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From the Rector, Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11/7/21

Introduction to Saint John’s Writings

Lesson 9

  • Apostle, Beloved Disciple
    • 20:31: “So that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His Name”
    • Fiery, thunderous personality, impetuous youth
      • Asks for place at side of Christ (think of Crucifixion)
      • This turns to zeal for love of Christ (“cup of baptism”)
  • Very different from Synoptics
    • No need to write what they have done (Assumes familiarity with those writings)
    • Written by a much older man, having had more time to pray and contemplate (deep theology!)
    • Written for converts to faith perhaps
  • Themes
    • Divine Son of God (Logos, Only-Begotten)
      • Early heresy that Christ was not God (Cerinthus (Gnostic), Ebionites (Christ was created))
      • “I AM”
        • 7 with follow up (Bread of life; Light of the world; Sheep gate; Good Shepherd; Resurrection; Way, Truth, Life; Vine)
        • 7 stand-alone (Ex. 3:14-15)
    • 7 signs
      • Water to wine; healing sick boy; healing paralytic; feeding 5,000; healing blind man; resurrection of Lazarus; Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
    • New Temple (Jn. 2:14-21 (Cleansing of Temple); 19:31-34 (Blood and Water)
    • New Adam, Eve, Law of Love
    • Bridegroom (Jn. 2 (Bridegroom provides wine); 3:29-30: “Bridegroom”; 4 (Husbands found at Well))
    • “Hour” and Time
    • Very sacramental (1:14!) (signs)
    • Symbols: Water, light, fire, life

Writings: Gospel, 1-3 John, Revelation

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