Final answer:
John's Gospel themes include light and darkness, truth, and the Word of God, all of which contribute to a deeper understanding of Jesus as the Light of the World, the divine truth, and the Word made flesh. The resurrection theme emphasizes Christ's victory over death and is echoed in early Christian symbolism through Old Testament stories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major themes in John's Gospel are c) Light and darkness, truth, and the Word of God. These themes are woven throughout the Gospel and are pivotal in understanding the narrative and its significance. The concept of light and darkness is frequently used to represent the presence of Jesus as the Light of the World, contrasting with the spiritual darkness of ignorance and sin. Truth is another key theme, as John presents Jesus as the embodiment of divine truth, offering a way to understand the ultimate reality of God's nature and intentions for humanity. Lastly, the Word of God is a profound theme introduced at the beginning of the Gospel, where Jesus is described as the living Word that became flesh, emphasizing the belief that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human.
The resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of the Gospel, representing hope for eternal life through Jesus's victory over death. This theme connects with early Christian representations of salvation seen in the art of the third century, like the story of Jonah, which is viewed as a symbol of Jesus's resurrection. Moreover, the concept of Jesus as the sacrifice necessary for human salvation is highlighted through His death on the cross and mirrors the Old Testament stories which prefigured Christ's own death and resurrection.