In session 155A we arrive at an important interpretive juncture within John’s gospel account. Here Caiaphas, the high priest makes a statement which is a key to understanding what John intended his first century audience to grasp. Buried within his statement is the idea of Jesus as a scapegoat. Over the next few sessions, the […]

After two stress free days within a remote place, Jesus drops the other shoe by stating to His disciples to pack up, time to go to Judea. His directive is met by opposition from his followers. Jesus then provides a short parable regarding the light of day. The question for you and me is this. […]

In session 130 we examine the escalating dissension as demonstrated by those who witnessed this dramatic healing. The presence of the begging man born blind was well known to many. He is now fully functioning with complete sight but being pummeled with questions regarding how this all happened. What could have been a celebration of […]

Today we introduce a short series within this study focused on the subject of devil. Here in this verse, we see Jesus saying to the crowd, “you are of your father, the devil.” In the prior verses He has pointed out to this same crowd that they are responding from a different source, or as […]

In today’s session we analyze a puzzling response to Jesus by a portion of the Temple Leaders. During our sessions one question keeps surfacing. This question is “why the disconnect between what Jesus is offering and what the crowd is hearing.” We must accept that Jesus is attempting to be clear in His communication. Then […]

Today we examine two polar responses in regard to the words and works of Jesus. What is interesting to me is that public opinion is so extremely divided. There is no moderate position stated. The same appears to be true as I observe response in regard to our contemporary social and political context. Why so […]

Genesis 50:22-26 As we read the last few verses of the book of Genesis two key ideas stand out. The first being, death, represented by the coffin in Egypt and the second being that God’s promise is still on. At first reading these two appear to be in conflict with each other primarily because death […]

Genesis 50:15-21 Today we wrap up our discussion regarding the power of memories. We have looked at how memories can either bind us from moving forward or on the contrary, release us into an entirely new context. After a short review the Moot Men will go into table time to discuss one question which is […]

Genesis 50:15-21 Today we turn the tables to view Joseph’s response to the blast from the past. Joseph’s view of the past is entirely different thus prompting a contrasting response. Let’s now look at Joseph’s words and actions. As we do so, hopefully we can gain understanding of the freeing power of forgiveness.     […]

Genesis 50:15-21 We look today at life in Jacob’s family after the funeral. All have returned from Canaan. Life in Egypt is returning to normal. However, a dragon from the past raises it’s head. Let’s take a look together as we examine how the brothers interact in regard to their past.       Download […]

Genesis 50:12-14 Memories are powerful informers. They shape how we view the past. They influence key decision junctures which then sets the course for the days ahead. Memories can have a releasing effect, allowing freedom to move into new unexplored territory. Conversely, memories can have a binding effect holding one captive to the same limited […]

Genesis 50:4-11 Have you ever been forced to a full stop. What I mean is this; life is moving along, all things appear to be in order, then out of left field, an overwhelming occurrence, often a severe blow that brings your world to a complete stop. Let’s talk about it.       Download […]

Genesis 50:1-3 We begin chapter 50 by observing a burst of emotion as Joseph morns the death of his father. Quickly following, Joseph orders the burial preparations to begin. This brief snapshot opens for us a discussion regarding grief and how people journey through this brutal reality of life.       Download Session 193.MP3 […]

Genesis 49:33b The last phrase of chapter 49 reads that Jacob “was gathered to his people.” This phrase is found seven times only in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), and all in reference to the patriarchs. It’s a phrase full of meaning pointing to something much larger of which we will […]

Genesis 49:33a Today we wrap-up our look at the moment of Jacob’s death. This discussion has raised opportunity for each of us to ponder our planning process regarding our own death. Several great questions have been fielded and discussed regarding this subject. Today, after a brief introduction, we will introduce our table topic. I hope […]

Genesis 49:33a Today we resume our study with a look at the very moment Jacob expires. The language of the text is interesting. It creates an image that you may very well be familiar with reminding you of a time when you said your last goodby to a loved one. Let’s take a look at […]

Genesis 49:33a Today we take a short break from our study to hear from John White. John has recently moved to Fort Collins to be near family. He and I were connected through a mutual friend. Listen in to John’s story as he allows us all to get to know him better.       […]

Genesis 49:29-33 When we hear of someone speaking their very last words our ears perk up ready to listen. I suppose we do so because we expect to learn something of value or to gain insight into some wisdom to assist in our remaining journey. Today we examine Jacob’s very last words. In so doing, […]

Genesis 49:28, Jacob’s Blessings, Part 26 Today we complete our examination of the theological implications of Jacob’s blessings to his twelve sons. It is clear from the Genesis text that the blessings point forward. In order to explore this meaning, our method has been to trace the idea of blessing throughout the Bible in order […]

Genesis 49:28, Jacob’s Blessings, Part 25 Today we examine the theological implications of Jacob’s blessings to his twelve sons as recorded in Genesis 49. Our method will be to trace the idea of blessing throughout the Bible in order to correlate the idea to what we see later coming to fullness in and through Jesus […]