The public appearances of Jesus according to the Gospel of John, part 1: The positive experiences and outcomes

The Gospel of John highlights Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of God. According to this Gospel, the Ministry of Jesus developed in two diverse directions, resulting in both faith and rejection: some accepted his ‘testimony’ and his ‘signs’, while others provoked rejection and opposition, which ultimately resulted in Jesus’ crucifixion by the religious Jewish authorities. This article focusses on Jesus’ positive experiences and their outcomes according to the Gospel of John. His work resulted in the divine life for believers, who were given new life and the ability to live devotedly and honouring God. The primary objective of this research is to explore: (1) how the appearances of Jesus caused the emergence of people following Jesus, becoming his disciples; (2) how the identity and character of Jesus is pictured; and finally (3) how Jesus glorified and made known the Father [τοῦ πατρὸς ἐκεῖνος ἐξηγήσατο] (Jn 1:18). Therefore, methodologically the ‘appearances’ of Jesus has been investigated socio-rhetorically to discern the effect the appearances evoked on those who met Jesus historically (and those who subsequently will meet Jesus in the Johannine text). The article approaches these appearances: firstly, from the incarnation appearance of Jesus when he took up residence among his people; secondly, from the role John the Baptist played in introducing Jesus when Jesus appeared to him and thirdly, from the dynamic interactions between Jesus and his audiences during his appearances. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This research endeavours to point out that the public appearances of this young man, called Jesus (only 30 years of age, Lk 3:23), generated, through divine involvement, so much authority and awe that many people started to believe in him and follow him due to his teachings and miracles performed. Interdisciplinarily, the article resonates with all the other theological disciplines.