that the gospels are placed in God’s present kingdom (Roberts, 2002). All four gospels, including John, shows the making of the kingdom and how the covenants or promises God has made were fulfilled. As stated in the textbook, the present kingdom developed when Jesus started his ministry on earth (Roberts, 2002). The chapter speaks of a king who will rule with and under God, this is later revealed as Jesus Christ. Through his ministry, Jesus builds a new covenant with God’s people, land, and blessing. This chapter describes Jesus as the substitute for our sins and how Jesus is the true Adam, Israel, tabernacle, and temple. Further proving that Jesus is God’s king that is now found. In relation to the gospel of John, all four gospels are discussed in the textbook as different in the way they portray Jesus. John’s gospel portrays Jesus as the Son of God who gives eternal life (Roberts, 2002). The chapter ends with Jesus speaking of a delay before his second coming and teaching his disciples how to spread the word of God which transitions into the next chapter, the proclaimed kingdom. Major Theological Themes Jesus’ Self-Disclosure. The identity of Jesus is uncovered throughout reading the book of John. This is done in two ways: works and witnesses. Many of Jesus’ signs and works portray the power of God and how God’s power works through Jesus. These signs and works also show his role as the Son of God and the Messiah. The gospel of John also uses multiple “I am” phrases that are used to describe Jesus better to those trying to understand him. Next, witnesses and examples are used in the gospel of John multiple times. Some of these witnesses include John the

5 Baptist and the disciples. Jesus’ works and signs have been noticed by the public and they are now confirming his identity. Jesus as the Revelation of God. In John 1:18, it is discussed how Jesus originated from God, in John 17:3, it is stated that Jesus has been sent by God. Because of this, Jesus identifies closely with God because of his origin. Also, he can reveal God’s works and miracles because of his origin and identity. In addition to showing glimpses of God’s glory, he is able to show grace and truth in the way of God. It is said in John 8:31-32 that Jesus is the incarnation of the truth and confronts those who lie. In John 14:6, it is stated that Jesus cuts a way to God that is true and life-giving. This further proves that Jesus is the Revelation of God and the Revelation of the truth when many lies and false statements are thrown around. This also encourages the right knowledge about Jesus and God to have an enlightening relationship with Him. Identity of Jesus. Unlike the other gospels, Jesus is first described in John 1:1 as the Word of God. The Word of God has existed with God ever since but the Word was made flesh and is now among God’s people (John 1:14). This is just one of the titles associated with Jesus in the gospel of John. The messiah is another title that is used in the gospel of John. The use of the name messiah means that Jesus is the one who fulfills covenants or promises made in the Old Testament. In John 4:29, it is discussed that believing the messiah is needed to be a follower of God. Lastly, the title of Son of God is vital to John’s gospel. It proves that Jesus, who existed with God, was sent to us by Him. Throughout the gospel of John, Jesus speaks of God as his father multiple times. Since Jesus is God’s son, he can enjoy God’s love, do His works and speak what God has to say. Summary. The main message of the gospel of John is that Jesus is the Son of God and that believers will receive blessings like eternal life. Unlike the other gospels, John focuses on how

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6 the Word was made flesh, he portrays Jesus as a normal human but that Jesus possesses the Word of God and therefore, God’s works, blessings, and presence are present in him. Because of this connection, the gospel of John awards Jesus with multiple titles to describe his true power. This also shows that when God is present in a person, they become children of God which can happen to all believers. Personal Reflection I have always been intrigued by the gospel of John since I learned about the Bible. When learning about the gospels, the book of John would always be described as different or unique and this critical assignment proved to be the best time for me to learn more about this interesting gospel. The first lesson I learned in the gospel of John is that God always works with us, in us, and through us. Jesus’ life on earth is the perfect example of this as God has worked with him, in him, and through him. It is a wholesome and comforting idea that God will work in mysterious ways to help us live our purpose. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection was also written in this gospel. One thing that I admire in this gospel is the portrayal of God’s love for all his people. God sent his son to save us all from sin which shows the immense love and care God has for us. After reading about Jesus’ death and resurrection in this gospel, I also admired how Jesus trusted God. I think I have a hard time trusting God and even myself when it comes to my life since I tend to over think but Jesus’ commitment and trust in God’s plan gives me inspiration to do the same and know that God has a great plan for me even if it might not be what I am planning.

7 Bibliography Bruner, F. D. (2012). The Gospel of John: A Commentary . Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Michaels, J.R. (2010). The gospel of John. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Mullenburg, J. (1932). Literary form in the fourth Gospel. Journal of Biblical Literature. Roberts, V. (2012). God's Big Picture . Independent Publishers Group (Chicago Review Press).

CST100 CA

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