Source: Brian Neil Peterson, John’s Use of Ezekiel: Understanding the Unique Perspective of the Fourth Gospel (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015), 33–63.
2. Two Messengers, One Pattern.mp4
John 1 and Ezekiel 1–3 Juxtaposed.wav
This topic argues that the Gospel of John's opening chapter, often called the Prologue, intentionally mirrors themes and literary devices found in Ezekiel's initial vision (Ezekiel 1-3) to introduce Jesus. The author highlights numerous parallels, including the exalted language describing divine beings, the use of creation and light imagery, the introduction of a prophetic witness, and a pervasive rejection motif. By comparing how both texts describe divine presence dwelling with humanity, the significance of glory, and the use of symbolic language like "Son of Man," the text suggests that John draws heavily on Ezekiel to portray Jesus as the embodiment of God's revealed word and presence. This approach helps explain some unique aspects of John's Gospel compared to the others.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
This opening to the Gospel of John is one of the most recognized and theologically profound passages in all of literature. For centuries, readers have seen it as a unique, powerful declaration of Jesus's divine nature, often linking its philosophical language to Greek thought.
But what if this familiar prologue isn’t a completely unique creation? What if it, and the entire first chapter, is a deliberate and intricate parallel to the opening vision of an older, notoriously complex Old Testament prophet: Ezekiel?