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

John 2John 2

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

Broad Outline of Fourth GospelBroad Outline of Fourth GospelCh. 1Ch. 1 Introduction: Introduction: Prologue and Witness of JohnPrologue and Witness of John

Ch. 2-12Ch. 2-12 Jesus Before the World Jesus Before the World ("Book of Signs")("Book of Signs")Theme: Through signs and discourses, Jesus reveals himself as the Theme: Through signs and discourses, Jesus reveals himself as the

Son of God, sent to save the world, but is rejected by the world.Son of God, sent to save the world, but is rejected by the world.

Ch. 2-4Ch. 2-4 Images of New SalvationImages of New SalvationCh. 2 "New Joy" and "New Ch. 2 "New Joy" and "New

Worship"Worship"Ch. 3 "New Birth" and "New Ch. 3 "New Birth" and "New

Master"Master"Ch. 4 "Living Water" and Ch. 4 "Living Water" and

"New Life""New Life"Ch. 5-10Ch. 5-10 Growing hostilityGrowing hostilityCh. 11-12Ch. 11-12 Final rejectionFinal rejection

Ch. 13-20Ch. 13-20 Jesus Before the DisciplesJesus Before the Disciples ("Book of Passion/Glory")("Book of Passion/Glory")

Ch. 21Ch. 21 Appendix: Appearance in GalileeAppendix: Appearance in Galilee

First Sign: Water into Wine (2:1-12)First Sign: Water into Wine (2:1-12)Images of New Salvation: “Images of New Salvation: “NewNew JoyJoy””

1.1. At wedding feast in Cana, Jesus miraculouslyAt wedding feast in Cana, Jesus miraculously supplies “good supplies “good wine” so party can go on.wine” so party can go on.

2.2. Bultmann: story was borrowed from pagan Dionysus Bultmann: story was borrowed from pagan Dionysus legends.legends.

3.3. Jesus’ relationship with his mother is problematic.Jesus’ relationship with his mother is problematic.a.a. Address as “woman” sounds disparaging, but parallels in Josephus Address as “woman” sounds disparaging, but parallels in Josephus

show it can be affectionate (cf. 19:26).show it can be affectionate (cf. 19:26).b.b. ““What to me and to you?” (cf. 2 Kgs. 3:13; 2 Sam. 16:10; Mk. 5:7) 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).does show tension (cf. Mk. 3:21, 31-35).c.c. Hesitation to perform miracle is frequent motif.Hesitation to perform miracle is frequent motif.

4.4. Implications for “signs theology”:Implications for “signs theology”:a.a. ““Signs Source” (note numbering) emphasized positive function: Signs Source” (note numbering) emphasized positive function:

manifests Jesus’ “glory” and evokes faith response (v. 11).manifests Jesus’ “glory” and evokes faith response (v. 11).b.b. Evangelist is more critical: miracles need not lead to faith; require Evangelist is more critical: miracles need not lead to faith; require

faith to be seen properly; faith dependent on signs is immature.faith to be seen properly; faith dependent on signs is immature.c.c. Positive role of signs: Seen through eyes of faith, miracles become Positive role of signs: Seen through eyes of faith, miracles become

“signs” pointing to identity of Christ.“signs” pointing to identity of Christ.

First Sign: Water into Wine (2:1-12)First Sign: Water into Wine (2:1-12)Images of New Salvation: “Images of New Salvation: “NewNew JoyJoy””

5.5. For Evangelist, story functions symbolically.For Evangelist, story functions symbolically.a.a. Contrasts Jewish ceremonial system with “New Salvation” of Jesus.Contrasts Jewish ceremonial system with “New Salvation” of Jesus.

1)1) Six stone jars of water used for ritual purification symbolize Jewish Six stone jars of water used for ritual purification symbolize Jewish ritualism.ritualism.

2)2) Remarkably “fine wine” symbolizes Jesus’ New Salvation:Remarkably “fine wine” symbolizes Jesus’ New Salvation:a)a) Joy Joy

b)b) FulfillmentFulfillment

c)c) AbundanceAbundance

d)d) Perhaps a hint of suffering (“my hour;” his “glory”)Perhaps a hint of suffering (“my hour;” his “glory”)

3)3) Cf. Isa. 25:6 (eschatological feast of wine); Mk. 2:18-22 (new wine).Cf. Isa. 25:6 (eschatological feast of wine); Mk. 2:18-22 (new wine).

b.b. Jesus brings a New Salvation that fulfills and replaces the Jewish Jesus brings a New Salvation that fulfills and replaces the Jewish system.system.1)1) Characterized by a “New Joy” that is real, lasting, and abundant.Characterized by a “New Joy” that is real, lasting, and abundant.

