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Why is the Jesus of John portrayed as so divine? What is the secret behind his divinity?
Of the four Christian gospels, the Gospel of John stands out for its unique style and content. It not only records the life and teachings of Jesus in detail, but also places special emphasis on Jesus' divinity and influence on believers. In this nearly 2,000-year-old text, John portrays Jesus as the divine revelator and savior of mankind with profound theology, philosophical thinking, and rich metaphors.
“This is what I preach, so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.”
Written between approximately AD 90 and 110, the Gospel of John reflects a Christian community in the midst of change and conflict. The community strongly believes that Jesus is a revelation from the Father and consciously differs from Jewish tradition. John's use of symbolism and lengthy teachings in his gospel presents Jesus not only as a teacher but also as the "Word" of God who created the universe.
The Identity and Mission of Jesus
At the beginning of the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as "the Word," a concept in Greek philosophy that referred to the rational principle of the universe, connected with the wisdom of God. This makes the theme of John's Gospel not limited to the words and deeds of Jesus, but also involves a deeper mysticism. Jesus opened many of his teachings with the words “I am,” a statement that reflected an allusion to the divinity of Jehovah.
"I am the bread of life; I am the light of the world."
These words not only emphasized his divinity, but also made believers feel his close relationship with them. Compared to the other gospels, the Gospel of John focuses more on personal spiritual experiences and connection with the Lord Jesus, which enables Jesus' divinity to be embodied in the lives of believers.
The Divinity of Jesus and the Meaning of the Cross
The symbolic meaning of the cross in the Gospel of John is very special. It points to the glory and honor of Jesus, rather than just his sacrifice. Jesus’ death was interpreted as a path back to the Father, and his words at the Last Supper and the ascension of his body during the crucifixion emphasized his divine status. Such a narrative not only reaffirms his divinity, but also gives believers the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
“And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men to myself.”
This point appears repeatedly in Jesus' teachings, showing that his death was not an end but the beginning of a new life, reaffirming the core Christian belief in the resurrection.
Social and religious context of the Gospel of John
The social context in which the Gospel of John was produced cannot be ignored either. Scholars generally agree that this gospel was written in the context of a Christian community that was excluded from the synagogue. In this community, faith in Jesus and support for each other are at the core of their identity. This historical background made John focus on Jesus' uniqueness and the tension between Jesus and traditional Jewish beliefs when describing Jesus.
“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”
This passage not only reflects Jesus's life on earth, but also the struggles of later Christians when faced with criticism and rejection. The Gospel of John is shaped not only as a record of historical events, but also as a call for the practice of faith.
Conclusion: The Divine Jesus and the Connotation of Faith
Through the Gospel of John, Jesus is presented in a sacred and profound way that not only affects the practice of faith, but also challenges people's thinking about the meaning of life. John depicts Jesus as a Savior who continues to attract believers and constantly triggers deep soul searching. The depth and complexity of this gospel makes Jesus' divinity no longer a static description, but a living presence in the spiritual journey of every believer. So, what does this unique and sacred image of Jesus mean to us in modern times?
