The concept of the 'Church' in the Fourth Gospel

Abstract

Through secondary data research, this dissertation attempts to explore the concept of the Church in the fourth Gospel, in an effort to analyse the Church from the corporate images used by the evangelist. It starts from Paul's understanding of the Church with the images of the bride and bridegroom and that of the head and the body as the basis for the relationship between Christ and the Church and the Church and its members. Other books in the New Testament like the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation contribute to this notion of the Church. The Johannine community was important in the development of John's Gospel, due to the message John wanted to deliver to his community. The idea of leadership is important because through the roles of Peter and the Beloved Disciple especially, there is reflected the relationship with Christ. John uses several symbols to show the qualities of the Church which still are in it today. Jesus as the Good Shepherd shows the quality of the Church that cares for the people and gives her life to them. Through the washing of the feet, the Church can see itself as a service to the people, and the members have to show the same quality with each other. The Church has to be united with Christ as the vine to bear fruit. Love is the basis of the Church to live and teach so that everyone will love each other on the example of Jesus who showed the big example of love, that of self-giving. Jesus praying for the disciples and their mission is a reflection on the mission of the Church, that sometimes is not accepted but, prayer keep her and the members strong and faithful. The Sacraments are the centre of the Church. Baptism and Eucharist are the pediments and John showed that these two constitute the life of the Church. The Spirit will be with the Church to help her in continuing the mission. The Concept of the Church in the Fourth Gospel gives a whole dimension to all aspects of the Church.