NOTE: FG = Fourth Gospel (i.e., the Gospel of John).
"The Gospel of John (FG) is differentiated from the Synoptic Gospel accounts in a number of areas—content, emphasis, chronology, vocabulary, stated purpose, etc.—but what also distinguishes it is the quality of its narrative. The grammar and vocabulary are fairly basic, so much so that the first translations which beginning Koine Greek students attempt are from either the FG or John’s first epistle. However, all things that make a narrative truly remarkable and memorable can be found in the FG. The purpose of a narrative, whether factual or fictional, is to tell a story in such a way as to capture and hold the readers’ attention in order to inform, educate, inspire, motivate and/or, even, entertain. Certainly, for many readers, the FG does all that."
"I have often compared the FG to a very carefully crafted summary by a defence lawyer who is trying to convince the jury of the innocence of his client. That lawyer would choose the pieces of evidence he/she feels best supports the case and then craft them in such a way so as to create the most compelling case. In the end, the jury will decide whether or not the defendant’s lawyer was successful. In the case of the FG, each reader is a jury member who will either choose to acquit or convict Jesus of his opponents’ claims: that he has falsely claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God."
"Therefore, to understand both the meaning and function of the OT quotations in the FG, the narrative itself is the most important context to consider. We have stated that the author himself exegetes scripture in ways that are consistent with Second Temple Jewish exegetical practice, which “attempted to contemporize the Scriptures to make them relevant to the concerns of the first century.”The concern of the FG was to craft a narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry that would overcome barriers to faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Of particular concern to the author is the “stumbling block” of believing in a humiliated and human Messiah/King. Therefore, the FG highlights the theme of Jesus’ kingship throughout and specifically uses the OT quotations in the crucifixion narrative to show that Jesus’ humanity and his humiliation were completely consistent with God’s predetermined messianic plan. According to the scriptures, the Messiah had to suffer tortuous humiliation and death. If the author’s use of the scriptures is accepted, then the stumbling block to faith is removed and honour can be given to Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of God.”
"Scholars
are agreed that the FG utilizes OT quotations as a major part of the process of
legitimizing and authenticating the words, actions and events of the narrative. However, these OT quotations do more, especially with regard to creating and
fashioning the identity and character of Jesus. Yet, as Susanne Luther discusses, the use of OT quotations in the FG do not necessarily
validate the narrative as an historically accurate picture of Jesus or even
authenticate the reality of the events chosen for the narrative. The author
uses and adapts existing traditions and text sources in order to achieve his
stated purpose. However, in doing so he probably raises questions among, at
least, some of his readers regarding the actual historicity of his portrayals
of persons and events.For many, however, even for those recognizing the author’s innovative use of
the OT quotations, John 19:16b–42 is a unique presentation among the Gospel
accounts, and demonstrates the power of a cleverly crafted effort to remove the
stumbling blocks to faith in a crucified Jesus."
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