John 21 tells of the “miraculous draught of fishes.” The disciples fish all night and catch
nothing. In the morning, they fail to recognize Jesus on the shore, instructing them to cast their net
again. After an amazing catch and subsequent breakfast, Jesus thrice questions Peter’s love and
commissions him to “feed my sheep.”
Using Narrative Criticism, this study examines this recognition scene, specifically in light of
recognition scenes in Genesis. Previous work used primarily Greco-Roman texts to analyze
Johannine recognition. This study adds the Hebraic perspective, asking, “How would a reader, well
acquainted with Genesis, understand recognition in John 21?”
This study labels characters who withhold recognition from others as “manipulators,” and
argues that biblical recognition can be understood within a context of “manipulation.” It proposes a
taxonomy of manipulation with six narrative kernels. This yields four patterns gleaned from Genesis:
1) Manipulation narratives are focused around chosen leaders—manipulators—undergoing a
character development process; 2) These manipulators disempower others while empowering
themselves for gain; 3) Genesis manipulation stories often contain evocative déjà vu motifs:
repetitive words and themes connecting the units, reinforcing the story, and sometimes haunting
manipulators; 4) Manipulators are often “counter-manipulated” in a reciprocal manner ironically
similar to their own previous behavior. This may correct and transform the manipulator.
The taxonomy and patterns are applied to John 21:1-19 as a lens for a new reading. The
study also examines Greek diminutives in John 21, which enhances the reading. This reading
characterizes Peter’s earlier behavior in John 18 as manipulative, when he withheld his identity three
times. When the disciples go aimlessly fishing in John 21, Jesus actively withholds his identity in
ironic counter-manipulation, mirroring Peter’s earlier denials. The disciples’ lack of recognition
underscores their dullness, especially Peter’s. Jesus’ three questions to Peter continue the ironic counter-manipulation, paralleling Peter’s earlier three denials. Finally, Jesus predicts Peter will
glorify God in his death, indicating his future turn toward ideal discipleship. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/9922 |
| Date | 02 1900 |
| Creators | Lowdermilk, David Eric |
| Contributors | Jacobs, Margaretha Maria, 1948-, Culpepper, R. Alan |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (330 p.) |
| Rights | University of South Africa |
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