Gospel of John, chs. 18-19

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.

~ Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas

Outline

Division One

The Arrest of Jesus, John 18:1-12 (“I am”)

*The Interrogation of Jesus before the High Priest(s), John 18:13-27 (“If I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”)

Peter’s First Denial, John 18:15-18

Peter’s Second and Third Denials, John 18:25-27.

Division Two

The Trial before Pilate, John 18:28-40

Part 1, John 18:28-32 (“We are not permitted to put anyone to death”).

Part 2, John 18:33-38a (“Are you the King of the Jews”).

Part 3, John 18:38b-40 (“Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”).

The Trial before Pilate, cont’d

Part 4, John 19:1-3 (“Hail, King of the Jews!”).

*Part 5, John 19:4-8 (“Behold, the man!”).

*Part 6, John 19:9-11 (“I have … power to crucify you”).

*Part 7, John 19:12-16a (“We have no king but the emperor”)

Division Three

The Execution of Jesus

Introduction, John 19:16b-18 (“Carrying the cross”).

Part 1, John 19:19-22 (“An Inscription”).

Part 2, John 19:23-25a (“They divided my clothes…and…cast lots”).

*Part 3, John 19:25b-27. (“Standing near the cross”)

Part 4, John 19:28-30 (“All was now finished”).

The Removal and Burial of the Body of Jesus

*Part 5, John 19:31-37 (“None of his bones were broken”).

Conclusion, John 19:38-42 (“A New Tomb”).

Cf. Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John. 2d ed. Vol. 29-29A. Anchor Bible. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1966-1974.

Goals

1) Track distinctions from the Synoptic Tradition

2) With special awareness of these distinctions, highlight the following Johannine themes:

the story of creation

the new family

the temple

the bridegroom/bride

Jesus as the branch

Jesus as passover lamb

Jesus’ sovereignty

3) Notice how John, much like Mark, Depicts Crucifixion as (Ironic) Enthronement, the “Lifting Up”