Introduction
If Jesus were to return during the period when the Gospel of John was written and read it himself, his response would likely be deeply complex. John offers a highly theological and symbolic portrait of Jesus, one that both resonates with Jesus’ inner experience of God and reshapes his message in significant ways. Jesus’ reaction would probably be marked by both affirmation and concern.
Recognition and Joy
Jesus would recognize in John’s Gospel a profound expression of his intimacy with God. The language of unity with the Father, abiding love, and inner transformation reflects Jesus’ own spiritual consciousness. John’s emphasis on love as the central commandment and on inward renewal rather than external law would feel faithful to the heart of Jesus’ teaching. In this sense, Jesus would feel deeply understood at a mystical level.
Unease and Concern
At the same time, Jesus might feel uneasy about how his voice is presented. In John, parables give way to long theological discourses, and belief in Jesus’ identity becomes central to salvation. Jesus, who focused on living God’s will through compassion, justice, and forgiveness, might worry that discipleship is being reduced to affirming theological claims. The strong dualistic language of belief versus unbelief could also trouble him, as it risks creating exclusion rather than healing.
Conclusion
Reading the Gospel of John, Jesus would likely rejoice at the depth of love and spiritual insight it conveys, while grieving that his way of life and message of the Kingdom risk being overshadowed by exalted claims about his identity. John’s Gospel would appear to him as a beautiful yet interpretive witness—one that captures his inner union with God, but also marks a decisive step toward Christianity becoming a religion centered on belief about Jesus rather than the lived path he taught.
No comments:
Post a Comment