John of Capernaum, the disciple
Not to be confused with John the Scribe.
Scribe[1] from Capernaum or the nearby surroundings. He listens to Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount and decides to feed the crowd coming down for the Sabbath in Capernaum. Master of the healed leper whom he was feeding,[2] he decides to Follow Jesus and becomes a disciple.
However, he withdraws after the discourse on the Bread of Life,[3] before becoming involved in the plot of Chuza to make Jesus a king.
"I do not reproach you, because I know that you do not want this, spontaneously. It is Deceit, it is the Enemy who is working in you, and you are, without being aware of it, entirely dominated by him."[4]
Later he is found as a witness of the resurrection of Lazarus,[5] where he is listed among those favorable to Jesus.
Character and appearance[edit | edit source]
Imposing appearance, noble aspect.
"«He is really a just man» says one.
«Yes, indeed. I do not know how he can be the friend of others» remarks another one.
«He is swathed in scruples and rules like a baby, but he is not a bad man» concludes a third one."[6]
Apostolic journey[edit | edit source]
Although part of the group of disciples, he is not chosen among the seventy-two sent on mission because of his role as a scribe:
"I have kept some of them for prudential reasons, not because I disdain them. They will be staying with Me and I will soon send them as I am now sending the first seventy-two disciples."[7]
John the scribe says:
Must I destroy what I have, thus depriving my family of what is due to them?» «No. God gave you some property. Let it be useful to Justice and make just use of it. That is, assist your family by means of it, which is your duty; treat your servants humanely, and that is charity; help the poor and the poor disciples in need. Your wealth thus will not be a hindrance, but an aid."[8]
His name[edit | edit source]
Yohanân means "the Eternal has given Grace, has been favorable." Historical reference: a fairly common name among characters of the Old Testament without any one standing out particularly.
Where is he talked about in the work?[edit | edit source]
GRM 275 GRM 276 GRM 277 GRM 278 GRM 279 GRM 281
Notes and references[edit | edit source]
- ↑ There are two John scribes (GRM 464) in Jesus' entourage: John the Scribe, seen at the multiplication of the loaves, and the other - this one described here - feeds the people as they come down from the Mount of Beatitudes (GRM 548). There could therefore be confusion between the different biographies.
- ↑ GRM 175
- ↑ GRM 354
- ↑ GRM 464.8.
- ↑ GRM 548
- ↑ GRM 175.5.
- ↑ GRM 278.6.
- ↑ GRM 276.2.