Talking John

Episode 12 - The Chosen
Scripture: John 6:26-70
Description: We are still in these same verses, but didn’t I mention last week that these were difficult teachings? We can’t just fly past them. In this episode, we will dip our toe into the debate around chosenness: are all people chosen by God, or just some? And does the chosen include Judas?
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
What does the word “chosen” mean to you? What emotions does it evoke? What memories do you recall when you hear that word?
Protestantism is broken into 2 camps around election/chosenness: Arminians who believe all are chosen, and Calvinists who believe that only a select few are elected for salvation. Which perspective do you choose to believe, and why?  Having studied the Gospel of John so far, which perspective do you think matches up with this Gospel more, and why?
What does it mean to you to think about Judas as chosen by God?
When does the church need to practice disruption?
Which attitude do you think is more harmful to the church: “We’ve always done it this way,” or “What does church do for me?” What damage does each one do? Is there anything helpful about those perspectives?

Episode 11 - Vampires and Cannibals
Scripture: John 6:26-70
Description: Jesus is hitting the people with a hard teaching - eat his flesh and drink his blood.  Many will turn away because of this teaching, but it will also give theological backbone to a central practice of the church: communion. 
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
If you were in a crowd and had come to hear an acclaimed speaker, and that speaker started telling everyone to eat their flesh and drink their blood, what would you think of that speaker?
If you have never been part of a communion service before, look up online a communion liturgy, and if you have, recall the words of the liturgy.  How does it feel to experience those words for the first time? What questions does it raise for you? Where is it strange and where is it powerful? 
What teachings of Jesus do you find it hard to live with? Why? 
What kind of teaching/learning is more meaningful for you: concrete, practical teaching or metaphorical, poetic teaching?  Why do you think you resonate with that type more?
For you, what is the difference between believing and believing in? 

Episode 10 - Bread and Water
Scripture: John 6:1-21
Description: We look at two miracles (feeding 5000 and walking on water) and recognize that how you describe them matters - and reflects your own point-of-view, whether you are a Gospel writer or reader.
So what do you think: was the feeding of the 5000 a miracle of creation or a miracle of generosity, and why?
What “regular things” have taken on great meaning and power for you? Why do they have that meaning?
Think about your last few weeks and any challenges or opportunities that have been put before you.  Have you reacted more like Philip (doubted it was possible), Andrew (willing to think of ideas but wanted to lay out practical steps), or the little lad (bringing what you had, trusting you could make something of it)? What would it take for you to react like the little lad if you didn’t?
When have you thought God was crazy for believing in you? Or if not God, someone else?
If you have ever had a rival, how would you describe a success they had, especially if it was a time when you did not shine as brightly?
What are some other differences you have noticed in the Gospels? What do those differences tell you? 

Scripture: John 5:1-18
Description: We look now at the healing of the man at the pool of Bethsaida. Does the man want to get well or not? 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
We all have struggles in our lives, physical and mental, and we sometimes deal with them in very different ways. During times of struggle, when have you been receptive to healing, and when have you resisted healing, and why?
Do you think Jesus honors the man’s choices or do you think Jesus takes away the man’s agency in this story? Why do you think what you do?
Where are some places that people do not choose to or like to go that you can still find Jesus?
Have you ever felt like you were treated like an object more than a person? How did that feel?
Have you encountered someone who could not take yes for an answer? How did that approach impact their relationship with other people?
How do you explain your belief in Christ to others?

Episode 8- Live the Difference
Scripture: John 4:1-42
Description: We continue our discussion of the Woman at the Well, this time reflecting on what difference Jesus makes in our lives.  How are we changed, and how do we live differently?
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
What do you think happened to Samanda after Jesus left? Why do you think that?
What constitutes “successful” evangelism?
When has the Holy Spirit revealed something new to you? What effect did that revelation have?
How can you live like Scripture makes a difference in your life? What would change, if anything?

Episode 7 - A Woman of Good Repute
Scripture: John 4:1-42
Description: In this first of two episodes on the Woman at the Well, we correct some mischaracterizations of this woman. How did we get these assumptions? They have more to do with our own judgments than with her.
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
What name would you choose for the Woman at the Well, and why?
When have you or someone you love been mischaracterized? What happened as a result of that mischaracterization?
What is some physical aspect of you that tells people something about you? 
Who has surprised you with knowledge or a background or life story that you didn’t expect them to have? What did you learn?
How can being honest about who we are set us free?
How does Jesus restore us to community?

Scripture: John 3:1-36
Description: We continue our consideration of Nicodemus, and specifically look at what his story means to us. Then we turn to John the Baptist, and look at how we do leadership transitions in a healthy way.
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
If you or someone you know is wrestling with whether or not to be a follower of Jesus, how can Nicodemus’ story be helpful in that journey?
What do you think is more important in faith, doing or being? Why do you feel that way?
How does your Bible translation punctuate the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus? What difference does the punctuation make?
When have you seen a healthy transition of leadership? What made it healthy? When have you seen a terrible transition of leadership? What made it difficult?

Scripture: John 3:1-21
Description: We look at a character that only appears in John’s Gospel, Nicodemus, who turns out to be important to us both and important as we consider the journey of unfolding faith. We begin by considering whether we think Nicodemus ever actually became a true follower of Christ, and then make our way through implications for others in their faith. (Note: This episode is two parts. Look for the next one to release in a week).
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
Do you think Nicodemus becomes a follower of Jesus? Why or why not?
What is the difference among being an admirer of Jesus, a good practitioner of ritual, and a follower of Christ? Where would you put yourself on this spectrum of faith right now?
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, called us to unite knowledge and vital piety - for our intellectual faith to be connected to our heart. Jesus is in some ways putting the same challenge before Nicodemus. How do we find balance in mind and heart in faith?
When do we let the concerns of keeping things the same keep us from stepping into the vision God has for us? How do we overcome that challenge? 
What adjustments have you had to make for Jesus?

Scripture: John 2:13-25
Description: In this episode, we take a moment to think about the limits of interpretation of the Bible, and we discuss how John puts the flipping over table moment at the beginning of the story instead of at the end of the story like the Synoptics.  We also wonder where the line is on making the church a business.
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
When have you had a new understanding of Scripture, particularly a Scripture you have read before? Where do you think that new understanding came from?
When have you heard an interpretation of Scripture that you think exceeds the possibility of meaning?
If you are part of a church, how is your building used, especially during the week?
It we think of ourselves as God’s Temple, what are the implications for how we care for ourselves and each other?

Scripture: John 2:1-12
Description: Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of John was turning water into wine in Cana, a miracle that he might not have even done without the urging of his mother. We look at the practical reality of Jesus through this moment, and also imagine the Eternal Banquet that is yet to come.
 
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
When have you found yourself turning to God because you were in trouble?
When have you done something for God that didn’t make sense?
What do you think the Eternal Banquet will be like? Who will you be happily surprised to see if they are there?