This is the gospel of poetry and visionary insight.

On the tiny stage of Galilee and Jerusalem, John saw the cosmic drama entering its final act. Phrophets need no longer look to heaven for visions: all that there is to know of God and of his plan for humankind is here, played out in the life and death of Jesus.

John sounds ever greater depths and gives voice to truths unreached by the fever of action, the analysis of evidence or the sweep of history. If this is the last act in the drama, when and where was the first?

John must speak of "eternal life" and of death's defeat here and now. John's Jesus knows all that is to happen. He knows everything and is in complete control, not least of his death itself: It is fulfilled.