Jesus' Emotions in the Fourth Gospel

(Hardback)

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This book seeks to discuss John's references to Jesus' emotions in the light of the current debate regarding Johannie Christology. The Fourth Gospel refers to Jesus' love, joy, and zeal. At times it also portrays him as troubled, deeply moved, and in tears. Do these expressions of emotion underscore Jesus' humanity or his divinity The study is set against the background of the emotions of God as found in earlier Jewish literature, as well as against that of the emotions of Jesus in the Synoptics and the remainder of the New Testament. Voorwinde argues that the covenant provides the most consistent perspective for viewing both the emotions of Yahweh in the Old Testament and the emotions of Jesus in the Gospels. The Johannine Jesus is found to fulfil the hitherto incompatible roles of covenant Lord and covenant sacrifice. Rather than being expressive only of his humanity Jesus' emotions are also found to underscore his divinity. This is due to the unique genius of this Gospel with its paradoxical presentation of Jesus whose divinity is manifested most eloquently in his weakness, suffering, and death. Only his tears at the grave of Lazarus can be explained as a human emotion pure and simple. All the other emotions, because of their strong connections to the cross, highlight both Jesus' humanity and divinity, albeit for various reasons and in highly nuanced ways.

Reviews

'a valuable discussion of the emotions of Jesus in John...It contributes a valuable resource for the broader discussion of the nature of Johannine Christology...an important contribution that all such discussions in the future will need to take into account.' William R. G. Loader, Review of Biblical Literature
"Pastors and seminary students will be interested in this publication for not only is there an analysis of Jesus' emotions in his earthly experiences, but there is an insight into the nature of God and of covenant theology, and an introduction to contemporary issues in the Fourth Gospel. At a practical level a study into the emotions of Jesus has pastoral implications in how the risen and interceding Christ can empathize with the human emotions of his people today. A useful and thought-provoking publication." David E.C. Ford, Professor of New Testament, Biblical Seminary of Colombia, Colombia -- David E.C. Ford
'Voorwinde is careful to conduct his investigation within well defined parameters. His book is not a study in dogmatics, nor a further investigation of the historical Jesus. Still less is it a psychological or biographical study of the person of Jesus. The study is primarily exegetical in nature. Voorwinde seeks to examine the occurrences of the emotions of Jesus within John's gospel on their own merits, thus allowing the data to speak for themselves, rather than be forced into a preconceived mould. Voorwinde's study, and particularly his exegetical analysis of key passages, will be of assistance to both students and pastors alike especially in the exposition of John's gospel. Beyond that, it also provides a valid and helpful framework in terms of which Jesus' actions and emotions may be assessed in study and exposition of the Synoptics. And while not a study in dogmatics per se, it also contains insights and conclusions that are significant for Christology.' Dr Michael Flinn -- Vox Reformata, 2008
'A rare exegetical feast. This is a painstaking study of emotions in the Scriptures and related documents ... It is full of insights and helpful exegesis. Highly recommended.' -- Rev. Rinny Westra, Candour, Number 10, November 2006
Mention - International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08
[A] careful and thorough study of a neglected topic...the author always makes clear what he is doing, and the secondary sources are useful for an unfamiliar topic. There are indexes of modern authors and ancient writings (mainly biblical) and a bibliography. Although there is no index of topics, ten appendixes listing terms of emotion in sections of the Bible, the Apocrypha and the Dead Sea Scrolls provide a statistical basis for the argument of the book. This is a valuable treatment of the theological significance of the emotions of Jesus in their context in the Gospel of John.' Darryl W. Palmer, Australian Biblical Review -- Darryl W. Palmer, Australian Biblical Review
'[C]lear, sober, and meticulously researched...this is a first-rate study; Voorwinde's learned and even-handed presentation of the evidence will be essential to any future analysis of Jesus' emotions.' -- David Konstan, Brown University * Biblical Theology Bulletin *
"This is a very fine study with a deceptively simple title. Voorwinde's analysis offers a rich and new perspective on Johannine theology, Christology, and soteriology... I highly recommend this book."- Mary L. Coloe, 68, 2006 * Quarterly Review *

Author Bio

Stephen Voorwinde is Lecturer in New Testament at the Reformed Theological College, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.