Chapter 6: The Gospel of St. John

Question 1

Which concept is central to the Gospel of John, introduced in the prologue? (Baptism, Logos (Word), Sermon on the Mount)

Answer 1

Logos (Word)

Question 2

Which English term has been derived from the Greek word ‘Semeion’? (Sign, Symbol, Source)

Answer 2

Sign

Question 3

What background did influence John to use the term ‘sign’ instead of ‘miracle’? (Roman, Hellenistic, Jewish)

Answer 3

Hellenistic

Question 4

Which gospel provides a theological and reflective account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? (Matthew, Mark, John)

Answer 4

John

Question 5

Which of the following is not found in the Gospel of John but is present in the Synoptic Gospels? (The Transfiguration of Jesus, Jesus’ discourse on eternal life, The interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist)

Answer 5

The Transfiguration of Jesus

Question 6

What is Jesus’ first sign in the Gospel of John?

Answer 6

Turning water into wine

Question 7

True or False
John’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the divine Son of God more openly than the Synoptic Gospels.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

True or False
The Synoptic Gospels focus more on Jesus’ teachings on eternal life than John’s Gospel.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

True or False
John’s Gospel contains the Sermon on the Mount.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

True or False
John uses the term “sign” instead of “miracle” to signify acts of Jesus that point to a deeper spiritual truth.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

True or False
John’s Gospel does not include the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

Answer 11

True

Question 11

True or False
The concept of dualism, such as light and darkness, is unique to John’s Gospel.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True or False
John’s Gospel includes a detailed account of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

True or False
John emphasizes realized eschatology, meaning the kingdom of God is present in the here and now.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

St. John in his gospel presents events as an _________.

Answer 14

Eyewitness

Question 14

The Gospel of St. John is the ______ among the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

Answer 14

Fourth

Question 15

The seven “I am” statements in John’s Gospel emphasize Jesus’ ______ and mission.

Answer 15

Divine Nature

Question 16

John’s Gospel begins with the concept of ______, which is a central theological theme.

Answer 16

Logod (Word)

Question 17

Through the dualistic concept of heaven and earth, John narrates a connection of descent and ascent of a _________.

Answer 17

Redeemer

Question 18

The first sign performed by Jesus in the gospel of _________ is turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana.

Answer 18

John

Question 19

John’s Gospel highlights the role of the ______ as the divine agent who continues the work of Jesus after His departure, guiding, empowering, and unifying believers.

Answer 19

Holy Spirit

Question 20

Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John’s Gospel lacks narrative ______.

Answer 20

Parables

Question 21

What is the Greek term used to describe Jesus as the “Word” in John’s Gospel?

Answer 21

Logos

Question 22

In John’s Gospel, what does the term “sign” signify?

Answer 22

Signifying and indicating something beyond itself.

Question 23

What is the first “I am” statement in John’s Gospel?

Answer 23

I am the bread of life

Question 24

What is the Greek term for “sign” used in John’s Gospel?

Answer 24

Semeion

Question 25

What is the final sign Jesus performs in John’s Gospel?

Answer 25

Raising of Lazarus

Question 26

Write the Bible Reference:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Answer 26

John 14:6

Question 27

Write the Bible Reference:
“Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.”

Answer 27

John 10:7

Question 27

Write the Bible Reference:
“I am the light of the world.”

Answer 27

John 8:12

Question 28

Write the Bible Reference:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Answer 28

John 6:35

Question 29

Answer in one or two sentences:
How do you understand the theme ‘Logos’ in John’s Gospel?

Answer 29

The Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the “Word” (Logos) who was with God in the beginning and was God (John 1:1). This concept of the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity is central to John’s theological emphasis.

Question 30

Answer in one or two sentences:
How does John’s Gospel differ from the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer 30

It provides a theological and reflective account of Jesus’ life.

Question 30

Answer in one or two sentences:
Which “I am” statement is found in John 11:25?

Answer 30

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

Question 31

Answer in one or two sentences:
How does John portray the Holy Spirit in his Gospel?

Answer 31

The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the divine agent who continues the work of Jesus after His departure, guiding, empowering, and unifying believers. This reflects the life of a Christian, guided by the Holy spirit which strengthens and unifies people.

Question 32

Answer in one or two sentences:
How is faith portrayed in the Gospel of John?

Answer 32

The Gospel of John portrays faith as essential for salvation and eternal fellowship with God.

Question 33

Answer in one or two sentences:
What is the significance of Jesus’ ‘I am sayings’ in John’s Gospel?

