Perth Bible College, Sydney College of Divinity
Reinterpreting John’s Passion Imagery: Contemporary Perceptions of God: Through ‘Christian’ and ‘Midrashic’ Hermeneutics
The scene of blood and water flowing from Christ’s wounded side (John 19) raised theological-Christological questions. By (re)examining the interpretations of Origen in his Homeliae in Leviticum and the Cave of Treasure, a non-canonical text of Midrashic style, I will explore the rich meaning behind this emblematic episode. The study focuses on the soteriological nuances of the blood and water imagery, shedding light on how these ancient texts may still speak today. In a world deeply divided by various ideological positions, there are fundamental questions about the role of stories centring upon Jesus and their relevance to understanding God and his presence in a modern world. Do these stories still speak to our contemporary reality? By employing exegetical reflections from Origen and the Cave of Treasure, the paper highlights the shared biblical ground and proof-texting methodologies used by these ancient interpreters. Through allegorical and figural readings, along with rich Scriptural references, the paper offers a deep and diversified theological reflection that places the scene of the pierced side of Jesus into a central position within the Gospel of John. In conclusion, this study seeks to give Jesus a renewed voice in our contemporary world through these profound stories. By unravelling the theological depth of the blood and water imagery, this paper aims to shed light on how these ancient texts transcend ideological divisions, inviting contemporary readers to encounter and perceive the divine anew and discover the enduring relevance of this experience in shaping our understanding of God beyond ideology.