Isaiah 43 and the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is renowned for its mystical and theological depth, so much so that it was known in the early church as the “spiritual” Gospel.[1] John’s Gospel shares a few similarities with the Synoptics, mostly Mark and Luke, but is substantially different. While the Synoptics make Christ know by concentrating on parables, healings, and exorcisms, John’s gospel is an independent literary witness to Jesus Christ. The fourth Gospel was the last Gospel to be written, but it presupposes the Gospels before it. The question then arises: what is the Gospel’s platform and purpose?  The Gospel of John is written for believers so that they may make firm their faith. The purpose of John’s Gospel is a direct response to Isaiah 43:8-13. The evangelist proves to be a witness to the true faith, proclaiming Jesus with “I AM” statements and “signs.” John calls other Christians to do the same with his deeper understanding of Jesus’ words and teachings.

The forty third chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is a promise of redemption and restoration to Israel and can be split into three main sections. The first section, vv 1-7, God calls his people and proclaims that he will redeem Israel. The second section, vv 8-13, God calls his people to witness and justify him as the Lord and truth. The third section, vv 14-28, God makes firm that he will do this not by Israel’s fidelity but by his mercy.[2] The emphasis is almost entirely on Israel and the way it witnesses in both the past and the present.[3] The witness is precisely Saint John’s central issue for his Gospel.

I am the Good Shepherd

The theme of the good shepherd is seen in both the Old and the New Testament alike. The Profit Ezekiel writes of the good shepherd as the Lord God who will come and rescue his sheep. Chapter ten of John’s Gospel fulfills this prophesy as Jesus shows that he is the good shepherd. The image of Jesus as the good shepherd continues to shape the imagination of Christians today as Jesus is often seen in paintings and stain glass leading a flock of sheep. This imagery is so prevalent in Christian tradition that the ordained are referred to as the “Pastor,” the one who ministers to the flock, obedient and chosen by God.

The theme of the shepherd is found throughout the Old Testament in Genesis, Numbers, Psalms, Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and so on. In the Old Testament, often the past shepherds of Israel have led their sheep astray by irresponsible tending. Ezekiel addresses this concern with his prophesies about the good shepherd who is to come. Ezekiel’s prophesy is twofold. First, he addresses the problem of the past shepherds and then tells how God plans to make things right.

I Have A Say

Father John Hollowell responds to Cecile Richards (President of Planned Parenthood) and her campaign for people to take a stand for there rights to contraception. By the way, Fr. Hollowell has three times as many views as the original campaign video made by Cecile Richards.