encountering the risen jesus in the gospel of john

Encountering the Risen JesusEncountering the Risen Jesusin the in the

Gospel of JohnGospel of John

Felix Just, S.J.http://Catholic-Resources.org

Winged Eagle, Symbol of John the Evangelist, by Rudolf Koch

Readings from JohnReadings from Johnduring the Easter Seasonduring the Easter Season

The Gospel reading at most Sunday liturgies during the The Gospel reading at most Sunday liturgies during the Easter Season is not taken from the Synoptic Gospels Easter Season is not taken from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke), but from John’s Gospel. Why?(Matthew, Mark, or Luke), but from John’s Gospel. Why?

What messages do these Johannine readings have for us?What messages do these Johannine readings have for us?

What do the words of Jesus to his first disciples teach us What do the words of Jesus to his first disciples teach us about how we can still encounter Jesus today?about how we can still encounter Jesus today?

Gospel of John: IntroGospel of John: Intro

Composition History:Composition History: Author – “… according to John” Author – “… according to John” (Apostle, son of Zebedee?) (Apostle, son of Zebedee?) Date – late 90’s?Date – late 90’s? (last or four canonical Gospels) (last or four canonical Gospels) Location – Jewish/GentileLocation – Jewish/Gentile (Palestine? Syria? Asia Minor?) (Palestine? Syria? Asia Minor?)

Theological Emphases:Theological Emphases: Jesus: Jesus: only-begotten Son, sent from the Father, Word of God, only-begotten Son, sent from the Father, Word of God,

Word made Flesh, Revealer, Works/Signs, Equal to God, “I AM”Word made Flesh, Revealer, Works/Signs, Equal to God, “I AM” Response? Response? Believe, become children of God, receive eternal lifeBelieve, become children of God, receive eternal life Holy Spirit = ParacleteHoly Spirit = Paraclete (Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, etc.) (Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, etc.)

Gospel of John: OutlineGospel of John: Outline

Prologue:Prologue: 1:1-18 1:1-18 Logos Hymn: Word in beginning with God; Word becomes FleshLogos Hymn: Word in beginning with God; Word becomes Flesh

““The Book of Signs”:The Book of Signs”: 1:19 – 1:19 – 12:5012:50 Cana Wedding, Nicodemus Dialogue, Samaritan Woman, Healing at Cana Wedding, Nicodemus Dialogue, Samaritan Woman, Healing at

Bethesda Pool, Bread of Life, Man Born Blind, Raising Lazarus, etc.Bethesda Pool, Bread of Life, Man Born Blind, Raising Lazarus, etc.

““The Book of Glory”:The Book of Glory”: 13:1 – 13:1 – 20:3120:31 Washing Feet, Farewell Discourses, Jesus’ Prayer, Passion Narrative, Washing Feet, Farewell Discourses, Jesus’ Prayer, Passion Narrative,

Crucifixion, Resurrection Appearances, esp. Mary Magd. & ThomasCrucifixion, Resurrection Appearances, esp. Mary Magd. & Thomas Epilogue:Epilogue: 21:1-25 21:1-25

Another Res. Appearance at Sea of Tiberias/Galilee - Another Res. Appearance at Sea of Tiberias/Galilee - added lateradded later

John in Holy WeekJohn in Holy Week

Palm/Passion SundayPalm/Passion Sunday (B, opt.): (B, opt.): John 12:12-16John 12:12-16 Jesus Enters into JerusalemJesus Enters into Jerusalem

Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday (ABC): (ABC): John 13:1-15John 13:1-15 Jesus Washes Disciples’ FeetJesus Washes Disciples’ Feet

Good FridayGood Friday (ABC): (ABC): John 18:1 – 19:42John 18:1 – 19:42 Johannine Passion NarrativeJohannine Passion Narrative

Easter SundayEaster Sunday (ABC): (ABC): John 20:1-9John 20:1-9 Mary Magdalene; Peter & Beloved Disciple at Empty TombMary Magdalene; Peter & Beloved Disciple at Empty Tomb Optional for afternoon Masses: Optional for afternoon Masses: Luke 24:13-35Luke 24:13-35 – – Disciples on Road to EmmausDisciples on Road to Emmaus

