Chapter 3
1. Scott tells us that Jesus is most commonly referred to as the "Son of man" in the gospel of John. What was John trying to get readers to know about Jesus as being the "Son of man", instead of emphasizing him as the "Son of God?"
According to the book he wanted to convey Jesus was God in flesh. The Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One.
2. According to Scott John had a specific purpose in using the word „sign‟. What was John‟s his primary purpose in using this word according to Scott, and what does this word reveal about the character of Jesus?
John wanted to convey or say something about the effect of Jesus works on his observes. He uses “dunamis” which means ‘power’ and “teras” meaning ‘wonder’, but most than anything else he used the word ‘sign’ as pointing towards something. The sings were a demonstration of the uniqueness, power and authority of Jesus as well as His relationship with the Father. They validated Him as both, the Messiah and the Son of God.
3. In Scott‟s discussion of John 6:44-45 he notes a significance about the Greek word helkuo. How does understanding the Greek meaning of this word change your understanding of the verse? and/or your understanding of God.
The translation of this word in addition to ‘draw’ includes: ‘drag, pull, haul, and attract’, according to the text, but what it surprised me the most was that always implies resistance. This made me think about my own pre-conversion experience when I was resistant to the truth of God and to my brother who attempted to share it with me. Even the very day when I received the Lord, I wasn’t very sure how in the world I had end up in front of the altar. At first I felt deceived and suspicious, but even that God used to continue bringing me closer and closer to him. Now I understand that “nothing can separate us (or keep us far) from the love of God” not even our own resistance.
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ReplyDeleteOne aspect in relation to the word "sign" and its use is the later passage of John 20:28-31. Here in verse 31 John specifically says that other signs were done "but these were written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." They were done in order to reveal his relationoship to God and for validation but in addition to also lead us to a life with Him!
ReplyDeleteI think you are saying this Tim, but the signs were validation for humans to be drawn to Him. Christ needed no validation, He is who He is. So I think Tim is right on, the signs were just another aspects of God's love towards us, to draw us near to Him.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Nathan, Jesus need not validation. Those are the words the author uses but the signs were to show us the power of God that dwelled in Him as a testimony, if you wish of His relationship and approval of the Father. The signs were manifested because of us a not because of Him.
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