Gospel of John 09.vp

Sess ion 1: The Word Made F l esh, the Word Made F i lm: Int roduct ion 19

II. Features and Structure of the Gospel of John

A. John’s Gospel versus the Synoptic Gospels

1. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the “Synoptic Gospels” ( Synoptic is derived from a Greek term meaning “seeing together”).

2. These three Gospel accounts show an interconnection and interrelationship unique among them.

a. They are written from the same viewpoint.

b. They use and employ each another sometimes as common sources , with definite interconnections: John’s Gospel is different . (1) Matthew and Mark give attention to miracles , Luke to parables ; John does not give attention to either of these as his main emphasis. (2) Miracles in John are given as signs , chosen to highlight a particular truth regarding the majesty and glory of God in and through Jesus of Nazareth. (3) John contains no parables per se, although one exception may be John 10.6 and the discourse on the Good Shepherd (compare to Luke 15 and the parable of the Lost Sheep ). Figures and metaphors dominate the text of the Gospel of John.

(4) The name Jesus is used almost exclusively in reference to the Nazarene rather than Christ .

(5) The relationship of Jesus to the Jews, Pharisees, elders, and scribes is given dramatic prominence in John. For instance, the word Jew occurs more than 60 times.