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THE KING’S BUSINESS
times; name (v. 12) 25 times; glory (glori fied) (v. 14) 42 times; truth (v. 17) 25 times. The prologue is the great entrance way into the gospel. It has three gates: theo logical (vv. 1-5) ’; historical (vv. 6-13); experimental (vv. 14-18). 1 . The relation of the Word to God, 1 : 1 , 2 . (a) Co-equal in pre-existence. The Word was “in the beginning” (cf. “From the beginning” 1 Ep. 1:1). John begins his gospel beyond Moses, before the crea tion of the world (Genesis 1:1). Matthew (1:1) traces Christ’s genealogy through David back to'Abraham; Luke (3:38), .to Adam; John (1:1), to God. (b) Separate existence, “with God,” 1 : 1 . “With” implies distinction of personality, also open, free, confidential fellowship with God. Jesus claimed to be God, and one with the Father (10:30). (c) Equality of existence, “was God,” 1:1. Chrisf was equal with God; it was no robbery»to claim such ( Philippians 2:5-7). -Christ is not merely divine and God-like, but God in very deed. The deity of Christ is set forth in this gospel as follows: (1) Divine names (“I am;” 1:1; 8:21, 24; 20:28). (2) Works, 1:2, 3; 5:23, 24; 11:25; c. 6 . (3) Attributes, 1:48; 2:1-11; 3:13; c. 11. (4) Worship, 5:22, 23 ; 20:28. 2 . The relation of the Word to creation, 1 : 2 , 3: (a) He is associated with God in crea tion; indeed Christ Himself was the Cre ator. Not one single thing came into being without Him. He was before all created things and the Creator of all things and beings (cf, Colossians 1:15-17, and its argu ment) . May not this fact account for Christ’s power over nature? (cf. wine, c. 2; bread, c. 6 ; the sea, Matthew 8 ). Jesus Christ is Master of circumstances today (cf. Ephesians 1:19-22). 3 . The relation of the Word to men, 1 : 4 - 14 - (a) The Life and Light of humanity, 1:4. All life, physical, moral and spirit-
8 . The Summirtg up of the Discourse, 16:25-33. III. The Intercessory or High-Priestly JPrayer of Our Lord, 17 : 1 - 26 . 11 Our Lord’s Prayer for Himself, 17:1-5. 2. . Our . Lord’s Prayer for His Dis ciples, 17:6-19. 3. Our Lord’s Prayer for the Future Church, 17:20-26. C. T he Climax and T rium ph of Unbelief — Crucifixion, 18:1-19:42. I. The Arrest of Jesus, 18 : 1 - 12 . II. The Trial of Jesus, 18 : 13 - 19 : 16 . 1. Jesus before the High Priest, 18:13, 14, 19-24. 2. Jesus before Pilate, 18:28-19:18. III. The Execution and Burial of Jesus, 19 : 16 - 42 . 1. The Crucifixion, 19:17-22. 2. The Witnesses to the Crucifixion, 19:23-37. 3. The Burial, 19:38-42. D. T he Climax and T rium ph of Faith— T he R esurrection of Jesus Christ, 20:1-31. I. Peter and John at the Tomb, 20 : 1 - 10 . , II. Mary Magdalene at the Tomb, 20 : 11 - 18 . III. First Appearance of Jesus to the Disciples—Thomas Absent, 20 : 19 - 23 . IV. Second Appearance of Jesus to the Disciples—Thomas Present, 20 : 24 - 29 . V. Conclusion of the Gospel Proper, 20 : 30 , 31 . The Epilogue, 21:1-25. PROLOGUE (1:1-18) Theme : “The Word.” The gospel in germ and miniature. All the principal themes developed in the remainder of this gospel are found here. The great words of which the gospel is composed are introduced here: life (v. 4) with “live” 52 times; light (vv. 4, 5, 7, 8 , 9) 23 times; witness (testimony) (v. 7) 47 times; believe (v. 7) 98 times; know (v. 10) 55 times; world (vv. 9, 10) 78
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