Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 1

www.nwlcc.

org
The Gospel of John
Northwest London Christian Church
Series

Background to John’s Gospel - the Main Themes


John’s Main Themes
An early Christian writer called Clement of Alexandria said, “…John, last of all, conscious
that the outward facts had been set forth in the Gospels, was urged on by his
disciples, and, divinely moved by the Spirit, composed a spiritual Gospel.”
He is not saying that Matthew, Mark and Luke aren’t spiritual (!), but that John was writing
from a different angle. He wanted to write a more ‘theological’ Gospel to show what was
underpinning Jesus’ teaching and deeds. If you read John’s Gospel alongside the other
three, it doesn’t take long to realise it is very different.

What are some of the differences?


The synoptics (Matthew, Mark, Luke) John’s Gospel
• Story parables (prodigal son, man building • Stories using symbolism (such as the vine
bigger barns etc.) and branches in chapter 15 etc.)

• Teaching on the Kingdom of God • Teaching on eternal life

• Short, catchy sayings (e.g. ‘For the Son of • Long teaching sections (e.g Jn 5, 6, 13-18)
Man came to seek and save what was
lost’ – Lk 13).

• Teaching on the last days still to come • Teaching on the last days that are already
(eschatology). here.

• Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s • Farewell address (chapters 13-17)
Prayer.

• Jesus’ own baptism by John. • Jesus’ interactions with John the Baptist.

• Jesus’ temptation by Satan and demon • Satan as Jesus’ main enemy working
exorcisms. through Judas.

How do we Make Sense of the Differences?


As the quote from Clement above shows us, it seems likely that John wrote his Gospel after
the other three. He already knew their contents and wanted to write about Jesus to fill in
some missing blanks. But this was more than an exercise in completing the story – it was his
goal to show the very essence of who Jesus was. So we see him emphasising the powerful
deeds of Jesus (called ‘signs’ by John) and pointing to his relationship with God – that he is
God’s Son and the Messiah. The seven “I am” sayings and the frequent references to Jesus’
pre-existence reveal John’s passion for creating in us a sense of awe and wonder as we
contemplate who Jesus was and is.

Can you feel this? As you look into John’s Gospel, pray to see what he saw, and worship who
he worshipped.

Malcolm Cox

Вам также может понравиться