JOHN'S GOSPEL: PROLOGUE

John's Gospel: Prologue

[Name of the Instructor]

John's Gospel: Prologue

Introduction

This essay explores the highly central and debated concept of the book of John “the Logos” in the prologue and, alternatively, studies the way the evangelist presents Jesus to his rest of the gospel. Firstly, before developing the concept of “Logos”, it is imperative to discuss the “I am” sayings of Jesus and His lengthy discourses. Since the time of the Old covenant, Jesus claimed to be God and revealed His divine nature through the religiously historic “I am” speeches.

Discussion

Revelation of Identity and the Significance of the “I am” Speeches

The Bible narrates the revelation of identity and the existence of the Son of God from the time of the Old Testament. At the time, God introduced Himself as “I am who I am” which is His holy name. On the contrary, even in the new covenant, and subsequently, in the writings of the fourth gospel Jesus also declared his existence before Abraham “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:56). Numerous scholars and Jewish leaders reject these claims who maintain that such declarations are blasphemous pertinent to religious authenticity. However, some critical thinkers argue against the teachings of John's community that made astonishing claims about the divinity of Jesus because of the Jewish rejection of John's account.

Scholars agree that the discourses of Jesus in the fourth gospel are modified as they are not taken from His own original words but rather from the Hebrew Bible. They bring emphasis especially to the songs of Solomon where the writers' stress on the wisdom speeches. In fact, the wisdom saying is always represented in the first person singular “I am” and is feminine; therefore, her activities are distinct by god's representative. For this reason, John also maintains the same pattern of thought and writing by associating Jesus with the opinion of everlasting wisdom. To accomplish this effect, he uses a myriad of Jesus' discourses in his writings that start with an announcement of “I am”, followed by equalling Jesus with another religious term.

Most importantly, the fourth evangelist on the “I am” sayings of his book communicated another characteristic of the Christology of Jesus predominantly when He said: “I AM the bread of life”. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. “I AM the light of the world”. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. “I AM the gate for the sheep”. “I AM the gate”. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. “I AM the good shepherd”. The good shepherd lays his life for the sheep.” I AM the resurrection and the life”. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. “I AM the way, and the truth, and the life”. No one comes to the father expect through me. “I AM the true vine, and my father is the vine-grower”. (Exodus 3:14; John 6:35; 8:12; ...