In session 162 we examine two groups of people. The first are seeking to see. The second claim they see clearly. However, and as we have discussed prior, what one sees has much to do with what one brings to the occasion. In this session we are invited into observing just how absurd one’s perception […]

In this session we look at how Jesus responds to Judas’s rebuttal in regard to Mary’s act of anointing. What we discover is a very different intent and use of His directive to “Leave her alone.” Through observation we start to understand what Jesus is inviting His followers into and some of the how in […]

Session 160 describes the beautiful story of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus. This story has become familiar even to the casual reader. What’s interesting about this occasion is the matter of perspective, the underlying why and where our minds go as readers of this story. We plan to examine this story in reference to […]

In session 159 the Moot Men ponder what it is like to face pending doom. In our story we see Jesus headed to Jerusalem for the last time fully aware that His own crucifixion awaits. On the other hand we see Him invited to and attending a dinner party during His layover in Bethany. This […]

In today’s session the Moot Men begin chapter 12 of John’s Gospel account. At the end of chapter 11, Jesus remains as a scapegoated victim as the text reads, “near the wilderness” echoing Leviticus 16. It is here at the opening of chapter 12 we see something quite remarkable, certainly attention worthy to the first […]

Today the Moot Men examine what is happening back in Jerusalem as it relates to what we have seen prior. There are two groups of people. One group is in preparation for the coming Passover festivities. The Other is tactically planning how to arrest Jesus. Both groups represent what scapegoating practices look like.  

In session 156, we examine one verse which we view as at least one result of Caiaphas’s resolve as stated in 11:49-53. What we see before us is what the practice of scapegoating creates. It’s clear that Jesus has been scapegoated by the temple leaders in Jerusalem. Here we observe two resulting aspects of this […]

In session 155D, we wrap up discussion of this key text by looking at Jesus through the lens of what Rene Girard labeled as Mimetic desire. As we look at the life of Jesus we are mystified by His language regarding how He describes His relationship with the father. In a general sense we can […]

In session 155C, still looking into this key statement by Caiaphas, we as a group are introduced to 20th century anthropologist and philosopher Rene Girard who helps us by giving language to what Caiaphas is talking about as here stated in John 11:49-53. Join in as we learn about how Girard describes the scapegoat framework […]

Now as we arrive at the end of Jesus’ public ministry the Moot Men take a brief look back at the whole book and in relation to the writer’s stated intent as described within John 20:30-31. Caiaphas’s words as stated here is 11:49-53 have bearing in relation to John’s stated intent. We plan to camp […]

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 […]

In session 154 we observe the witness outcome. There are two. One group witnesses the raising of Lazarus from the dead and as the text reads, they, “believed in Him.” The second group witness the same event but unlike the first, they leave Bethany, travel the short distance to Jerusalem to report to the temple […]

In session 153, the moot men take a look at then discuss this familiar portion of John’s gospel account where Lazarus is raised from the dead. We collectively ponder the words of Jesus and Martha’s response during this painful interaction. Thanks for your interest.  

In session 152B, we analyze the two responses demonstrated by the crowd. One portion identifies Jesus as empathetic but like themselves, powerless in regard to anything beyond entering into the grief of the moment. The other portion of the crowd recognizes Jesus as unique in that He could have prevented the death. However, this group […]

Session 152A, after a bit of post pandemic technical struggle in regard it our second attempt to a hybrid meeting, we do launch into the text to review Mary’s encounter with Jesus followed by Jesus’s response. As indicated in the discussion, there are wide opinions regarding what emotions Jesus was experiencing at this painful time […]

Session 151 is about joining in with others during times of loss. You may be asking, “Why the resistance inside of me? Why do I balk, not engage, avoid painful occasions? You are not alone. Join us for this helpful video discussion. I think you will find it insightful and helpful.  

In session 150 we examine Martha’s response to Jesus’s pointed question, “do you believe this?” His question seems harsh given the context. However, and as we have discussed, Jesus perceives differently. So therefore it is His question and the response happening at this most grievous time which we are most interested in.  

Today’s study brings us to Jesus’s fourth I am statement within this Gospel account. His statement is made within the context of an extremely painful human event, common to all. Lazarus has died. Within this death event Jesus moves toward and engages human suffering. As we will see, when all appears lost, all is not […]

In today’s session, We dive into the relationship between Belief and Understanding. In John’s Gospel account we see Jesus inviting people into belief. However, much of my experience has been in formulating understanding so I can then have a proper belief. Well, what is the relationship between these two important words. Let’s take a look. […]