Answer 33

The “I am” sayings present Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing His deity and the significance of faith in Him for eternal life. The seven ‘I am’ statements illustrate His divine nature and mission.

Question 34

Answer in one or two sentences:
How does John’s Gospel differ in its portrayal of Jesus compared to the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer 34

The Gospel of John differs in style, content, and structure from the Synoptic Gospels presenting a more theological and reflective account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Question 34

Answer in a paragraph:
Explain the significance of the signs in the Gospel of John and their role in revealing Jesus’ identity.

Answer 34

The term ‘sign’ is derived from the Greek word semeion which means ‘signifying and indicating something beyond itself’; and it is believed that John’s Hellenistic influence made him to use the term ‘sign’ instead of ‘miracle’ as used by other Gospel writers. The Gospel of John highlights seven signs performed by Jesus, demonstrating His divine power and identity. These include turning water into wine, healing of a nobleman’s son, healing of a man at the sheep-gate pool, the walking on water, the feeding of five thousand, the healing of a man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus.

Question 35

Answer in a paragraph:
Discuss the role of dualism in the Gospel of John and its theological implications.

Answer 35

Dualism in the Gospel of John presents the world in terms of opposing forces, such as light and darkness, spirit and flesh, life and death. This theological framework illustrates the cosmic battle between good and evil, with Jesus representing the light and truth that overcomes darkness and deception. The dualism in John’s Gospel also emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Christ, as those who believe in Him move from death to life, from spiritual blindness to enlightenment. It reflects the Johannine theme of salvation as not just a future promise but a present reality for believers, where eternal life begins with faith in Jesus and a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Question 35

Answer in a paragraph:
How do you understand the usage of ‘I am’ sayings in the gospel of St. John? What are the seven ‘I am’ statements?

Answer 35

John’s Gospel was written with the intention of presenting Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing His deity and the significance of faith in Him for eternal life. It contains seven “I am” statements made by Jesus, illustrating His divine nature and mission. They are:
- I am the bread of life
- I am the light of the world
- I am the gate
- I am the good shepherd
- I am the resurrection and the life
- I am the way, the truth and the life - I am the true vine.

Question 36

Write an Essay:
Discuss the theological themes in the Gospel of John, focusing on Logos, eternal life, and the role of the Holy Spirit.

Answer 36

a. Logos - The Gospel of John begins with a prologue that introduces Jesus as the “Word” (Logos) who was with God in the beginning and was God (John 1:1). This concept of the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity is central to John’s theological emphasis.
b. Eternal life and salvation - Throughout the Gospel, belief in Jesus is emphasized as the key to receiving eternal life. John presents faith as essential for salvation and eternal fellowship with God.
c. Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the divine agent who continues the work of Jesus after His departure, guiding, empowering, and unifying believers. This reflects the life of a Christian, guided by the Holy spirit which strengthens and unifies people.

Question 37

Write an Essay:
Explain the concept of dualism in the Gospel of St. John by illustrating with any TWO examples?

Answer 37

Dualism – In John’s Gospel, human issues are being viewed wholistically in terms of dualism, represented by two sets of forces, one from above which is Christ and the other one opposed by this world. Scholars believe that John was influenced by Hellenism, Platonism, and Gnosticism to include dualism in his gospel. Examples for dualism are: (write any TWO)
a. Light and Darkness (John 1:5): True light is not the light of literal day, but the state of having one’s existence illuminated through Christ, an illumination in and by which humans achieve a self- understanding, and guide all conduct with clarity and assurance. Darkness means a person’s self- arrogance and self-sovereignty against the True light. It is the turning away from the possibility of illuminating one’s existence.
b. Heaven and Earth (John 8:23): John’s Gospel often presents Jesus as being sent by the Father from the heaven to the earth. John narrates a connection of descent and ascent of a Redeemer, and thereby assures a constant contact between the heaven and the earth (the world above and the world beneath).
c. Spirit and Flesh (John 3:5; 6:63): The Gospel of John frequently addresses the spiritual dimension, presenting the Spirit as transcendent and superior to the flesh. It signifies human passage from flesh, the lower order of existence to spirit the higher order of existence where a person can achieve eternal life. Flesh also refers to the ‘nothingness of a person’s whole existence’ whereas spirit refers to a mode of being where a person enjoys authentic existence.
d. Life and death (John 5:24): The dualism here is not static, but in continuity – ‘whoever believes in Christ passes from death to life.’ The one who believes is transferred from the natural realm of life controlled by death to the diving realm
of life dominated by light and love.