The Johannine Presentation of Jesus’ Leadership in John 21: A Historical-Critical and Literary-Critical Study of John 21:1-23

This doctoral research project is an attempt to investigate whether and, if so, what the gospel of John can contribute to the 'leadership crisis' of today's society. The review of scholarship shows that a plethora of literature exists on leadership studies in the New Testament on the leadership roles of Paul, Peter, John and Jesus. However, most leadership studies on Jesus are spiritual and pastoral in orientation. Only a few scholars who engage in studying Jesus' leadership treat Jesus as a servant leader, referring to Mt 20:24-28 and Mk 10:42-52 in the Synoptic Gospels and to John 13 in the gospel of John. Moreover, scholars who are not biblical exegetes but experts in business and communication present Jesus as a transformational leader in John 21, making use of contemporary leadership theories and the "inner texture" analysis of socio-rhetorical criticism. An assessment of the survey of scholarship reveals that the topic of leadership is a neglected one in Biblical Studies. There is hardly anyone who treats the leadership of Jesus in John 21 in terms of empowerment and through historical-critical, biblical-theological and hermeneutical perspectives. This research focuses on the question of how Jesus exhibits his leadership in John 21 in relation to John 1-20. This project defends that John 21 presents Jesus as a leader who challenges, strengthens and transforms Peter to lead the community of disciples. This understanding of leadership is based on love, made visible in serving others in humility and integrity (Jesus' dealing with Peter), and thus empowers the disciples to become future leaders.

Publication year:2021

Accessibility:Closed