Mark Jennings, «The Fourth Gospel’s Reversal of Mark in John 13,31‒14,3», Vol. 94 (2013) 210-236
I argue that the author/s of the Fourth Gospel knew Mark, based on the reversal of certain Markan themes found in John. No attempt is made here to suggest the kind of literary dependence which is the basis of the Synoptic problem. Rather, my thesis is that the author/s of John may have used Mark from memory, writing deliberately to reverse the apocalyptic tendencies found in the Second Gospel. Isolated incidents of this possible reversal demonstrate little, but this paper proposes that the cumulative force of many such reversals supports the thesis of John's possible knowledge of Mark.
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THE FOURTH GOSPEL’S REVERSAL OF MARK IN JOHN 13,31‒14,3
The question remains as to whether or not John has used Mark
or tradition common with Mark. This cannot be conclusively an-
swered from the evidence. What can be stated is that the evangelists
have similar overall purposes in using the prediction. The differ-
ences in language and positioning in John can be explained by his
desire to use the story to illustrate 13,33. Given the evidence of
other elements common to both narratives, we can say that it is pos-
sible that John knew the pericope from Mark and repositioned and
reworded it to suit his own purposes.
We have examined evidence of three motifs common to Mark
and John: teaching on commandment; following after Jesus; and the
prediction of Peter’s denial. Each taken alone does not constitute
strong evidence of John’s use of Mark, as similarities can be ex-
plained in other ways. However, taken together they constitute much
stronger evidence of a possible connection, and therefore the fact
that all three motifs are present in both evangelists is significant. As-
suming John has made use of Mark, differences could be explained
as deliberate changes made by John for his own purposes. The case
can be made for a reasonable possibility, but no stronger claim can
be made at this point.
III. John 14,1-3: The Father’s House
The Johannine Jesus makes his devastating prediction concern-
ing Peter and then moves on immediately to an exhortation, stated
in the plural to the entire group. It forms an inclusio with verse 27.
The distress in view is the imminent, violent departure of Jesus. In
the midst of the terror that will soon engulf them, Jesus’ exhortation
is to stop allowing their hearts to be in turmoil, and to keep on be-
lieving 64. The link between the Father and Jesus is a consistent
theme in John. The disciples are urged to cling to their faith in God
and by doing so also continue to believe in Jesus, who is one with
his Father (14,10-11) 65.
The narrative works to inspire faith, as Jesus gives his followers
a reason to continue trusting in the midst of turmoil. Jesus’ departure
means that he can return to his Father’s house and prepare it for his
BEASLEY-MURRAY, John, 249.
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SCHNACKENBURG, John, III, 59.
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