John in the Easter SeasonJohn in the Easter Season

Day/FeastDay/Feast Year AYear A Year BYear B Year CYear CEaster SundayEaster Sunday John 20:1-9John 20:1-9 [ same as Year A ][ same as Year A ] [ same as Year A ][ same as Year A ]

22ndnd Sunday Sunday John 20:19-31John 20:19-31 [ same as Year A ][ same as Year A ] [ same as Year A ][ same as Year A ]

33rdrd Sunday Sunday Luke 24:13-35Luke 24:13-35 Luke 24:35-48Luke 24:35-48 John 21:1-19John 21:1-1944thth Sunday Sunday John 10:1-10John 10:1-10 John 10:11-18John 10:11-18 John 10:27-30John 10:27-3055thth Sunday Sunday John 14:1-12John 14:1-12 John 15:1-8John 15:1-8 John 13:31-35John 13:31-3566thth Sunday Sunday John 14:15-21John 14:15-21 John 15:9-17John 15:9-17 John 14:23-29John 14:23-29[ 7[ 7thth Sunday ] Sunday ] John 17:1-11aJohn 17:1-11a John 17:11b-19John 17:11b-19 John 17:20-26John 17:20-26

Pentecost VigilPentecost Vigil John 7:37-39John 7:37-39 [ same as Year A ][ same as Year A ] [ same as Year A ][ same as Year A ]

Pentecost Sun.Pentecost Sun. John 20:19-23John 20:19-23 Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26

Easter SundayEaster Sunday (ABC) (ABC)

John 20:1-9 – Empty TombJohn 20:1-9 – Empty Tomb First day of week, before dawnFirst day of week, before dawn Mary Magdalene finds tomb Mary Magdalene finds tomb

empty; runs to tell disciplesempty; runs to tell disciples Peter & B.D. race to tombPeter & B.D. race to tomb See burial clothes; go into tombSee burial clothes; go into tomb B.D. believes, but they don’t B.D. believes, but they don’t

understand the scripturesunderstand the scriptures [v. 10: disciples return home][v. 10: disciples return home]

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli; 1641

Octave of EasterOctave of Easter

Resurrection Appearance Stories read at weekday Masses Resurrection Appearance Stories read at weekday Masses during the Easter Octave: during the Easter Octave: Jesus appears…Jesus appears…

Mon: Matt 28:8-15 – to Mary Magdalene & another MaryMon: Matt 28:8-15 – to Mary Magdalene & another Mary Tues: John 20:11-18 Tues: John 20:11-18 – to Mary of Magdala by Garden Tomb – to Mary of Magdala by Garden Tomb

(unfortunately not used in Sunday Lectionary)(unfortunately not used in Sunday Lectionary)

Wed: Luke 24:13-35 – to two disciples on road to EmmausWed: Luke 24:13-35 – to two disciples on road to Emmaus Thurs: Luke 24:35-48 – to disciples in JerusalemThurs: Luke 24:35-48 – to disciples in Jerusalem Fri: John 21:1-14Fri: John 21:1-14 – to seven disciples at Sea of Galilee – to seven disciples at Sea of Galilee

(also used on Third Sunday of Easter, Year C)(also used on Third Sunday of Easter, Year C)

Sat: Mark 16:9-15 – to Mary Magdalene & later other disciples Sat: Mark 16:9-15 – to Mary Magdalene & later other disciples

Easter Octave: TuesdayEaster Octave: Tuesday

John 20:11-18John 20:11-18 – Jesus appears to Mary of Magdala – Jesus appears to Mary of Magdala Mary stands outside tomb, weeping; sees two angels: “Why weep?”Mary stands outside tomb, weeping; sees two angels: “Why weep?” Turns & sees Jesus (gardener?): “Why weep? Whom do you seek?”Turns & sees Jesus (gardener?): “Why weep? Whom do you seek?” ““Mary!” – “Rabbouni” – “Mary!” – “Rabbouni” – “Noli me tangereNoli me tangere” – “Go, tell my brothers…”” – “Go, tell my brothers…”

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones;English, 1882

Easter Octave: FridayEaster Octave: Friday

John 21:1-14John 21:1-14 – Jesus appears at the Sea of Tiberias – Jesus appears at the Sea of Tiberias Disciples (7?) back in Galilee, fishing; catch nothing (cf. Luke 5:1-11)Disciples (7?) back in Galilee, fishing; catch nothing (cf. Luke 5:1-11) Large catch (153 fish) – “It is the Lord!” – Charcoal fire – Bread & fishLarge catch (153 fish) – “It is the Lord!” – Charcoal fire – Bread & fish

