Includes bibliographical references (pages 373-405) and index.

Jesus: the life-giving revealer -- John: witness par excellence -- The world: enveloped in darkness but loved by god -- "The Jews": Jesus' opponents par excellence -- Andrew and Philip: finders of people -- Simon Peter: a shepherd in the making -- Nathanael: the genuine Israelite -- The mother of Jesus: a catalyst in his ministry -- Nicodemus: in the twilight zone -- The Samaritan woman: an unexpected bride -- The royal official: his word is enough for me -- The invalid at the pool: a lame response -- The crowd: a faceless, divided mass -- The twelve: slow but sticky -- Judas Iscariot: the black sheep of the family -- The man born blind: once I was blind but now I see -- Martha: the ideal Johannine confessor -- Mary of Bethany: at Jesus' feet -- Lazarus: the dead shall hear his voice -- Thomas: let me see and touch -- The beloved disciple: the unique eyewitness -- Pilate: securing a hollow victory -- Mary Magdalene: recognizing the shepherd's voice -- Joseph of Arimathea: faith and fear.