John 20:30-31; 21:25, John’s Contribution to Gospel Story

Of course, there are differences in the four accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  So what we are about to do is not surprising.  Although as I was reading recently in John’s Gospel I was caught by some of the details John provided that were unique to John’s Gospel.  So I thought I would list ones I noticed.  It speaks to John’s eyewitness account, and perhaps to the Spirit leading him to disclose some names and details when the other writers were happy to leave those specifics out.  The rest of John’s gospel also has conversations and events not in the Synoptics.  The Spirit has provided a wonderful rendition of the Gospel Story without contradiction!  We are limiting ourselves to John 18-21.

·       18:8-9: Jesus asks the mob, “Whom are you seeking?” Perhaps asked after Judas’ kiss, so as to allow Jesus to protect the rest of the disciples.

·       18:10: It was Malchus, a servant of the high priest, whose ear was cut off.

·       18:6: The mob fell to the ground.  I don’t see this as “slain in the Spirit” but fear. They were there to arrest the One who had calmed storms and cast out demons.

·       18:13: Jesus appeared before Annas first, before Caiaphas.

·       18:15-18: Peter got in because of another disciple (John).

·       18:19-23: A man struck Jesus.

·       18:28: Jews did not go into the Praetorium.

·       18:24: John gives none of the conversations before Caiaphas.

·       18:31-32: John mentions the issue of crucifixion, why the Jews needed Pilate.

·       18:33-37: John includes much more of Jesus’ conversations with Pilate (19:8-11).

 

·       19:5: “Behold the Man,” and 19:14: “Behold your King.”

·       19:8: Pilate’s fears when told Jesus claimed to be “Son of God.”

·       19:12-15: Jews sudden “love affair” for Caesar.

·       19:21: Jews argue about the sigh over the cross.

·       19:23-24: A description of Jesus’ tunic, and why they had to gamble for it.

·       19:25-27: Jesus’ giving care of His mother to John.

·       19:28-30: “I thirst” and “It is finished.”

·       19:32-34: Breaking the legs of the two criminals, piercing Jesus’ side.

·       19:35: John identifies himself as the eyewitness.

·       19:39: Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea with the burial.

 

·       20:1-10: Peter and John going to the tomb.

·       20:11-18: Mary Magdalene being the first to see the risen Jesus.

·       20:19-23: Jesus’ appearance to the “10.”

·       20:24-29: Jesus’ appearance to the “11” and Thomas’ response.

·       21:1-14: Jesus’ appearance to the disciples who went fishing, the third appearance to a group of disciples.

·       21:15-25: Jesus’ restoration of Peter.

 

Perhaps a study like this of Luke’s Gospel would yield many unique details since the good doctor interviewed many eyewitnesses, including Jesus’ mother, given the details we have in Luke of the annunciation, birth and childhood visit to the temple.  Each of the four Gospels stands on it’s own and is useful in preaching the Gospel.  An occasional journey through a “Harmony of the Gospels” can also be valuable.