Prompt: Discuss the major theological theme in the Gospel of
John, in 2-3 pages.
All of the Gospels demonstrate significant theological
themes surrounding the identity of Jesus, and the nature of discipleship. The theological themes within the Gospel of
John are conceptually very different from the Synoptic Gospels, and yet present
an important thread of continuity through the writings. The two major themes,
as outlined by Kugler and Hartin, are related to the divine nature of Jesus,
and on discipleship. The concepts are related to one another, and provide a
compelling and final chapter to the narrative of the Gospels in their entirety.
John presents Jesus
as a divine and revelatory figure, unique from the more humanistic depictions
found in Mark and Matthew, and more eternal than the depiction of Luke. Rather than seeking to explore Jesus as a son
of both Man and God, John depicts a being who is “a true reflection of
God…[who] captures the idea of communicating knowledge of God” (Kulger/Hartin,
492.) This depiction of Jesus as an embodiment of God on Earth, and as an
eternal figure who existed before, during, and after the time spent on Earth as
a man, who is part of God, and from whom the Holy Spirit flows, is an early
depiction of the concept of Holy Trinity, which of course becomes a key
component to some of the later formalized Christian religions. This new conceptualization of Jesus is also
one way that John illustrates a deeper theological message- that salvation and
eternal life comes only through belief in Christ. It is not sufficient,
according to this Gospel, for believers merely to imitate Jesus. They must also
believe in Jesus’ identity, and subsequently in God, and stand witness to that
belief.
This transitions to the second major theological theme of
the Gospel- the concept of discipleship.
Discipleship features in all of the gospels as a major theological them,
and in John, discipleship is about witness. While this reads very differently
from the more ethics based calls of Mark and Luke, or the call to teach in
Matthew, when the four Gospels are read as a cohesive document, there is a
clear and logical progression. Mark reminds the reader that sacrifice is
necessary, as is service, in order to follow Christ. Matthew calls disciples to teach one another.
Luke implores readers to form a meaningful relationship with God as well,
introducing the idea that it is not enough merely to do the works or pay lip
service to Scriptures. Finally, then, John instructs readers to witness to the
truth of Belief, and in so doing, experience each of the lessons and
observations offered by the Synoptic writers. Jesus models what it is to
Witness,[i] while simultaneously reflecting
the nature of God and presenting himself as the sole path to the God
(Kugler/Hartin, 492.)
Contemporary readers are challenged to remember that the
intent of each Gospel writer was likely focused on their readers and on their
specific message. It was the later editing and compiling that created the
multilayered narrative that is so powerful and enduring. So, as noted in the
lecture, while contemporary readers should not view John’s depiction of
Christian replacements as supersessionism, they should acknowledge that theme
may well have been the intent of those who compiled the Bible as it exists
today. However, because this is an example of transmission and interpretation,
readers must also accept that interpretations may change and even may be flawed
or incorrect, held within the lens of one’s own experience and
expectation. In some ways, this makes
John the strongest of the Gospels. The work is almost mystic in nature,
focusing on messages of love and eternal life, while emphasis on the Jewish
traditions are set to the side. They are not demeaned, as noted earlier, but
they are no longer the primary focus of the story: John is not concerned with
fulfilling the prophecies of Ancient Israel, he is focused on communicating a deeper
and more universal message. These ideas are more relatable to the contemporary
world than the ideas of Ancient Israel.
Works Cited:
Kugler, Robert A., and P. J. Hartin. An Introduction to the
Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2009.
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[i][i] The word is capitalized to indicate it is a function
and embodiment, similar to that of Reason or Wisdom, but I realize this may not
be the correct way to make such an indication.
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