Lucas Gassel; Flemish, 1500’s

22ndnd Sunday of Easter Sunday of Easter (ABC) (ABC)

John 20:19-31John 20:19-31 – Jesus appears to disciples & Thomas – Jesus appears to disciples & Thomas Evening of first day of weekEvening of first day of week

Jesus appears: “Peace to you!”Jesus appears: “Peace to you!” ““As Father sent me, I send you”As Father sent me, I send you” ““Receive Holy Spirit; Forgive!”Receive Holy Spirit; Forgive!” Thomas not there; “We’ve seen…”Thomas not there; “We’ve seen…” ““I won’t believe unless I see…”I won’t believe unless I see…”

One week later, Thomas presentOne week later, Thomas present Jesus appears: “Peace to you!”Jesus appears: “Peace to you!” ““Don’t be faithless, but believing”Don’t be faithless, but believing” ““My Lord and my God!”My Lord and my God!” ““Blessed… who believe w/o seeing”Blessed… who believe w/o seeing”Caravaggio; 1601

33rdrd Sunday of Easter Sunday of Easter (A&B)(A&B)

LukeLuke

33rdrd Sunday of Easter Sunday of Easter (C)(C)

John 21:1-19John 21:1-19 (or 1-14) (or 1-14) – Jesus appears at Sea of Tiberias – Jesus appears at Sea of Tiberias Vv. 1-14Vv. 1-14 – also used Friday of Octave of Easter – also used Friday of Octave of Easter Vv. 15-19Vv. 15-19 – Dialogue Jesus & Peter – Dialogue Jesus & Peter (also Friday of 7 (also Friday of 7thth Week of Easter) Week of Easter)

““Do you Do you love love me” – “You know I me” – “You know I love love you” – “Feed my lambs”you” – “Feed my lambs” ““Do you Do you love love me” – “You know I me” – “You know I love love you” – “Tend my sheep”you” – “Tend my sheep” ““Do you Do you love love me” – “You know I me” – “You know I love love you” – “Feed my sheep”you” – “Feed my sheep” Peter’s death?Peter’s death? ““Follow Me”Follow Me”

Sir James Thornhill;

ca. 1729

44thth Sunday of Easter Sunday of Easter (A)(A)

John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”)John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”)

Vie de Jésus Vie de Jésus MafaMafa

44thth Sunday of Easter Sunday of Easter (B)(B)

Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”)Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”)


44thth Sunday of Easter Sunday of Easter (C)(C)

Year A – John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”)Year A – John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”) Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”)Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”)

Year C – John 10:27-30Year C – John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice; I know them; they follow me.My sheep hear my voice; I know them; they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never perish.I give them eternal life; they will never perish. My Father gave them to me; My Father gave them to me;

no one can snatch them away.no one can snatch them away. I and the Father are One.I and the Father are One.



John John – Last Supper Discourse– Last Supper Discourse


John 13:31-33a, 34-35John 13:31-33a, 34-35 – Last Supper Discourse – Last Supper Discourse (begin) (begin)

Jesus speaks to the DisciplesJesus speaks to the Disciples [ After Judas departs ][ After Judas departs ] The Son of Man is glorified; God is glorifiedThe Son of Man is glorified; God is glorified Children, I am with you only a little longerChildren, I am with you only a little longer [omit 33b: “Where I am going you cannot come”][omit 33b: “Where I am going you cannot come”] I give you a new commandment:I give you a new commandment:

Love one another as I have loved you.Love one another as I have loved you. This is how all will know you are my disciples,This is how all will know you are my disciples,

if you have love for one another.if you have love for one another.


John John – Last Supper Discourse– Last Supper Discourse (cont.) (cont.) ..

Anonymous Woodcuts

Reformation Era, 1533


John John – Last Supper Discourse– Last Supper Discourse (cont.) (cont.) ..

