John 16-21

The Gospel of John’s telling of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ shows Jesus at what is perhaps the most telling part of his life, where he is subject to the worst in a cyclical way: from God, down to earth, then back to God in heaven. Chapter 18’s focus on Jesus’s interaction with the soldiers and Peter shows how he is at peace with his situation because he trusts that this is what God wants for him and for humanity. It emphasizes the discipleship role, specifically with Peter. What I find particularly interesting about this story is how it is used to open the suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus, human and divine, is capable of knowing what will happen. He’s capable of feeling pain, and yet he shows calmness and leadership until the very end. I think this exemplifies what Jesus taught in his life; it shows his understanding nature. Jesus’s trials and tribulations unveil Jesus’s pure humanity. They show his ultimate love and sacrifice, and as he is tortured to death, this reading reveals the core of what Christianity is. A fully human Christ, come down to earth, to suffer and die for us. It’s a very strong idea in my opinion.