What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The key idea in chapter seven is called to love. God loves us so much that he came down on this earth to better understand us, to teach us, to suffer with us, and to save us from our sins so that we could have eternal life. In the gospel of John we are called to love one another and God. John gives us some examples of how Jesus loves us by his actions and through others. The parable of the Samaritan women is an example of how Jesus loves. He broke down the barriers of society and became friends with the Samaritan women. He did not care what others felt about Samaritans; he loved her for what was in her heart, not what was on the outside. An example of Jesus’ love in other people is the life of Dom Helder Camara. He gave up an easy, luxurious life, and instead fought for human rights. He did not back down when people threatened his life, and made a stand for those who needed his help. Like Jesus and Mr. Camara, we to are called to dedicate our lives to loving others.
Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One idea from chapter seven that I would like to remember is the “I am” statements. These statements take four general forms. The first form identifies Jesus with his already known listeners, “I am the bread of life”, “I am the light.” In the second form, three statements emphasize Jesus relationship with his followers, “I am the good Shepard,” “I am the Gate,” “I am the true vine.” The third form is a two-fold that states Jesus as the life-giver. “I am the resurrection and the life,” “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” And the fourth form is Jesus response to questions of self identification. Jesus asks the soldier coming to arrest him at the Garden of Olives, “Who are you looking for?” He answers, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replies, “I am he.” The “I am” statements convey the divinity of Jesus. They also remind followers of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. I want to remember this idea because I am always looking for ways to understand Jesus. These statements teach me some of the things Jesus is, and who I should strive to be.
Another idea I want to remember is The Book of Revelation. The Book is symbolic literature which was readily understood by the audience for whom it was written. The text in the Book of Revelation is rooted in the history and culture of the seven communities to which it was written. It is not just about the end of the world, rather it is about the world of the first-century Christians who were responding to persecution. It teaches about God’s mercy and steadfast love for the world. It proclaims the victory over evil and death which has already taken place through the actions of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is believed that the author was a Christian prophet familiar with the tradition of John the Evangelist but not John himself. I want to remember the Book of Revelation because it is an interesting book in the bible and reminds me of the good and bad times of the early church.
One image that captures the chapter for you.
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/pic/john
Jesus called out the best in the Samaritan Woman, who calls out the best in you?
