Welcome to New Testament Studies!
In this chapter, we are going to dive into one of the most exciting questions in history: Who was Jesus? Don't worry if this seems a bit deep at first; we are basically looking at how the writers of the New Testament used specific words, titles, and stories to paint a picture of Jesus’ identity. By the end of these notes, you’ll understand how the early Christians viewed Jesus as both a human man and something much more divine.
We will be looking at three main areas: the "Introduction" to John's Gospel, the special titles given to Jesus, and the "Signs" (miracles) he performed.
1. The Prologue in John: The "Great Introduction"
Imagine you are watching the opening credits of a massive blockbuster movie. The Prologue (John 1:1-18) is exactly that. It sets the stage for everything that follows.
The Word (Logos)
John calls Jesus the Word (in Greek, this is Logos).
• Analogy: Just as your spoken words express your inner thoughts to others, Jesus is described as God’s way of "speaking" or expressing Himself to the world.
• John says the Word was "with God" and "was God." This tells us Jesus didn't just start existing when he was born; he was there from the very beginning.
Light vs. Dark
John uses the imagery of Light and Dark. This is a classic "good vs. evil" theme. Jesus is the Light that the Darkness cannot overcome. For students, think of a torch in a dark room—even a small light makes the darkness disappear.
The Word Made Flesh
This is a key term called the Incarnation. It means the divine Logos took on a human body (flesh).
• Why it matters: It shows that God isn't distant or far away; He became one of us to share in grace and truth.
Influences: Judaism and Hellenism
John was writing for two different "audiences":
1. Judaism: Jewish readers would remember that God created the world through His "Word" in Genesis.
2. Hellenism (Greek Thought): Greek readers thought of the Logos as the rational force that kept the universe in order.
Memory Aid: Think of the Logos as a bridge connecting Jewish history and Greek philosophy.
What Scholars Say
• C.H. Dodd: He argued that the Prologue is a description of the "Eternal Law" of God coming to earth.
• Morna Hooker: She points out that the Prologue provides the "key" to understanding the rest of the Gospel. If you don't read the Prologue, the rest of the book won't make sense!
Quick Review: The Prologue
Key Term: Logos (The Word).
Big Idea: Jesus is God in human form (Incarnation).
Main Symbols: Light, Dark, Life, Truth.
2. The Titles of Jesus: What’s in a Name?
In the Bible, titles aren't just polite ways to address someone; they explain who that person is and what their "job" is. We look at titles in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and John’s Gospel.
The Main Titles
1. Messiah (Christ): This means "Anointed One." Jewish people were waiting for a King like David to save them. By calling Jesus Messiah, the writers are saying he is the promised Savior.
2. Son of God: This highlights Jesus’ unique, intimate relationship with God the Father. It shows his divinity.
3. Son of Man: This was Jesus’ favorite way to refer to himself!
• Common Mistake: Don't think this just means he was human. In the Old Testament (Book of Daniel), the "Son of Man" is a heavenly figure who comes with authority to judge the world.
The 'I Am' Sayings (John's Gospel)
In John, Jesus uses seven "I am" statements. These are like metaphors that explain his role:
• "I am the Bread of Life" (He satisfies our spiritual hunger).
• "I am the Light of the World" (He guides us through the "dark" parts of life).
• "I am the Good Shepherd" (He protects and cares for his "flock"—his followers).
• "I am the True Vine" (We must stay connected to him to grow spiritually).
Did you know? When Jesus said "I AM," he was using the same name God gave to Moses at the burning bush in the Old Testament. To his Jewish listeners, this was a massive claim to be equal with God!
What Scholars Say
• Raymond Brown: He suggests that the 'I am' sayings without a predicate (just saying "I am") are the strongest claims to divinity in the New Testament.
• C.H. Dodd: He focused on how these titles would have been understood by people living in the Greek-speaking world.
Key Takeaway: Titles
Titles like Messiah and Son of Man link Jesus to Old Testament promises, while the 'I am' sayings use everyday objects (bread, vines, sheep) to explain his divine power.
3. Miracles and Signs: More Than Just Magic
In the Fourth Gospel (John), miracles are called Signs (semeia).
• Analogy: Think of a road sign. You don't stop and stare at the sign itself; you look at where it is pointing. Jesus' miracles are "signs" that point to his identity as the Son of God.
The Seven Signs in John
1. Water into Wine: Shows Jesus brings grace and joy that replaces old rituals.
2. Healing the Official’s Son: Shows Jesus’ word has power over distance and death.
3. Healing at the Pool: Shows he is the master of the Sabbath.
4. Feeding the 5,000: Points to him being the Bread of Life.
5. Walking on Water: Shows his power over the natural world.
6. Healing the Blind Man: Points to him being the Light of the World.
7. Raising Lazarus: The "big one." It proves he has power over death itself.
Why do these signs matter?
Each sign reveals something about Jesus' ministry. They aren't just to show off; they are meant to lead people to belief. They show that through Jesus, God’s glory is being revealed on earth.
What Scholars Say
• Raymond Brown: He believed the signs were carefully chosen to lead the reader to a "crescendo" of faith, ending with the raising of Lazarus.
• C.H. Dodd: He argued that the signs are "acted parables"—stories that you can see happening which contain a deeper spiritual message.
Quick Review: The Signs
• In John, miracles = Signs.
• They point to Jesus’ identity and divine authority.
• There are 7 specific signs that build up to the resurrection.
Summary Checklist for Revision
• Can I explain the meaning of Logos? (The Word).
• Do I know the difference between the Messiah and Son of Man titles?
• Can I list at least three 'I am' sayings and explain their metaphors?
• Do I understand that Signs in John are meant to point toward Jesus' divinity?
• Can I name C.H. Dodd, Morna Hooker, and Raymond Brown and give one idea for each?
Don't worry if this seems like a lot of names and Greek words! Just remember the core message: every part of these texts is trying to answer the question "Who is Jesus?" by showing he is the meeting point between God and humanity.