WEEK 35.2: 25 “I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. 26 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.

27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. 

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 35.1: 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot) asked, “Lord, why are you about to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

23 Jesus answered, “Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word that you hear isn’t mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 34.7 Discussion questions below.

In this Week 34 explore episode, Nick and Jamie tackle the first half of John 14, where Jesus comforts his troubled disciples with promises of his return and his presence. They explore Jesus's famous declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life," examining its exclusivity claims and what it means to follow Jesus' way of sacrificial love. The episode addresses Philip's request to see the Father, emphasizing theological humility, and redefines Jesus' promise of "greater works" as primarily about love and service rather than miraculous displays of power.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 

01:36 Diving into John 14 

02:26 Jesus Comforts His Disciples 

06:31 Understanding Anxiety and Faith 

13:05 Jesus Prepares a Place for Us 

13:41 The Return of Jesus and End Times 

18:22 Thomas' Questions and Jesus' Answers 

20:45 I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life 

27:59 Philip's Request and Jesus' Response 

31:03 Theological Humility and Understanding God 

36:48 Greater Works Through Love and Service 

46:14 Praying in Jesus' Name 

49:37 Final Takeaways and Encouragement

Key Points

• Comfort in Troubled Times: Jesus's command "don't be troubled" isn't dismissive of mental health struggles but points to finding peace through his presence rather than trouble-free circumstances

• The Prepared Place: Jesus's promise to "prepare a place" focuses on who (Jesus) and the relationship, not where or when - requiring theological humility about end-times details

• "I Am the Way, Truth, and Life": Not arrogant exclusivity but humble revelation - Jesus shows the way through sacrificial love, reveals truth as God "unconcealed," and offers abundant life (zoe) starting now

• Philip's Theophany Request: After three years with Jesus, Philip still wanted visible proof of God, showing how we can miss God's revelation when it doesn't match our expectations

• Greater Works Redefined: Not about surpassing Jesus's miracles but continuing his mission of love and service - the only work disciples are commanded to imitate is foot washing

Discussion Questions

• Troubled Hearts and Faith: Jamie discusses how "don't be troubled" can feel dismissive to those with clinical anxiety. How do you balance Jesus's call to trust with the reality of mental health struggles that don't simply disappear through faith?

• Theological Humility: The hosts emphasize we can't fully understand God and should remain open to being wrong about our beliefs. What firmly held beliefs about God might need examination through the lens of Jesus's character?

• The Way of Jesus: Jesus says "I am the way" in the context of sacrificial love and service. How does understanding "the way" as lifestyle rather than just ticket to heaven change your approach to following Christ?

• Missing God's Revelation: Philip lived with Jesus for three years but still wanted more obvious proof of God. In what ways might we miss God's presence or revelation because it doesn't match our expectations?

• Greater Works as Love: Instead of expecting miraculous powers, Jesus defines "greater works" as expanding his mission of love and service. How does this shift from miracle-seeking to love-practicing change your understanding of Christian effectiveness?

Takeaways

• Jesus Reveals the Father Perfectly: Continue looking to Jesus's character and actions as the ultimate revelation of what God is like, using him to interpret everything else

• Focus on Love and Service: While miracles may happen, the "greater works" Jesus promises are primarily about becoming foot-washing, enemy-loving people empowered by the Spirit

• Pray Boldly in Jesus's Name: This isn't magic formula language but aligning our requests with Jesus's character and mission, expecting God to work while asking "what do you want me to do?"

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: @GoTheWildWay on Instagram and Facebook
• Website: thewildway.ca
• New Resource: Rhythms of Life course now available!

WEEK 34.6: The Prayer of Examen helps us reflect on the week that was in our Slow Journey Through John.

NEW RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 34.5: 18 “I won’t leave you as orphans. I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

John 13 written and narrated by Jamie!

NEW RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 34.4: 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. 17 This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you.

John 13 written and narrated by Jamie!

NEW RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 34.3: 12 I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. 14 When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

John 13 written and narrated by Jamie!

NEW RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 34.2: 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.”

9 Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don’t speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Trust me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

John 13 written and narrated by Jamie!

NEW RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 34.1: 4 You know the way to the place I’m going.”

5 Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.”

John 13 written and narrated by Jamie!

NEW RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

Bibliography

Visit our website

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 33.7 Discussion questions below.

Episode Summary

In this Week 33 Explore episode, Nick and Jamie jump into the second half of John 13, focusing intensely on Jesus's central theme of love. They explore Jesus' statement that "whoever receives someone I send receives me," examine the dramatic betrayal scene with Judas, and unpack Jesus's "new commandment" to love one another. The episode emphasizes that love isn't just a feeling but practical action empowered by Jesus' presence, while addressing Peter's misplaced focus on dying for Jesus rather than living out love for others.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 

01:37 Recap of John 13 

01:50 Exploring the Theme of Love 

05:47 Practical Acts of Love 

13:52 The Betrayal of Jesus 

29:21 Exploring Darkness in John's Gospel 

31:16 Jesus' Final Discourse Begins 

35:57 The New Commandment: Love One Another 

49:55 Peter's Denial Foretold 

56:36 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Key Points

• Jesus Present in Loving Actions: When disciples practice the "foot washing ethic," Jesus goes with them and is present in acts of love - not in theory but in actual practice

• The Betrayal Scene Details: Understanding ancient dining customs reveals Judas held a place of honour next to Jesus, making his betrayal even more painful and Jesus' love even more remarkable

• Satan Enters Judas: Not demon possession but Judas being used by forces of darkness as "accuser" against Jesus - though Judas remains fully responsible for his premeditated choice

• "And It Was Night": John's dramatic literary device showing both literal nighttime and metaphorical darkness of evil forces gathering against Jesus

• The New Commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you" - new because it's directed inward to fellow disciples and measured by Jesus' own sacrificial love

Discussion Questions

• Jesus Present in Loving Actions: Jamie shares how Jesus' presence became tangible when they gave a ride to their struggling neighbour. When have you experienced God's presence most clearly during acts of service or love?

• Judas' Place of Honour: Despite knowing Judas would betray him, Jesus gave him the honoured seat and the special bread. How does this challenge your understanding of loving enemies or difficult people in your life?

• Love vs. Dying for Jesus: Peter wanted to die for Jesus but missed the call to love for Jesus. Why do you think dramatic gestures (like dying for faith) sometimes seem easier than daily acts of love?

• The New Commandment: Jesus commands disciples to love "one another" - including Christians who are very different from us. How well does the modern church demonstrate love across political, theological, or cultural differences?

• Training to Love: The hosts suggest love is learned through spiritual practices, studying Jesus's example, and putting it into practice. Which of these three areas do you need to develop most in your own life?

Takeaways

• Love is the Point: Following Jesus without orientation toward love means missing the entire point of Christianity - love must be our primary identity and practice

• Start with Whoever Crosses Your Path: Don't be overwhelmed by all the world's needs - simply practice love with whoever God brings across your path each day

• Jesus Empowers Love in the Moment: We don't need to generate loving feelings first - when we choose to act in love, Jesus's presence and power become available

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: @GoTheWildWay on Instagram and Facebook (check out photos of all scripture readers!)
• Website: thewildway.ca
• New Resource: Rhythms of Life course available as digital download or print version on Amazon

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others.