The Gospel According to St John Essay Example

unambiguous declarations that affirm Jesus' divinity, with Thomas' acknowledgement declaring the all-encompassing assertion for it.

The Gospel of John features numerous instances where Jesus proclaims his divine authority with the phrase 'I AM' and through various titles, including 'The Way, the Truth and the Life' (14:6), 'the true Vine' (15), 'the Light of the World' (8:12), 'the Good Shepherd' (10:11), 'the Son of God' (10:36), 'the Resurrection and the Life' (11:25), 'the Bread of Life' (6:35) and 'the Living Bread come down from Heaven' (6:51). It is crucial to distinguish between earthly bread that sustains life and heavenly bread that grants eternal life. By placing faith in God's Word, one can nourish their spirits as "man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (6:51). This belief is further emphasized through Eucharist. In addition to this, another commonly used title in John's Gospel is 'Son'.

The 'Son' title, used in different variations like 'Son of Man' and 'Son of God', is mentioned more than forty times. This title implies a close relationship between Jesus and God. It is noted that the Father loves the Son (3:5) and grants Him authority (17:2). Although the Father and Son are unified (10:30), the Son relies on the Father (5:30-36) and follows His commands (8:25). The Son is responsible for giving eternal life (6:44) as assigned by the Divine. Jesus is referred to as the 'Sent One' on a divine mission and has a unique connection with the 'Sender'. Therefore, how we react to Christ reflects our reaction to God the Father.

The Gospel reveals God through Jesus Christ, who represents God's

love. Our task is to respond positively by exercising our free will. Although challenging in today's world, we must choose between 'yes' or 'no' as there is no neutral ground between opposing forces such as light and darkness, life and death, and truth and falsehood.

According to John, in order to be saved, we must make a radical decision. He believes that by staying in Jesus, just like a branch stays attached to a vine (15:5-6), we can fulfill Christ's calling. In the Book of Signs, Thomas sees and then believes (20:1-10). John explains that once the risen Christ opens our minds to scripture, seeing is no longer necessary for belief - scripture alone reveals who Jesus is. Furthermore, the miracle of the bread (6:1-15), where Jesus gives thanks and distributes bread, foreshadows the Last Supper.

Jesus transforms a fast into a Messianic banquet, indicating a future fast at the end of time. Additionally, he showcases his divine power in walking on water, emphasizing his godly nature as 'I AM.' Lastly, the wedding feast of Cana serves as the first sign of Jesus’s Messianic identity and status as the Son of God, illuminating his glory.

In chapter 2, Jesus drives the merchants out of the temple as a sign that His Body is the true temple. Moving on to chapter 3, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about how faith is equivalent to being born again in the spirit through baptism. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God who is capable of performing miraculous signs. Lastly, in chapter 3, John the Baptist gives his final testimony as a friend of the bridegroom, stating that he finds joy in Jesus

increasing while he decreases.

'Only Jesus originates from Heaven and is capable of fully fulfilling the human heart,' emphasizes the text. As he encompasses everything good, nothing is lost in him. Through offering the Samaritan woman 'Living Water' from the Holy Spirit, which is bestowed upon all God's offspring, Jesus teaches that genuine worship occurs 'in spirit and truth.'

The Samaritan woman acknowledged Jesus in various ways, as Christ, Messiah, Prophet, and Saviour of the World. This encounter with Jesus caused her to feel love, repent, convert and evangelize. The ultimate point of the story is when the Samaritan people confess their faith in Jesus as the universal Messiah and Saviour. Additionally, in 4:48, Jesus heals the son of a Roman official who initially believed and then received healing for his child.

The section of The Book of Glory (Chapters 13-20) portrays Jesus as uniting death and exaltation, with the cross becoming the throne of glory from which the Church is established. His death serves as a source of life, with a spring of water flowing from his open side, in line with Ezekiel 47:2 and Zech 13:1, symbolizing baptism and the spirit. The term 'hour', representing his passion, death, and resurrection, is frequently used but carries extra significance on nine occasions when Jesus declares that 'his hour had not yet come' (2:4, 7:30, 8:20). However, on Palm Sunday, Jesus expresses anguish because 'the hour has come' (12:23, 27).

Jesus' life is defined by two main themes: his passion, death, and return to his father; and the descent of the Word from Heaven to become flesh and exist in a world characterized by slavery, hate, sin, and darkness.

2) John

is intrigued by the "hour of Jesus" which encompasses his death and exaltation, symbolized by Christ being raised on the cross like a throne of Glory where he pours his spirit upon the world - a manifestation of love that is an unfathomable mystery. The World above is representative of spirit, freedom, love, truth, and light, and in his exaltation, Jesus brings with him all believers (14:3). During his public life, Jesus uses sacramental signs to develop the profound meaning behind this concept of love.

The signs lead to a life of abundance, while turning away leads to emptiness and death. Baptized Christians receive the Word of God (2:14, 3:19) and are infused with it like oil through the Spirit's power (2:20-27). The evidence of this connection is shown through fruits such as love, peace, justice, patience, and kindness. Jesus washing his disciples' feet represents his humility and mercy - two essential traits to imitate.

Jesus instructs us on servant leadership in Christianity, which involves self-emptying instead of domination or self-glorification. The Gospel of John portrays Jesus as the Pascal Lamb of the new covenant and God being pierced (Zech 12:10). Only John recognizes the significance of Mary's presence at the foot of the cross and her unique role in the Church.

Ch 21 of John's Gospel depicts the Resurrection and reappearance of Jesus post-death as significant indicators that faith can lead to eternal life. The presence of the 'Risen Lord' in our lives promises a new day and brighter future. The faithful stay alert to signs of the 'Lord's Presence' and, like the beloved disciple, will recognise him and proclaim 'it is the Lord' (21:1-14).