Topic 12: Passages from John‘s Gospel
I. Key Ideas from Gospel of John
(A) From Prologue – Eternal truths of Jesus. Symbolism “vine”, “spirit”, “truth”, “light”
1. Jesus is eternal and uncreated, existing before the world began (1:1-3).
2. Jesus possesses Deity (absolute authority and rulership over created things — 1:1).
3. Jesus is a separate Being from the Father (1:1,2,18).
4. Jesus is the Creator – the active force through Whom all things were made (1:3,10).
5. Jesus is the source of truth and understanding of God’s will (1:4,5,14,17,18).
6. Jesus is the source of life by which men have a relationship with God and hope of eternal life (1:4).
7. Jesus became incarnate in the flesh as a man (1:14,9,10)
8. Jesus was rejected by men (1:10,11).
9. Jesus is the One who can give people power to become children of God (1:12).
(B) Receiving joy and transformation. We receive something that changes the second path- the sea, desert into a garden – of rest and beauty and nurturing.
(C) Experiences of Union. We receive experiences of an epiphany or sense of union, oneness, meaning, deep peace or ―all is well. We see the meaning of our life. In our earlier paths, we were asked to overcome obstacles, but on this path, we are invited to sit and peacefully ponder each encounter as we are led on an expedition through reality and illusion. Each of John’s stories presents us with a contradiction of the great unitive vision.
(D) The limitations of old beliefs and tribalism. We need to rethink our beliefs, be open to a new and wider teaching. Water brings new life and understanding.
(E) Receiving the element of surprise
(F) Dealing with others. It tells us that we cannot expect those who have not had a like experience to understand or appreciate our "new sight."
II. Community examination of joy and union
Chapters 3-12 are a series of meditations on the experience of Joy and Christ that we experience in Jesus and are typically read in Lent . It includes 7 signs or miracles which includes the Miracle at Cana and “C” and “D” below:
(A) Nicodemus, a Jewish Pharisee speaks to Jesus (John 3.1-21)
(B) Women at the Well (John 4:4-26)
(C) Man Born Blind (John 9:1-7)
(D) Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
III. John’s Passion (John 13.1-19.42)
(A) Footwashing story (John 13:1-17)
IV. Upper room Discourse (John 14-17)
John 14 opens three chapters of poetic prose variously referred to as the Mystical Discussion on Union/Oneness or Eucharistic Discourse.
(A) John 15:1-17. Vine and the Branches
(B) John 17:1-11. High priestly prayer of Jesus
V. Four Appearances of Jesus (John 20 and 21)
(A) Mary and Jesus the Christ in the Garden (John 20.1-18)
(B) In the Locked House (John 20:1-18).
(C) With Thomas (John 20:19-23)
(D) On the Beach (John 21)