43. John (Prefiguring Jesus) 

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Foreshadowing Jesus in the Book of John

1. Introduction: Overview of the Book and Its Foreshadowing Themes

  • Book Overview:
    The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh—the divine Son of God who reveals the Father, offers eternal life, and completes the redemptive plan of God. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John focuses on selected signs and extended discourses to reveal Jesus’ identity. The theme of divine revelation, light versus darkness, belief, and new creation pervades the narrative.
    • Key Verse:
      John 20:31 – “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
  • Foreshadowing Themes:
    John unveils Jesus as the fulfilment of Israel’s feasts, symbols, institutions, and expectations. He is the true Light, Bread, Shepherd, Vine, and Temple. The Gospel foreshadows Jesus’ glory through His suffering and exalts Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
    • Key Verse:
      John 1:29 – “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

2. Historical and Theological Context

  • Historical Context:
    Written near the end of the 1st century (c. AD 90–100), John addresses both Jewish and Gentile audiences amid theological and social tensions. He provides a spiritual portrait of Jesus for a Church needing assurance and clarity regarding Christ’s identity and mission.
    • Key Verse:
      John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
  • Theological Context:
    John’s theology is deeply Trinitarian and incarnational. Jesus is not just the Messiah, but the eternal Son who reveals the Father and sends the Spirit. The Gospel’s emphasis on “signs” demonstrates Jesus’ divine nature and saving mission, bringing Old Testament shadows to their spiritual fulfilment.

3. Narrative Structure and Christ-Centred Motifs

  • Structure:
    • Chapters 1–12: The Book of Signs—Jesus’ public ministry, miracles, and rejection
    • Chapters 13–17: The Book of Glory—Jesus’ private teaching to His disciples
    • Chapters 18–21: The Passion and Resurrection—culmination of His mission
  • Christ-Centred Motifs:
    • Jesus as the Incarnate Word: Creator and revealer.
    • Jesus as the True Temple: The place of God’s presence.
    • Jesus as the I AM: The divine name applied to Himself in seven declarations.
    • Jesus as the Paschal Lamb: Crucified at Passover, without broken bones.
    • Jesus as Life-Giver: Through belief in Him comes eternal life.

4. Typology and Symbols of Christ

  • The Word (John 1:1–14) – Pre-existent, divine, made flesh.
    • Fulfilled in: Genesis 1 (creation); Exodus 33–34 (God’s presence); Isaiah 40 (comforted by God’s Word).
  • The True Temple (John 2:19–21) – Jesus’ body replaces the physical temple.
    • Fulfilled in: John 2:19 – “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
  • The Bronze Serpent (John 3:14) – A foreshadowing from Numbers 21.
    • Fulfilled in: Jesus lifted on the cross brings healing to all who believe.
  • The Living Water (John 4:10; 7:37–39) – Jesus quenches spiritual thirst.
    • Fulfilled in: Isaiah 55:1 and Ezekiel 47 – streams of living water.
  • The Bread of Life (John 6:35) – Supersedes the manna of Moses’ day.
    • Fulfilled in: Exodus 16 – Jesus is the true, eternal bread from heaven.

5. Messianic Prophecies and Previews

  • The Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36) – Foreshadowing of the Passover Lamb.
    • Fulfilled in: Exodus 12 and Isaiah 53 – sacrificial and sin-bearing servant.
  • The Suffering and Exaltation (John 12:23–33) – Death as glorification.
    • Fulfilled in: Isaiah 52:13–15 – “My servant will be raised and lifted up.”
  • No Bones Broken (John 19:36) – Echoes Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20.
    • Fulfilled in: Jesus dies as the unblemished Lamb, fulfilling the Law.
  • The Pierced One (John 19:37) – Quoting Zechariah 12:10.
    • Fulfilled in: At His crucifixion, Jesus is pierced with a spear.

6. Theological and Christological Significance

  • Jesus as Fully God and Fully Man – The eternal Word becomes flesh to dwell among us.
  • Christ the Fulfilment of Israel’s Worship – He replaces temple, feasts, and sacrifices.
  • The “I AM” Statements – Jesus applies the divine name to Himself, revealing His nature:
    • I AM the Bread of Life (6:35)
    • I AM the Light of the World (8:12)
    • I AM the Door (10:9)
    • I AM the Good Shepherd (10:11)
    • I AM the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
    • I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6)
    • I AM the True Vine (15:1)
    • Key Verse:
      John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was born, I am!”

7. Redemptive Legacy and Christian Application

  • Redemptive Legacy:
    John’s Gospel reveals Jesus as the eternal God who entered time to offer eternal life through His death and resurrection. He is the true Light who overcomes darkness, the true Temple who draws humanity to God, and the true Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.
  • Christian Application:
    • Believe in Jesus as the Son of God: Receive eternal life in His name.
    • Abide in Him: As the Vine, He sustains all spiritual life.
    • Follow the Shepherd: Trust His voice, even through the valley.
    • Proclaim the Light: Shine the truth of Christ in a dark world.
    • Key Verse:
      John 11:25–26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.”

✅ Summary Statement:

John lifts the veil on Jesus’ divine identity, revealing Him as the eternal Word, the sacrificial Lamb, and the giver of life. Through signs, symbols, and fulfilled prophecy, the Gospel invites all to believe and be reborn into the light and life of Christ.

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