“And the Word became flesh”

1. What does John mean in 1:14, “and the Word became flesh”? Identify the symbolism in the
   expression and explain what John might mean by these words? Why do you think it was
   necessary to John that "the Word became flesh"? What view was John probably combatting?
2. What does it mean to say that Jesus is the light of the world?
3. In John 3:4, Nicodemus says, “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus
   asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” what
   problem in thinking does Nicodemus have? What does it mean “to be born again”?
4. How does the story of Nicodemus express the Fourth Gospels characteristic richness in
   symbolism, missed connections (misunderstandings), and double meanings? Give examples
   from the story of Nicodemus.
5. In the story of Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), one might say that it reflects a way of seeing the
   Christian life as a relational and transformational vision. How is Nicodemus a representation of a
   relational and transformational view?
6. If you watch or attend many major sporting events, you have probably seen people holding up a
   sign with the words "John 3:16" written on it. Why do you think that that verse is the one often
   chosen? I am looking for your thoughtful opinion on this.
7. What is the relation of the water which Jesus speaks of in 4:13-15 to the water which the
   woman seeks from Jacob’s well? What are some of the things contemporary society can learn
   from the dialogue between Jesus and the woman?
8. Luke traces the genealogy of Jesus to Adam and God? How is it different from Matthew’s
   genealogy and what is the significance of each genealogy (Luke’s and Matthew’s)?
9. What does it mean to say that Paul’s letters are occasional?
10. What are the three classifications of Paul's letters? Explain how the division of Paul's letters
    depends on the concept of pseudepigraphy.

Section B: answer all the questions, 250 words for each one.

1. What is the Synoptic Problem? What is the four-source hypothesis? Do you find the four-source
   theory convincing? Why? If not, can you formulate another plausible (historical) scenario?
2. What is the messianic secret? How does it function in the Gospel of Mark? In other words, why
   does Jesus insist on maintaining the secrecy of his identity? Be able to explain at least four
   reasons.

Sample Solution