The St. John Passion Research Paper

Theology in The St. John Passion
Eric T. Chafe writes that “music scholarship has recognized that the structure of the (St. John) Passion...was carefully designed with a great deal of musico-theological intent.” That is to say, Bach was very purposeful in his efforts to portray John's theological message through his music. This differs from his approach in the St. Matthew Passion, where a more Lutheran theology is presented. This is intriguing to note because “in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries the distinguishing characteristics of the different gospels did not constitute a major interest of theology,” and “the work seems modern in its giving Johannine characteristics equality with, and even precedence over, Lutheran ones.”
The theological message of John's Passion is rooted in the viewpoint that the crucifixion of Jesus was a “triumphant event.” Jesus is glorified on the cross and in his death, not just in the resurrection. There is a major
John Passion is that it “treats virtually every adverse event of the Johannine narrative in terms of its benefit for mankind.” Again speaking of the “royal inscription,” Bach uses the concluding chorale from this point of the narrative, In meines Herzens Grunde, to show the listener that Christ is a comfort in distress, that one can be happy. The focus of Christ's suffering is not to urge guilt, but, as said before, awe. This awe translates into a profound appreciation for what Christ has done for the listener. Faith is urged “as the route to understanding the meaning of the Passion; the chorale In meines Herzens Grunde expresses the internalizing of the meaning of the crucifixion and the 'royal inscription.'” The chorale, Durch dein Gefängnis, from earlier in the Passion, shows Jesus's “imprisonment” as setting the listener free. There is an immediacy to mankind's receiving of faith; “Man is the direct...passive beneficiary of the victorious death of the