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The fourth

Jan 19

1 min read

George Valiapadath Capuchin

The Gospel of John is rich in signs and signifiers. The fourth Gospel consists of two parts, the Book of Signs and the Book of Glory, and is preceded and followed by a prologue and an epilogue.


There are many unique things to say about the Gospel of John. This Gospel mentions only 7 Apostles by name. After the prologue, 5 disciples are mentioned in the very first chapter.

In the epilogue, 5 disciples and the sons of Zebedee are present.

In the Synoptic Gospels, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are treated with high prominence. However, in the fourth gospel, they are not even mentioned by name, except for the reference: 'sons of Zebedee'.


However, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" appears several times without being mentioned by name.

Another unique thing about this Gospel is that it speaks about "the mother of Jesus", without mentioning her name.


The mother of Jesus appears twice. In the Book of Signs, to lead him to the first sign at the wedding at Cana, and in the Book of Glory, at his death on the cross. These are two transitional moments. At the beginning of the journey to his "time" and at the accomplishment of his "time."


The unnamed "Mother of Jesus" and the unnamed "Beloved Disciple of Jesus" are two beloved faces. They stand close to each other at the foot of the cross.

In them the new world is being formed!


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