John 2 Images of New Salvation: "New Joy" and "New Worship"

Broad Outline of Fourth Gospel Ch. 1Introduction: Prologue and Witness of John Ch. 2-12Jesus Before the World ("Book of Signs") Theme: Through signs and discourses, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of God, sent to save the world, but is rejected by the world. Ch. 2-4Images of New Salvation Ch. 2 "New Joy" and "New Worship" Ch. 3 "New Birth" and "New Master" Ch. 4 "Living Water" and "New Life" Ch. 5-10Growing hostility Ch Final rejection Ch Jesus Before the Disciples ("Book of Passion/Glory") Ch. 21Appendix: Appearance in Galilee

First Sign: Water into Wine (2:1-12) Images of New Salvation: “New Joy” 1.At wedding feast in Cana, Jesus miraculously supplies “good wine” so party can go on. 2.Bultmann: story was borrowed from pagan Dionysus legends. 3.Jesus’ relationship with his mother is problematic. a.Address as “woman” sounds disparaging, but parallels in Josephus show it can be affectionate (cf. 19:26). b.“What to me and to you?” (cf. 2 Kgs. 3:13; 2 Sam. 16:10; Mk. 5:7) does show tension (cf. Mk. 3:21, 31-35). c.Hesitation to perform miracle is frequent motif. 4.Implications for “signs theology”: a.“Signs Source” (note numbering) emphasized positive function: manifests Jesus’ “glory” and evokes faith response (v. 11). b.Evangelist is more critical: miracles need not lead to faith; require faith to be seen properly; faith dependent on signs is immature. c.Positive role of signs: Seen through eyes of faith, miracles become “signs” pointing to identity of Christ.

First Sign: Water into Wine (2:1-12) Images of New Salvation: “New Joy” 5.For Evangelist, story functions symbolically. a.Contrasts Jewish ceremonial system with “New Salvation” of Jesus. 1)Six stone jars of water used for ritual purification symbolize Jewish ritualism. 2)Remarkably “fine wine” symbolizes Jesus’ New Salvation: a)Joy b)Fulfillment c)Abundance d)Perhaps a hint of suffering (“my hour;” his “glory”) 3)Cf. Isa. 25:6 (eschatological feast of wine); Mk. 2:18-22 (new wine). b.Jesus brings a New Salvation that fulfills and replaces the Jewish system. 1)Characterized by a “New Joy” that is real, lasting, and abundant. 2)That “good wine” was saved “until now” reverses common assumption that what is older is better. 3)Hints at suffering suggest that New Joy comes at a price.

Cleansing the Temple (2:13-25) Images of New Salvation: “New Worship” 1.Synoptics place at end of ministry as “last straw.” a.Probably not done twice. b.John’s placement is thematic rather than chronological. 2.Money-changers and animal-sellers in Court of Gentiles were essential to Temple function. Court of Gentiles Court of Gentiles a.Roman coins had to be changed; unblemished sacrifice had to be purchased. b.Chief priests had turned this into greedy, exploitative system. 3.Jesus stages “symbolic action” against corruption. a.“Stop making my Father’s house a house of trade” (cf. Zech. 14:21). b.Cf. Mk. 11:17: “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers ( Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11 ). c.Purifies Court of Gentiles for eschatological coming of Gentiles. d.More than symbolic “cleansing”: prophetic judgment against Temple.

Cleansing the Temple (2:13-25) Images of New Salvation: “New Worship” 4.Story implies destruction of Temple and replacement by death and resurrection of Jesus. a.Jesus’ action seals his fate: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (Ps. 69:9). b.“The Jews’” demand for a sign of authority is answered: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (v.19; cf. Mk. 14:58; 15:29). 1)Jews are baffled – work on Herod’s temple began in 20 BC. 2)Narrator explains as referring to “the temple of his body” (cf. “sign of Jonah” in Mt. 12:39-40). c.Jesus’ death and resurrection would replace Temple as basis of worship. 1)Access to God is no longer confined to ritual institution but universal, through Spirit brought by Jesus’ death and resurrection (cf. 4:20-24). 2)Cf. Qumran, which considered the community to be the “new temple.”

Cleansing the Temple (2:13-25) Images of New Salvation: “New Worship” 5.Disciples understood this only after the resurrection (v. 22). a.Paraclete will help recall and illumine understanding (cf. 14:26). b.Pre-Easter story is told from post-Easter perspective. 6.Reaction scene (v ). a.Many believed because of Jesus’ signs. b.Jesus distrusts them; does not accept their faith. c.Inadequacy of faith dependent on signs.

Model of Herod’s Temple

Court of Gentiles

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