Gospel of John: Creation narrative

First story: creation narrative

Text: John 1:19 – 2:12

Structure:

Day 1 – 1:19-28, confession of John

Day 2 – 1:29-34, Firmament – the Lamb of God

Day 3 – 1:35-42, First fruits, first disciples

Day 4 – 1:43-51, Heavenly lights – Philip and Nathaniel

Day 7 – 2:1-11, Sabbath – Wedding at Cana

Conclusion, 2:12, Placement to the Garden – He and the “family” moves to Capernaum.

Comments: The first story picks up on the first story of Genesis – Creation. Usually, commentators separate the testimony of John the Baptizer, selection of the first disciples, and the Wedding at Cana of Galilee. Yet, if we pay attention to John's choice of words, we see creation narrative as a backdrop drapes for the stage.

Day 1 – 1:19-28, confession of John

Day 2 – 1:29-34, Firmament – the Lamb of God

Day 3 – 1:35-42, First fruits, first disciples

Day 4 – 1:43-51, Heavenly lights – Philip and Nathaniel

Day 7 – 2:1-11, Sabbath – Wedding at Cana.

Conclusion, 2:12, Placement to the Garden – He and the “family” moves to Capernaum.

The Twelve: St. Andrew

St. Andrew

Meaning of the name: Let me begin with a quote from Origen of Alexandria – Church father of III century AD: a name is a designation that sums up and describes the particular character of the one named (ACCS NT, II:41).

Andrew means manly, brave. He had to be brave to switch allegiance from John the Baptizer to the One John was pointing to. He had to be brave to invite his brother. Also, his name is Greek, unlike Simon. This is an indicator that Jesus' mission has a worldwide direction from the very beginning.

Life Story: He was born in Bethsaida, Galilee (John 1:44). When Jesus called him, he lived in the same house with Simon' (Peter) family [note that Simon mentioned first] (Mark 1:29). According to the Gospel of John, he actually was called the first. Then he invited Simon, and then the rest of the disciples joined the band (John 1:37-42).