Anonymous Woodcuts



John 14:23-29John 14:23-29 – Last Supper Discourse – Last Supper Discourse (cont.) (cont.) Those who love me will keep my word; my Father will love them.Those who love me will keep my word; my Father will love them. Paraclete/Advocate, whom the Father will send, will teach you.Paraclete/Advocate, whom the Father will send, will teach you. My Peace I give you; do not let your hearts be troubled.My Peace I give you; do not let your hearts be troubled. I’m going away; I’ll come back; I’ve told you, so you may believe.I’m going away; I’ll come back; I’ve told you, so you may believe.

Anonymous Woodcuts


Ascension of the LordAscension of the Lord

Readings from the Synoptic Gospels:Readings from the Synoptic Gospels: Year A – Matthew 28:16-20Year A – Matthew 28:16-20 Year B – Mark 16:15-20Year B – Mark 16:15-20 Year C – Luke 24:46-53Year C – Luke 24:46-53

No Ascension Narrative in John’s GospelNo Ascension Narrative in John’s Gospel Cf. 3:13; 6:62; 20:17 – Jesus talks about descending & ascending Cf. 3:13; 6:62; 20:17 – Jesus talks about descending & ascending

[ 7[ 7thth Sunday of Easter ] Sunday of Easter ]

Great Prayer of Jesus / High Priestly PrayerGreat Prayer of Jesus / High Priestly Prayer Year A – John 17:1-11aYear A – John 17:1-11a Year B – John 17:11b-19Year B – John 17:11b-19 Year C – John 17:20-26Year C – John 17:20-26 Also used Tues–Thus of 7Also used Tues–Thus of 7thth Week of Easter, each year Week of Easter, each year

Now supplanted by readings for AscensionNow supplanted by readings for Ascension

Vigil of PentecostVigil of Pentecost

John 7:37-39 John 7:37-39 (Years ABC)(Years ABC) On last day of Feast (Tabernacles)On last day of Feast (Tabernacles) ““Let anyone who thirsts come to me Let anyone who thirsts come to me

and drink; Rivers of living water will and drink; Rivers of living water will flow from within the one who believes flow from within the one who believes in me”in me” not a direct OT quote; not a direct OT quote;

cf. Num 20:2-13; Isa 12:3; 44:3; 55:1cf. Num 20:2-13; Isa 12:3; 44:3; 55:1 Narrator: This refers to the Spirit, that Narrator: This refers to the Spirit, that

believers were to receivebelievers were to receive not yet; since Jesus had not yet been not yet; since Jesus had not yet been

glorified; cf. Joel 2:28-29glorified; cf. Joel 2:28-29

Pentecost SundayPentecost Sunday

Year A – John 20:19-23Year A – John 20:19-23 Jesus appears; breathes on disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit”Jesus appears; breathes on disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit” Same as 1Same as 1stst half of reading for 2 half of reading for 2ndnd Sunday of Easter (w/o Thomas) Sunday of Easter (w/o Thomas)

Year B – John 15:26-27; 16:12-15Year B – John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 ( (optionaloptional)) ““The The ParacleteParaclete, Spirit of Truth… will testify to me, and you will testify.”, Spirit of Truth… will testify to me, and you will testify.” ““The Spirit of Truth will guide you to all truth”The Spirit of Truth will guide you to all truth”

Year C – John 14:15-16, 23b-26Year C – John 14:15-16, 23b-26 ( (optionaloptional)) ““The Father will give you another The Father will give you another ParacleteParaclete, to be with you always.”, to be with you always.” ““The The ParacleteParaclete, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you”, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you” Vv. 15-16 also 6Vv. 15-16 also 6thth Sunday Easter (A); Vv. 23b-26 also 6 Sunday Easter (A); Vv. 23b-26 also 6thth Sunday Easter (C) Sunday Easter (C)

ConclusionConclusion

Use of John’s Gospel during Easter SeasonUse of John’s Gospel during Easter Season Resurrection Narratives: Empty Tomb StoryResurrection Narratives: Empty Tomb Story Resurrection Narratives: Appearance StoriesResurrection Narratives: Appearance Stories Jesus as the Good ShepherdJesus as the Good Shepherd Peter & Apostles as ShepherdsPeter & Apostles as Shepherds Coming of the Paraclete / Holy Spirit / Spirit of TruthComing of the Paraclete / Holy Spirit / Spirit of Truth Believing, Seeing, Hearing, ReadingBelieving, Seeing, Hearing, Reading Children of God; Eternal LifeChildren of God; Eternal Life

encountering the risen jesus in the gospel of john

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