The joy of seeing Christ: a thematic study of joy in the Gospel of John

Abstract

An investigation of the recurring references to joy in the fourth Gospel brings to light that joy is developed in the Gospel as a distinct theme. This theme is developed in typical Johannine style within a spiral-like pattern, with its climax in the joy of seeing Jesus as the risen Lord. Furthermore, starting with Abraham in the Old Testament and climaxing in Jesus’ appearance after his resurrection, joy in the fourth Gospel is evolved within the broad theological framework of God’s covenant and his kingdom.