In week 289 the Moot Men depart from the far bookend as described at the end of chapter 20 toward what John describes as life in Him, chapter 21. We begin with Peter and the others going fishing. Thanks for joining in.
We have identified the promise of life as the main emphasis throughout John’s Gospel. Today we look at what life was like for the first century readers, how many of us framed this as readers in the 20th century and what John meant to express when he wrote about life.
At week 287 we arrive at my attempt to state what I think this book has been about. This session is a build-out to one final graphic which is designed to express the intent of John’s Gospel. I hope you find this helpful.
Continuing with John’s stated purpose, we examine his second statement, that you may believe that Jesus is “The Son of God.” This is often read as a request to accept and acknowledge a categorical positioning. But as demonstrated throughout his book, John’s intent is much fuller.
John is clear about his purpose for writing his gospel account. His first statement is, “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.” Today the Moot Men examine what John meant in relation to what he has written.
In week 284, the Moot Men arrive at a destination unique in that John tells us why he wrote his gospel account. Our arrival grants us some time to reflect on where we have been and to introduce 20:30-31 in relation to what John has written.
The Moot Men arrive at Jesus’s response to Thomas. This verse is often read as a mild rebuke of Thomas. But given what we have seen in the person of Jesus and especially His post resurrection encounters, might there be a different way to read this? Thanks for joining.
Jesus responds to Thomas. And through His response we can gain valuable insight in how to interact with others, especially while in a contrary situation. Thanks for joining.
This week the Moot Men look at Jesus entering the room for a second time to address His fear stricken disciples. In my earlier years I read this from the lens, “Why don’t they get it.” I now read it quite differently, “What is true of them has been true of me.” Thanks for joining. […]
After a month break, the Moot Men dive into John 20:24-25. In this session the well known Thomas takes center stage. His name means twin, but twin of who? And this is where the fun begins.
In this session, Jesus addresses the subject of forgiving sin and retaining sin. Within the believing community there is a high regard to forgive others. However, we often find ourselves surrounded by un-forgiveness. Today we explore this question by asking ourselves to examine, “What pre-qualifications do I tend to place within the picture before I […]
In John 20:21-23 Jesus interacts with his terrified disciples. Their world had been turned upside down. Jesus greets them with “Peace, be with you.” In our second look at this section Jesus says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The Moot Men examine His meaning.
Jesus enters the locked room where fear dominates. His first words are, “Peace be with you.” What follows is a three part “what next”. Today the Moot Men examine the first.
Mary has reported to the disciples about her encounter with the resurrected Christ. It is night. The doors are shut. Fear dominates the room. Jesus enters. Speaks peace, then shows the frightened disciples the scars. What was true at that time is true today in multiply ways and circumstances. Jesus continues to enter locked rooms. […]
In session 275 Mary moves from clinging to telling. Her self-created narrative which held her in suspension has now been changed into movement, hope and witness. This one verse carries much for the modern reader to think about. Thanks for joining us.
Before we move from John 20:17, The Moot Men take a look at an analogy designed to help us understand this transitional section within John’s Gospel account. What do we do with Mary’s clinging? And what do we do with Jesus’s response? We hope this analogy helps.
In session 273 The Moot Men take a second look at John 20:17, the exchange itself, Mary’s action, Jesus’s response and Mary’s commission. Through understanding this interaction as a transition in relationship and as a glimpse into the ascension itself, we can gain appreciation into what it means to be a follower of Jesus today. […]
In session 272 The Moot Men arrive at a puzzling encounter accompanied with an important transition. It’s puzzling because the way Jesus respond to Mary is in a way we would not expect. But seated within this short exchange is transition in relationship which is calling us to pay attention. Because as we listen in […]
In session 271, Mary at the tomb suffering loss, her explanation firmly fixed, continues to stay engaged within this moment. And this is what captures us. Instead of shutting down she remains open. And this is where grace enters.
In session 270 the camera swings back to Mary at the tomb for the second time on that Sunday morning. She is in grief and confused. She is interacting with two unknown beings. She is so close to what is true but at this juncture unable to see. Mary’s story is our story.