In John, Jesus does not speak in parables and short sayings, but rather in long discourses. John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus who came from God, returns to God, and along the way reveals God to us. John's Gospel is sometimes called "the spiritual Gospel."
John is also the Gospel that has the dramatic one-to-one encounters of Jesus with various individuals:
- Nicodemus
- The Samaritan woman at the well
- The woman caught in adultery
- The man born blind
- Martha and Mary when Lazarus dies
The Gospel of John is closest to the other three in the Passion account, but it is still distinctive. Even in the degrading experience of the crucifixion, John emphasizes the majestic sovereignty of Jesus.
It is during the Passion that Jesus has one last one-to-one encounter - with Pilate. John's account of the Roman trial is far longer and more dramatic than any of the others. Unlike the persons in the other great encounters, however, Pilate will fail to recognize who Jesus really is.
On Palm Sunday, we hear the Passion according to Matthew, Mark, or Luke - on a three-year cycle. (This year is is the Passion according to Matthew.)
On Good Friday, the Passion according to John is always read.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw