double identity - John identifies Jesus in the common manner
of family origins-Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph-but also includes his larger origin
as the fulfillment of the one whom Moses and the prophets predicted. This dual
identification will run throughout John’s gospel creating a tension. Those who
encounter Jesus will have to decide which identity they truly believe. [1]
who is jesus? -Notice the titles of identity for Jesus in John 1:
Lamb of God . . . Son of God . . . Rabbi . . . Messiah . . . Fulfiller
of the law and prophets . . . Son of Joseph from Nazareth . . . King of Israel . . . Son
of Man
. . . Why are there so many names for Jesus? Each disciple sees something different
in Jesus and bears witness in his own way. Each disciple came to Jesus with differing
expectations and needs-one needed a teacher, another the Messiah, another the fulfillment
of Scripture-and each of these needs was met. Yet verse 51, Jesus’ words about
himself, suggests that none of these titles ultimately answers the question, Who is Jesus?
The disciples’ testimonies are only the beginning; they will see "greater
things." The imagery of v. 51 suggests that the reality of God in Jesus outruns
traditional categories and titles . . . The panoply of titles for Jesus in John 1 suggests
that to insist on one name for Jesus is to miss the fullness of his identity. [2]
[3]What is one movie that you
would recommend that a friend see? What is one movie that you would not recommend?
- Recall a frustrating shopping incident when you were treated horribly? How many people
did you recite this injustice to?
- In this passage, how many different titles are attributed to Jesus? Which one is the
most helpful / meaningful / accessible to you?
please review our published homilies on this text for this week.
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[1] New Interpreter’s Bible IX (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), page 531.
[2] Ibid, page 533.
[3] Serendipity Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Co., 1998), page 1592.
