Gospel of John

Bob Bollinger, Brian Easton, Michael Gallagher, MLG, Joey Fili,

Ryan Kropfelder

Background

• Born in 12-15 AD in Galilee to Zebedee and Salome

• Training to be fisherman when he met and joined Jesus

• Means “Johanan” in Hebrew

• One of the original twelve disciples

When John was written

• A.D. 85-90

• No definite date that it was written, but it is accepted that it was written at a later date than the three synoptic gospels.

John

• Different from the other gospel writers– Writes at a later date– Addresses more mature Christians– He rarely used the story format– John has Jesus identify himself with God’s

sacred name– John identifies Jesus almost immediately as

the messiah– John substitutes “Eternal Life” in the place of

the “Kingdom of God”

To whom it was written

• Written to all Christians, mainly a more mature Christian audience

Portrayal of Jesus

• Jesus is portrayed as the all powerful and divine being

• Also as the life-giving messiah

• Makes a link between Jesus’ miracles and the Church’s sacraments

John’s Symbol

• An eagle with a halo is the symbol of John the Evangelist. The eagle represents John because of his lofty and "soaring" gospel

Passages proving uniqueness

Passages show that John focused on symbolism. On the rare occasions that he used stories, he was more interested in the stories symbolism.

• John 4:14 But whoever drinks ththe water I shall give will never thirst; the water I sahll give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

• John 9:39 Then Jesus said “I came into this world for judement, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”

RQ 1

• How does John begin his gospel? How does it tip us off about his approach to Jesus?– John begins his gospel somewhat as a musical

composer begins a symphony: with a beautiful overture that previews and sets the tone for what is to follow. It tips is off that his approach to Jesus will differ dramatically from the other three evangelists. He writes: “In the beginning the word already existed… the word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. John 1:1, 4-5”

RQ 2

• What is one reason why John’s Gospel differs so dramatically from the other three?– He writes at a later date and addresses

mature Christians

RQ 3

• List four ways that John’s Gospel differs from the synoptic Gospels– He rarely used the story format– John has Jesus identify himself with God’s

sacred name– John identifies Jesus almost immediately as

the messiah– John substitutes “Eternal Life” in the place of

the “Kingdom of God”

Video

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xghkpa7IhuU&feature=PlayList&p=479C162DF3C16BBD&index=0&playnext=1

Work cited• www.goarch.org/.../johntheologian.jpg • www.lawrence.com• biggun.vox.com• www.championnewsweekly.com• www.popmatters.com/.../j/john_updike.jpg

• www.apnicommunity.com

• broadwayworld.com • www.sportsecyclopedia.com

• www.libertystorch.com • www.rtvchannel.tv/.../2009/01/elton_john_hi.jpg• www.bentleyfarm.org