Talking John

Episode 17 - Counting Sheep and Penguins Scripture: John 10:1-42 Description: In this episode, we account for sheep and penguins.  It turns out, they both need to hear the voice of the one who loves them. We do too.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: Whose voice would you recognize in any time or place? Why is that voice meaningful or noticeable to you? What was somet...

Episode 16 - I Once Was Blind Scripture: John 9:1-41 Description: In this Chapter, a favorite of John White’s, we look at the healing of the blind man, and the subsequent negative reaction that occurs all around him.  We then ask questions about who was really blind in this story.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: Why do you think there was so little celebration for...

Episode 15 - The Darkness Will Not Overwhelm Scripture: John 8:12-59 Description: We discuss the rising conflict between Jesus and the Jewish Leaders. We also address how Chapter 8 has falsely and tragically been used to justify anti-semitism.  And we will close out this chapter reflecting on damaging theologies around suicide. If you or someone you love is considering suicide, call or text the su...

Episode 14 - Stoned Scripture: John 8:1-11 Description: We stay focused on the story of the woman caught in adultery, who John White names Sindy. We recognize that all of us at one time or another have picked up a stone to hurl at others, and we name some of those stones that we hurl.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What do you love about this story, and what bothe...

Episode 13 - Water Thicker than Blood Scripture: John 7:1-53 Description: In this episode, we learn some background on the Festival of Tabernacles (aka the Festival of Booths).  We also discuss the potential sibling rivalry between Jesus and his brothers. Then we consider how we all judge one another on external conditions - where we grew up, what our schooling level is, etc. and challenge us all...

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 fo...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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?...

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’ s...

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...

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 s...

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 y...

Scripture: John 1:19-51 Description: Jesus has the ability to see and know us beyond external appearances. We look at the call of the disciples in this first Chapter of John and what it means for us to be seen like this. We also lift up some aspects of servant leadership, particularly the willingness to let others shine.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What are you...

In this first episode, Dr. John White Jr. , Chancellor Emeritus for the University of Arkansas, and Rev. Dr. Michelle J. Morris, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Bentonville, discuss the personal and professional connections they both have to the Gospel of John, before then diving into the Prologue of the Fourth Gospel, John 1:1-18.   Questions to consider if you are using this podc...