Water of Life: Christ, The New and Eternal Spring

In simply reading through John's Gospel, we find that it is unique in many ways when it is compared to the Synoptics. Due to this, it is essential that we understand this uniqueness by seeing what are the differences and similarities, we are then able to delve into its theology, which is the main element that causes John to be set apart from the Synoptics. Therefore, in Chapter One, the focus is on comparing John and the Synoptics so that we may appreciate John's contribution to our understanding of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.In Chapter Two, this uniqueness is further developed by examining John's use of symbolic language, particularly its use of water, in describing the person and mission of Jesus. By taking and examining certain texts within the Gospel that uses water in its illustration of Jesus, we are able to grasp its distinctive portrait of Christ: thus, delving into its Christological message which presents Jesus as the "Revealed" Christ, the "Revealer" of the Father, and the "Mediator" of salvation.