John – Introduction 2
Examples of Uniqueness con’t.: Also, there are many episodes in common but told in a different way or with different purpose. For example, the Synoptic Gospels report the cleansing of the temples at the end, during their Passion accounts (Mt 21:12-12; Mk 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46). In John’s Gospel it is during Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem (Jn 2:12-22). In John, the feeding of the five thousand is a “sign” (6:14, 26) that introduces the Bread of Life discourse (6:26-58) whereas the Synoptics (e.g. Mt 13-21) attach no discourse. The healing of the blind man leads into the Good Shepherd parables, the blindness of the Jews, and the seeing of faith (Jn 9:21-10-21), with the Synoptics again not attaching these teachings to the event (e.g. Mk. 8:22-26). Unique Characters: John’s cast uniquely includes Nathaniel, Nicodemus, and Lazarus. Philip and Thomas get speaking roles. Andrew has a unique part to play (1:40-42; 12:22). Of course, we should note the “disciple whom Jesus loved” or the beloved disciple (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20). There is no naming of the twelve and the cast of intimate disciples Peter, James, and John are not given their “special” moments. Unique language and terminology: Images of water, light, blindness, death, life, eating and drinking. John speaks of the Crucifixion as exaltation (3:14; 8:28; 12:32, 34) and glorification (7:39; 8:54; 12:16, 23, 28; 13:31, 32; 17:1, 5). Especially characteristic is John’s use of the “I AM” statements, both in an absolute sense (4:26; 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 13:19; 18:5, 6, 8) and also with predictions (6:35, 41, 48, 51; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7, 9, 111, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5). Purpose and Major Themes: Our conclusions about the place of writing, date of writing, authorship, and purpose of the Gospel are of one piece. John explicitly states his purpose: 30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 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. The evangelist is addressing his readers/hearers directly and even more so in Jn 19:35. Who is he speaking to? The Gospel narrative is about the signs Jesus did in sight of his disciples. This harkens the hearer back to the signs Moses “did before the people” (Ex 4:30)…