In verse 53, Jesus' language shocks everyone, and inspires criticism of Christianity for years to come.  How can we understand this verse properly?  Also note that Jesus continues to turn right-side-up how we consider the material world and the soul.  https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=26483931

What is a common misconception that Jesus addresses in this passage? How should we think differently about the kingdom of heaven? What language is supposed to make us stop in our tracks? What are the key things to remember about predestination/election? What is this about Jesus being the bread of life?  What does that mean? … Continue reading Podcast: John 6:36-51

The crowds wonder how Jesus got across the sea.  How do these people compare with Israel of the Old Testament?  How are they similar to Nicodemus and the woman at the well?   What important contrasts does Jesus identify in this passage, to reorient their thinking? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=26472444

This chapter of John tells of the feeding of the 5,000, which the other three Gospels also include in their accounts.  What special details are in the Gospel of John?    What about Jesus walking on water?  How could we respond to critics who say this didn't really happen, or is exaggerated?  https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=26472411

In this passage, Jesus discusses the witnesses to him.  Who is Jesus calling out here?  What about Jesus' words would shock his audience? Could these verses be John's counterpart to Matthew 23's "woe" section? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=26429835

How was Jesus "loosening" the Sabbath? Consider verse 19.  Does Jesus have a free will? How does this instruct us for how we might live? Look at verse 24. Can we be confident in eternal life? How do verses 24-29 give us clarity about the Last Day? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=26413167

In the account of the healing at the pool of Bethesda, here are some questions we consider: Why do we read so often of Jesus healing on the Sabbath? What do Jesus' words to the man in verse 14 reveal about the man and his situation? What about verse 4?  Why is it missing in … Continue reading Podcast: John 5:1-16

After the account of the woman at the well, we read of the Capuranum official with the sick son.  Why does Jesus often push back on people who come to Him for help? As mentioned in this episode, I've done a study of when the words "it is necessary" and "unless" are included in the … Continue reading Podcast: John 4:39-54

Witness the change in the woman's attitude in verses 28 and 29. When Jesus' disciples urge him to eat, what is the food that Jesus speaks of?  What gives Jesus energy?  How does this help explain the forty days of fasting in the wilderness? What is the meaning of the short parable in this passage?  … Continue reading Podcast: John 4:27-38

The account of the woman at the well continues.  Where is her mind stuck?  How is she similar to Nicodemus from the previous chapter?  How can we learn from her situation? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=26288673