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| THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Among the four Gospels the book of John stands in a class by itself, although it portrays in general outline the life and mission of Jesus Christ, it is quite different in structure and style from the other three Gospels. This book contains no parable, only two miracles recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and an additional five miracles reported only by John, numerous personal interviews stressing individual relationships, and an absence of the ethical teachings of the kingdom.. Its style is simple yet profound in thought. The purpose of this Gospel is to report the signs, usually called miracles in the other Gospels, so that the reader might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, through believing, he might obtain life eternal (20: 30, 3l). The signs which the author reports give evidence of Christ's supernatural power in areas of life where man was helpless. The word "believe(trust, adhere to, rely on)" occurs ninety-eight times throughout this book. The assured result of this belief or faith in Jesus Christ is the possession of eternal life. Jesus is introduced in chapter one as the Word. In this way Jesus is identified as the essence of God's revelation as He lived in this world. As the "Lamb of God" Jesus provides salvation for "whoever" believes in (trusts in, adheres to relies on) Him. The fact that Jesus is the Son of God is repeatedly indicated. At the same time, the humanity of Jesus is reflected in statements that He was weary, impatient, sorrowful, appreciative, and loving (see 4:6-7, 6:26-27; 8:44; 11:35; 12:7, 27 ; 13:1; 18:8, 23). In contrast to the prophets, who repeatedly asserted "Thus says the Lord," Jesus was unique in asserting "I AM" in His messages. John records Jesus as saying "I AM" the: Bread of Life (6:35); Light of the world (8:12; 9:5); Door (10:7); Good Shepherd (10:11, 14); Resurrection and the Life (11:25); Way and the Truth and the Life (13:6); true Vine (15:1). Evidence points to John as the author of this Gospel. The book itself seems to reflect repeatedly that the author was an eyewitness to and a participant in many of the events which he records. When the authorship is narrowed down to the twelve apostles, John seems to be the best candidate, since he very likely is the "disciple whom Jesus loved," mentioned in 13:23. External testimony from the church fathers, beginning with Irenaeus, is strongly in favor of the view that John son of Zebedee wrote the Gospel bearing his name. A Galilean fisherman (Mark 1:19-20) when Jesus called him. John with his brother James joined with Andrew and Peter in becoming Jesus' disciples. His mother, Salome, probably was the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus (see Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25). John may have been the companion of Andrew as one of the disciples of John the Baptist (John 1:40). The experiences and events in the life of Christ where John was intimatedly involved are numerous. As a disciple he participated in the mission of the Twelve. Jesus speaks of John and James as "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17). In Christ's transfiguration experience, John was one of the three witnesses to the divine revelation confirming Jesus as the Son of God. In the passion and resurrection narratives, John is repeatedly identified...(Matthew 26:36-40; Mark 14: 34-42; Luke 22:39-49; John 18: 1 -11). Irenaeus and other church fathers point to Ephesus as the residence of John. Polycrates mentions Ephesus as the place of his burial. Very likely it was here that John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, composed his Gospel near the close of the first century. |
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| John the Revelator John was like Jesus' reporter Always near by to record Every word the Master said, To reveal it with the sword. All his journeys he would attend, Staying just as close as he could To learn all, to reveal to men, The words of Jesus like he should John became his close companion And Jesus told Him of His love His faithfulness would be rewarded He would witness the ascension above. . Of all the gospels written of our Lord John's is more detailed and personal He stayed in tune with His every word And wrote it so profound, yet versatile. John missed the Master after He ascended, But stayed true to his promise to go on, And spread the gospel, yes, every word Until he would die and go home. For God so loved the world, He sent His only Son, And John was there to witness The revelations of the ANNOINTED ONE! Compiled and Written by Shirley Barr September 24, 2005 |
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