After reading the ENTIRE Bible during the 40 days of Lent, I was left with many notes and question marks, reminding me to look up unfamiliar words, themes, or traditions. As we comb through the Gospel of John at a much slower pace during the Summer Bible Study, we have a chance to get our elbows dirty as we become familiar with John’s poetic and distinct Gospel. [Tweet this]
Will you read along and join us as we explore the depths of God’s beauty in Scripture this summer? (Click here for details).
As you read John 1-3 this week and interact with the 5 days of after hours personal studies in the Pursuing God’s Beauty: Stories from the Gospel of John workbook, here are five tidbits about John’s Gospel that may clear up questions you may have or may highlight unfamiliar passages:
1) John was written significantly later than the other three Gospels (called the Synoptic Gospels). [Tweet this] Thus, the author of John’s Gospel would have been aware of the other Gospels (especially Mark), but pointedly chose specific instances and personal interactions with Jesus to express in his Gospel.
2) Logos was a term used by ancient Greek philosophers to refer to a higher power. While these philosophers only theorized that God existed, the Gospel of John uses this term in John 1 to suggest that God isn’t a mere theory; God not only exists but is revealed in Jesus. [Tweet this] Modern translations use the translation “Word” for logos. (See John 1:1)
3) John’s Gospel uses the term king sixteen times and almost always in reference to Jesus, suggesting the importance of his royalty. [Tweet this]
4) Though debated, some scholars suggest that running out of wine at the wedding in Cana in John 2 may be symbolic of the barrenness of Judaism. They also believe the six ceremonial stone jars, rather than having the perfect number of seven, point to the imperfection and inadequacy of the Jewish law. Jesus’ provision of choice wine suggests that his provision is superior to the law. [Tweet this]
5) The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins with the Passover meal and continues for seven days (Exodus 12:18-19). In order to prepare for this feast, Jews search their homes and remove any bits of leavened bread (bread containing yeast). This cleansing of the house is essential to preparing for the Passover. This same image of cleansing is demonstrated in Jesus’ actions in the temple in John 2:13-25. [Tweet this]
FOR DISCUSSION: Answer the following questions as a comment to this blog post. Feel free to ask questions, reply to others’ comments, and post prayer requests.
- As you have been exploring John this week, what passage, verse, or story has stuck out to you?
- Of all the images, titles, and roles for Jesus mentioned in the Bible, which one is most beautiful and meaningful to you? (Page 24)
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