Star of Bethlehem SMB
Bethlehem Mission Society
Discovering the Gospel of John
Sep 01

Discovering the Gospel of John

Compared to the Synoptic Gospels — Matthew, Mark, and Luke — the Gospel of John surprises and even stands out. It gives Jesus a solemn, sometimes mysterious language that intrigues and fascinates. Since the early Church, this Gospel has sparked controversy, particularly due to its use by some Gnostic circles, which made it suspect in the eyes of many believers. Saint Augustine already noted that while the Synoptics focus on Jesus’ actions and ethical teachings, John, like an eagle soaring to the heavens, sheds light on Jesus’ divinity. It’s a unique Gospel, unlike the others, not following the same structure. In this video series, we invite you to explore this fascinating Gospel. We will start with an introduction before diving into an analysis of key passages to uncover its profound theological and spiritual depth.

Episode 1 | Saint John: The Evangelist Who Reveals a Different Jesus from the Carpenter’s Son

In this video, we explore the unique characteristics of the Gospel of John compared to the synoptic gospels. John introduces new characters such as Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman and does not mention the twelve apostles or exorcisms, which are prominent in the other gospels. He also alters the chronology of certain events. While the synoptics focus on the coming of the Kingdom of God, John emphasizes Jesus as the one sent by the Father, revealing his divinity and preexistence…

Episode 2 | The Gospel of Saint John: Origins and Authors Revealed

The question of the author of the Fourth Gospel has sparked many debates. As early as the second century, this Gospel was attributed to the apostle John, son of Zebedee, but this attribution has been widely questioned. Certain passages in the Gospel of John explicitly refer to the conflicts between the disciples and the synagogue, as well as their exclusion, events that took place around the years 80 to 90. These clues suggest that the Gospel of John was probably written after this period, around the year 100. In this episode, we will delve deeper into this delicate question concerning the identity of the author of the Fourth Gospel…

Episode 3 | The Gospel of Saint John: Structure and Style

In this third video on the Gospel of John, we will briefly discuss the structure of this Gospel. It is divided into two main parts: the Book of Signs, where Jesus reveals Himself to the world through signs and discourses, and the Book of Glory, which narrates His passion and resurrection. What makes the Gospel of John unique is the way characters appear, encounter Jesus, and then disappear. Each encounter, blending anecdotes and theology, sheds light on the depth of Christ’s person and mission…

Episode 4 | The Gospel of Saint John: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

In this video, we explore chapter 4 of the Gospel of John, which recounts the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. “If you knew the gift of God…” The structure of the text revolves around the presence of Jesus, the only character who never leaves the scene. The narrative also follows the gradual unfolding of His revelation. Here, the goal is to accompany the characters — the Samaritan woman, the disciples, and the Samaritans — in their search for truth…

Episode 5 | Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: What Is True Worship?

In this video, we continue reading chapter 4 of the Gospel of John. Jesus and the Samaritan woman discuss true worship and the disagreement between Jews and Samaritans about the place of worship: Mount Gerizim, sacred to the Samaritans, and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, revered by the Jews. Through this conversation, the Samaritan woman highlights the division between the two peoples, but Jesus transcends this opposition to reveal true worship in spirit and truth…

Episode 6 | The First Sign of Jesus at Cana

In this episode of the series, we focus on the first sign performed by Jesus at the Wedding at Cana. What is the meaning of this miracle where water is turned into wine? Why is it considered a revealing sign? We will uncover the full spiritual and symbolic richness of this account by analyzing it in detail…

Episode 7 | The Bread of Life

John 6, often called the Discourse on the Bread of Life, has sparked intense theological reflection throughout the centuries. This profoundly spiritual and theological text has divided interpreters, from the Church Fathers to modern exegetes. The Catholic Church has emphasized a realistic and sacramental reading of Jesus’ discourse. Rooted in the faith of early Christian communities, this chapter continues to speak to believers, calling them to live an embodied faith in the Eucharist…