Bible Study With The Bishops: One Last Time

Reading Plan Text for May 13: John 12:44-50

These seven verses seem almost tacked on and out of place at the end of this chapter. My NRSV titles this section "Summary of Jesus' Teaching." Burridge doesn't see them as out of place at all. It is the reprise of the main themes of the first act before the curtain rises on act two (pp. 162-163):

1. "The one who sent me"
2. Jesus has come as light into the world
3. The relationship of the Father to the Son

The one glaring difference between this summary and all the previous times he has taught these themes is that John does not provide a specific audience for this discourse. Perhaps John's community is the audience to which it is addressed.

To me it seems more like a teacher's last review before finals. Pay attention, you will see these on the exam!

And now, as Burridge writes

The reprise dies away, the audience are quiet and the curtain is ready to rise on the second half. (p. 163)

Peace,
Jeffri