Understanding the Unique Perspectives in the Gospel of John

Much like the other Gospels, the book of John is anonymous. In addition, it is believed that this book was the last to be written and the only Gospel to spiritualize Jesus (Harris, 2014). In reading and comprehending the gospel according to John, one must read it differently and think about it in different terms, as opposed to the synoptic Gospels. Within the composition of John, there are several events and teachings that separate it from the other Gospels. Some of the events and teachings include John’s omission of Jesus birth, baptism, temptation by Satan, exorcisms, teachings in parables, his reinterpretations of the Mosaic Law, Jerusalem’s fall and the apocalyptic prophecies of Jesus Second Coming (Harris, 2014).

In regard to Jesus birth,

In the gospels of Mark and Matthew, the authors state that Jesus only taught his audience by using parables; However, in John’s composition, Jesus teachings are described as being lengthy dialogues that are conducted both publicly and privately (Harris, 2014). Another difference between the gospel of John and the synoptic gospels’ is the Mosaic Law. In the synoptic gospels, the Mosaic Law is a major topic as it describes to believers and followers the requirements for obtaining salvation. On the other hand, the author of the book of John identifies love to be the only important directive. In prioritizing love, John excludes topics about divorce, the Sabbath, retaliation, and forgiving enemies (Harris, 2014). Still another omission in the book of John is that of Jerusalem’s fall. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John disassociates Jesus from the apocalyptic hopes that many early Christians had linked to Jerusalem’s destruction. Lastly, John’s gospel differs from the other gospels in that it does not focus on the apocalyptic prophecies of Jesus Second Coming. According to John, Jesus had already finished his work. In addition, he believed that divine judgement was a current reality, not a future event (Harris,