
Jesus Becoming Jesus, Volume 3
A Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of John: The Book of Glory and the Passion and Resurrection Narratives
Imprint: Catholic University of America Press
Jesus Becoming Jesus, Volume 3 follows upon the previous two volumes of this series entitled Jesus Becoming Jesus. Volume 1 was a theological interpretation of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and volume 2 was a theological interpretation of the Prologue and Book of Signs of John’s Gospel (chapters 1-12). Unlike many conventional biblical commentaries, Weinandy concentrates on the theological content contained within John’s Gospel. This is accomplished through a close reading of John’s Gospel, theologically interpreting each chapter of the Gospel sequentially. In so doing he also takes into account the Johannine corpus as a whole. He also relates John’s Gospel to relevant material found within the Synoptic Gospels, the Pauline Corpus and other New Testament writings.
In this present volume, Weinandy’s original theological interpretation focuses first on the Evangelist’s narrative of the Last Supper, which includes Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet, followed upon his lengthy farewell address and his ensuing High Priestly Prayer (chapter 13-17). Although Jesus speaks of his leaving his disciples, yet their hearts should not be troubled, for he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house, and he will also send them another Counselor, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not only convict the world sin, but he will also empower the disciples to profess their faith in Jesus as the Father’s Son, even in the midst of persecution. All that Jesus tells his disciple in his final discourse, he then prays that his Father will accomplish through his forthcoming death and resurrection – above all that his disciples will share in the same oneness of love that he and his Father possess.
Weinandy masterfully treats John’s Passion and Resurrection Narratives. He not only theologically interprets the uniqueness of the Evangelist’s narratives, but also how his narratives insect with the Synoptic accounts. Moreover, Weinandy’s theological reading of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection weaves together John’s soteriology, ecclesiology, and sacramentality – all of which are founded upon the Incarnation, that Jesus is the Father’s Spirit-filled incarnate Son. As the title suggests, Jesus, being named Jesus, in his death and resurrection, definitively enacts his name and so becoming who he is – YHWH-Saves.
Thomas Weinandy, OFM Cap., is a highly regarded theologian and scholar who has published widely in academic presses and journals.
"With this exposition of the second half of the Fourth Gospel (Jn 13-21), Father Weinandy brings to a fitting completion his ambitious three-volume project aimed at helping his readers find ‘in the Synoptic Gospels and John’s Gospel what is fruitful to know and so to cherish more deeply the doctrinal truth they contain.’ In this he offers believers a rich resource for preaching, catechesis and prayer, all the ways missionary disciples turn to the evangelists to find ‘Jesus enacting his name – YHWH Saves,’ that is, to see Jesus Becoming Jesus so they can share him with others."
~Archbishop Allen Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit
"Full of excellent and unusual insights into the Gospel. Even more than in his Synoptics book (Volume 1), Fr. Weinandy really digs into the text in detail and brings out wonderful sights. I know the Gospel of John very well, and I found new insights all along the way."
~Daniel A. Keating, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
"Brings new insight and theological vibrancy to the study of the gospels. I am not aware of any other contemporary source that manages to capture in one volume such an extensive theological exposition of the gospels."
~Matthew Ramage, author of Jesus, Interpreted: Benedict XVI, Bart Ehrman, and the Historical Truth of the Gospels
"In his Jesus Becoming Jesus series, Capuchin Father Thomas Weinandy follows the path renewed by Pope Benedict and urged by the Council. Like Benedict, he deliberately sets aside the Scripture commentaries and historical-critical debates. He confines himself to the text and applies his theological mind to the Scriptures. The result is a wonderful work that draws out the theological meaning and import of the Gospels and is true scriptural theology… He brings out the saving truths of our faith from the pages of Scripture but, unlike many theologians, without shattering the wonder of the Word-Made-Flesh. By way of piety and thought, he deepens our knowledge of how Jesus is Jesus to us."
~National Catholic Register