I have prescribed to a general process by which forgiveness is enacted. This process includes a transgression of some kind followed by a confessionary process including remorse, followed by forgiveness because of the blood of Christ and through Christ followed by a receiving of forgiveness. I believe this to be true. However, in todays study, […]
In this session we deep dive into primarily verse 5. In this verse the Temple Leaders sight a biblical command and then ask Jesus how He responds. From the text we read that their intent is trickery. Let’s look closely how Jesus responds to their test. More importantly let’s examine how the crowd responds.
After the disbanding which occurred at the end of chapter 7 Jesus makes the trip across the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olive. He spends the night then returns to the Temple Plaza early the next morning. The Temple leaders now bring to Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. They have […]
Today we examine the interaction between the Temple Police and the Temple Officials (those in charge). We notice that the temple police respond much like those we examined prior in chapter 7. The Temple Officials respond in what I call demeaning with the intent to intimidate. All of this raises interesting questions of which we […]
Today we observe three responses to Jesus’s passionate invitation. It’s interesting, but should be of no surprise, that groups of people perceive Jesus differently. Some are more biblical, some less but regardless all are attempting to fit Jesus into something larger. Why is that? Let’s take a look.
Jesus cries out, “If anyone is thirsty, come to me to drink,” followed by the promise to those who do, “out of your inner most being will flow rivers of living water.” This cry took place during the culminating events of the great fall festival hosted in Jerusalem and within the great Temple. His cry […]
Jesus addresses those seeking to seize Him by stating that the day is coming when they will be looking for Him and He will not be found and where He is at that time they will not be able to come. At first reading it appears that Jesus is thumbing His nose at these jewish […]
There is one crowd hearing the words of Jesus but two polarized responses. As you and I read this or any story our tendency is to search for the good guy and the bad guy in order to identity with what is good. This is only natural. However, let’s put our need aside for a […]
John records that some portion of the crowd expressed belief in Jesus based on His prior acts of healing which he has performed. This expression of faith based on facts stimulates some interesting conversation around the nature of faith and how faith works in our lives. Let’s take a look, and thanks for joining into […]
Jesus once again states to the crowd His origin, His relationship with the Father and that He was sent. He also states to the crowd that they know Him but they do not know the Father. To this, the crowd violently responds attempting to seize Him. We ask, what is going on here? Let’s take […]
In today’s study we focus on two commonly used english words. These two words used here within our story each represent a major idea that pertains to our story and to our lives as well. Through this examination we hope to gain understanding of the communication disconnect between Jesus and the crowd. We may also […]
Today we notice the crowd watching the response of the Religious Authority as to what Jesus is saying and doing. This is important because of the place the crowd has given this authority (either consciously or sub-consciously) to shape their collective opinion of Jesus. Here we see an example of how we as people derive […]
Bill has been a member of the Moot Men for decades. He serves us all behind the scenes as the point person for communication. He keeps us all well informed. We all appreciate Bill’s passion for the scriptures and his Theological thoughtfulness and insights. He is a model man who has learned how to both […]
In today’s segment the punch line is “Judge not according to appearance but judge with righteous judgement” (7:24). From His perspective, Jesus is saying that He is being judged by the crowd by what He is calling “Appearance.” He is also inviting the crowd to adopt a new framework by which to assess His words […]
In today’s session, we examine two knowledge reference sources identified and briefly explained by Jesus. His point is not an attempt to prove one better than the other. Rather it is to explain that one is and the other is not. This may sound a bit confusing. But please join in and listen as the […]
Today we examine two polar responses in regard to the words and works of Jesus. What is interesting to me is that public opinion is so extremely divided. There is no moderate position stated. The same appears to be true as I observe response in regard to our contemporary social and political context. Why so […]
In todays session, John records an attempt by Jesus’s brothers to help their brother regain some footing after the apparent walkout which occurred in chapter 6. Jesus responds with thanks but no thanks. let’s take a look at the conversation as we attempt to derive some understanding.
Steve has been a member of the Moot Men for decades. He has a rich christian heritage and love for music. Prior to Covid 19, when we were actually meeting at the Moot House, weekly, he would bring a hymn for us to sing. As an introduction, he would provide the background of the hymn. […]
Today we take one more session to explore in practical terms what life begins to look like once the major dying occurs. When we talk about dying, what we mean is a major letting go (of primarily the need to control) which must happen in order for transformation to occur. It is the grain of […]
In our last session we introduced Jesus’s three puzzling responses. They are puzzling in that within the context of building a ministry, how we see Jesus respond to pushback and abandonment, is quite contrary to what we would expect. Join in as we take a look.