2)2) That “good wine” was saved “until now” reverses common That “good wine” was saved “until now” reverses common assumption that what is older is better.assumption that what is older is better.

3)3) Hints at suffering suggest that New Joy comes at a price.Hints at suffering suggest that New Joy comes at a price.

Cleansing the Temple (2:13-25)Cleansing the Temple (2:13-25)Images of New Salvation: “Images of New Salvation: “NewNew WorshipWorship””

1.1. Synoptics place at end of ministry as “last straw.”Synoptics place at end of ministry as “last straw.”a.a. Probably not done twice.Probably not done twice.

b.b. John’s placement is thematic rather than chronological.John’s placement is thematic rather than chronological.

2.2. Money-changers and animal-sellers in Money-changers and animal-sellers in Court of Gentiles Court of Gentiles were were essential to Temple function.essential to Temple function.a.a. Roman coins had to be changed; unblemished sacrifice had to be Roman coins had to be changed; unblemished sacrifice had to be

purchased.purchased.

b.b. Chief priests had turned this into greedy, exploitative system.Chief priests had turned this into greedy, exploitative system.

3.3. Jesus stages “symbolic action” against corruption.Jesus stages “symbolic action” against corruption.a.a. ““Stop making my Father’s house a house of trade” (cf. Zech. Stop making my Father’s house a house of trade” (cf. Zech.

14:21).14:21).

b.b. Cf. Mk. 11:17: “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all 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 (nations, but you have made it a den of robbers (Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11).).

c.c. Purifies Court of Gentiles for eschatological coming of Gentiles.Purifies Court of Gentiles for eschatological coming of Gentiles.

d.d. More than symbolic “cleansing”: prophetic judgment More than symbolic “cleansing”: prophetic judgment against Templeagainst Temple..


4.4. Story implies destruction of Temple and replacement by Story implies destruction of Temple and replacement by death and resurrection of Jesus.death and resurrection of Jesus.a.a. Jesus’ action seals his fate: “Zeal for your house will consume me” Jesus’ action seals his fate: “Zeal for your house will consume me”

(Ps. 69:9).(Ps. 69:9).

b.b. ““The Jews’” demand for a sign of authority is answered: “Destroy 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; this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (v.19; cf. Mk. 14:58; 15:29).15:29).1)1) Jews are baffled – work on Herod’s temple began in 20 BC.Jews are baffled – work on Herod’s temple began in 20 BC.

2)2) Narrator explains as referring to “the temple of his body” (cf. “sign of Narrator explains as referring to “the temple of his body” (cf. “sign of Jonah” in Mt. 12:39-40).Jonah” in Mt. 12:39-40).

c.c. Jesus’ death and resurrection would replace Temple as basis of Jesus’ death and resurrection would replace Temple as basis of worship.worship.1)1) Access to God is no longer confined to ritual institution but universal, Access to God is no longer confined to ritual institution but universal,

through Spirit brought by Jesus’ death and resurrection (cf. 4:20-24).through Spirit brought by Jesus’ death and resurrection (cf. 4:20-24).

2)2) Cf. Qumran, which considered the community to be the “new temple.”Cf. Qumran, which considered the community to be the “new temple.”


5.5. Disciples understood this only after the resurrection (v. 22).Disciples understood this only after the resurrection (v. 22).a.a. Paraclete will help recall and illumine understanding (cf. 14:26).Paraclete will help recall and illumine understanding (cf. 14:26).

b.b. Pre-Easter story is told from post-Easter perspective.Pre-Easter story is told from post-Easter perspective.

6.6. Reaction scene (v. 23-25).Reaction scene (v. 23-25).a.a. Many believed because of Jesus’ signs.Many believed because of Jesus’ signs.

b.b. Jesus distrusts them; does not accept their faith.Jesus distrusts them; does not accept their faith.

c.c. Inadequacy of faith dependent on signs.Inadequacy of faith dependent on signs.

Model of Herod’s TempleModel of Herod’s Temple

Model of Herod’s TempleModel of Herod’s Temple

Court of Gentiles

Temple Mount TodayTemple Mount Today

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