Session 263 brings us to a familiar phrase seen throughout the new testament, “so the scriptures might be fulfilled.” Like all sessions our attempt is to understand this phrase in reference to what John is communicating through his gospel account.  

In session 262 the Moot Men examine what John is calling his audience to examine. The reason for his call is so that his audience may believe. And according to John, belief can occur as his audience ponders what John has placed right here in front of them.  

In session 261 the Moot Men enter a new space in John’s account. We can call it “the other side of death.” From here we examine this space from the perspective of our own experience and from what the New Testament writers collective refer to as union with Christ.  

In session 260B the Moot Men take a second look at “It is finished.” In our last session we examined this phrase through the lens of John’s intent expressed throughout his gospel account. In this session we see how this phrase is best understood in relation to the New Testament’s stated outcome for humanity. To […]

In session 260A the Moot Men arrive at “It is finished.” This phrase has been thought about, examined, spoken, discussed and debated throughout church history, possibly as much or more than any of His spoken words. This morning we look at John 19:30, from the first of two perceptions, what did the writer want us, […]

In session 259 the Moot Men examine two phrases spoken from the cross which point towards completion and what completion means according to Jesus. We then move into discussion drawing questions and comments regarding what this means for us today.  

In session 258 the Moot Men take a look at the third image John provides his readers, a small gathering at the foot of the cross. Viewing the cross as revelation we here see the relentless love of God in relation to the connected human community. We see what Jesus called out for His disciple. […]

In session 257 the Moot Men take a look at the second image John provides his readers. A group of soldiers are busy, planning, negotiating and cooperating towards a workable solution. While at this same moment these same soldiers are the active agents administering torture to an innocent man. What’s wrong with this picture?  

In session 256 The Moot Men take a look at Pilate’s inscription. His signage, written in three languages, posted to be seen by all and challenged by the religious community, stands without change.  

In session 255B the Moot Men examine what we are calling the backside of the cross. We join the multitudes who have analyzed, thought about, discussed and many times debated over what happened at the cross. From this realization we humbly submit our take on how to understand this pivotal moment within our human history. […]

In session 255A the Moot Men arrive at the first of cross detail as provided by John. Each Gospel writer provided detail at this moment in their narrative for their particular reasons. Thus what John has provided to his readers has purpose we plan to explore. Today and next week we examine verses 17 and […]

In session 254 the Moot Men arrive at the cross, where verse 16 states “So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.” When you think about how much of our Christian theology is based on this moment, verse 16, in John’s account arrives surprisingly short and undescriptive. Thanks for joining in as […]

In session 253 the Moot Men continue through this technical section of John’s Gospel account. As we view these final moments before Pilate’s handoff there are four players who draw our attention. We analyze each then discuss.  

In session 252 the Moot Men begin a technical section of John’s Gospel account. What is meant is a slowing down is advisable in order to engage what John is attempting to communicate. Today we look at the Passover, the context for this occasion. How we think about the passover is how we think about […]

In session 251 the Moot Men examine loss, what it is, why it is and how we humans respond to this reality. We observe loss occurring to Pilate. We then broaden to observe loss’s role within our modern everyday existence.  

In this session the Moot Men examine Pilate’s migration from inner tension to melt down. In contrast Jesus remains in the background, the recipient of unjust and brutal treatment, demonstrating an entirely different way. On an earlier occasion He calls it His Kingdom. And His Kingdom is everything about freedom.  

Unique to John’s Gospel account is the extended interaction between Jesus and Pilate. This is no accident. We ask, What was John’s intent? There are numerous opinions hovering around questions of Jesus’s nature, the historical political context and the overall purpose of the cross. Thanks for joining in as the Moot Men examine and discuss. […]

The Moot Men begin chapter 19 of John’s gospel account by continuing to examine Pilate, his dialog with Jesus, his resulting internal conflict and interaction with the crowd. The author provides detail of this interaction which informs how to think about what is about to occur.  

Within John’s Gospel account there is exclusive detail regarding the interaction between Pilate and Jesus. This we don’t see in the other Gospels. There are reasons the author chose to shape his account this way. We, as the readers are intended to see something. Through slowing down, analysis and discussion the Moot Men seek to […]

In this session the Moot Men arrive and discuss Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” We are aware that John’s presentation of the interaction between Pilate and Jesus is quite different than the Synoptic presentation. We are also quite aware of the general perception of Pilate among the larger commentator community. Thanks for joining us as […]