In Mapping Metaphorical Discourse in the Fourth Gospel, Beth M. Stovell examines the
metaphor of Jesus as king throughout the Fourth Gospel using an interdisciplinary metaphor theory incorporating
cognitive and systemic functional linguistic approaches with literary approaches. Stovell argues that the theme of
Jesus as king provides one of the unifying themes of John’s overall message. Examining the place of the Old
Testament metaphors of Messiah, “eternal life/life of the age,” shepherd, and exaltation in the conceptual
metaphorical network of John’s Gospel, Stovell asserts that John’s Gospel describes the just character of Jesus’
kingship, the subversion of power implicit in his crucified form of kingship, and the necessity of response to Jesus as
king and his reign.