WEEK 45.2: 1 Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him.” 

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.

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. 

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 45.1: 38 After this Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate if he could take away the body of Jesus. Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one because he feared the Jewish authorities. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took the body away. 39 Nicodemus, the one who at first had come to Jesus at night, was there too. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloe, nearly seventy-five pounds in all. 40 Following Jewish burial customs, they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it, with the spices, in linen cloths. 41 There was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish Preparation Day and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus in it.

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.

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. 

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 44.7 Discussion questions below.

Episode Summary

In this Week 44 Explore episode, Nick and Jamie stand at the foot of the cross, examining Jesus's final moments in John 19:23-37. They explore profound theological themes: the seamless garment connecting Jesus to the high priest, the four courageous women who stayed when disciples fled, Jesus creating new family by entrusting Mary to the beloved disciple, the significance of "I am thirsty" and the hyssop branch connecting to Passover, the meaning of "It is finished", and why blood and water flowing from Jesus's side proves his real death. They also discuss the theology of the cross (rejecting penal substitutionary atonement in favour of Christus Victor), the extravagant burial by Joseph and Nicodemus, and the harrowing of hell where Jesus descended to Hades between death and resurrection. Throughout, they wrestle with questions about sin, forgiveness, God's love, and what was happening behind the scenes during those dark hours.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Recap 

02:15 Reflections on Jesus' Final Moments 

04:30 The Significance of Jesus' Crucifixion 

08:21 Jesus' Seamless Garment and High Priest Symbolism 

12:04 The Women at the Cross 

15:58 Jesus' Care for His Mother 

20:02 The Completion of Jesus' Mission 

24:00 The Significance of the Hyssop Branch 

25:05 Passover and the Crucifixion: A Parallel 

26:33 Jesus' Final Words and Their Meaning 

28:19 The Theology of Sin and Forgiveness 

33:23 The Crucifixion and Its Aftermath 

39:17 The Burial of Jesus 

44:56 The Harrowing of Hell 

46:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discussion Questions

• Unanswered Questions: Nick and Jamie wonder about Peter's location, what Mary was feeling, what Jesus thought during those hours. What questions do you have about the crucifixion that scripture doesn't answer?

• The Seamless Garment: Jesus's tunic matching the high priest's robe means we have perfect personal access to God without ritual or human mediator. How does this change your understanding of approaching God?

• Women's Courage: Four women stayed at the cross when almost all disciples fled. What does their presence reveal about strength, love, and discipleship?

• Church as Family: Jesus creates new family by giving Mary to the beloved disciple. How well does your church create family among very different people?

• "Worm" Theology: Jamie shares growing up believing she was a "worthless worm" who had to prove herself to God. How does understanding the cross as defeating sin/death (rather than changing God's anger) transform your self-image?

Takeaways

• This Is the Moment: When Son of Man is lifted up, THEN we know who he is. Not resurrection but crucifixion is the moment of glorification where God's character is revealed.

• You're Not a Worm: The cross doesn't change God from angry to loving. It defeats sin and death so we can receive the love and forgiveness God always offered. You're God's beloved child.

• Jesus Is Your High Priest: The seamless garment shows Jesus is perfect high priest. You have perfect personal access to God all the time without ritual or human mediator.

• Receive What's Done: "It is finished" means there's nothing more for you to do. Jesus has done everything. All we can do is receive what Jesus has done.

• God Works Behind Scenes: Even when it looks like God is silent or defeated, he's at work behind the scenes. Jesus might be kicking butt for you right now.

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected] (seriously, please email us! We keep asking until we get an email)

• Social Media: @GoTheWildWay on Instagram and Facebook
• Website: thewildway.ca
• 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. 

WEEK 44.6: The Prayer of Examen helps us reflect on the week that was in our Slow Journey Through John.

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.

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. 

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 44.5: An imagination prayer based on Psalm 22, the most quoted Psalm in crucifixion accounts.

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.

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. 

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 44.4: 31 It was the Preparation Day and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath, especially since that Sabbath was an important day. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of those crucified broken and the bodies taken down. 32 Therefore, the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who were crucified with Jesus. 33 When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead so they didn’t break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 The one who saw this has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he speaks the truth, and he has testified so that you also can believe. 36 These things happened to fulfill the scripture, They won’t break any of his bones. 37 And another scripture says, They will look at him whom they have pierced.

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.

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. 

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 44.3: 28 After this, knowing that everything was already completed, in order to fulfill the scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was nearby, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, placed it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed.” Bowing his head, he gave up his life.

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.

⁠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. 

⁠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 44.2: 28 After this, knowing that everything was already completed, in order to fulfill the scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was nearby, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, placed it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed.” Bowing his head, he gave up his life.

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.

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. 

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 44.1: 23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and his sandals, and divided them into four shares, one for each soldier. His shirt was seamless, woven as one piece from the top to the bottom. 24 They said to each other, “Let’s not tear it. Let’s cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the scripture,

They divided my clothes among themselves,
    and they cast lots for my clothing.
        That’s what the soldiers did.

25 Jesus’ mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood near the cross. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

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.

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. 

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 43.7 Discussion questions below.

Episode Summary

In this emotionally heavy Week 43 explore episode, Nick and Jamie confront the brutal reality of Jesus's crucifixion in John 19:1-22. They examine the graphic violence of flogging and mockery, Pilate's increasingly desperate attempts to release Jesus while being manipulated by religious leaders who threaten "you're no friend of Caesar," the concept of greater and lesser sin, and the profound significance of the trilingual sign "King of the Jews" above the cross. Throughout, they wrestle with difficult questions: How do we measure sin? Why did Pilate act so strangely? What does it mean that Jesus was "glorified" through this horror? The hosts openly share their emotional responses to studying these passages, the weight of sitting with Jesus's suffering, and the challenge of finding meaning in what appears to be humanity's darkest moment.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Week 43 

01:21 Reflecting on the Journey 

03:07 Exploring John 19: The Crucifixion 

10:07 Pilate's Dilemma and Mob Mentality 

19:03 The True Charge Against Jesus 

21:36 Pilate's Fear and Unconventional Messages 

26:32 The Collision of Authorities 

28:51 The Concept of Greater Sin 

32:18 Pilate's Dilemma and the Religious Leaders' Manipulation 

43:36 The Crucifixion of Jesus 

49:18 The Significance of the Cross and Jesus' Glorification 

53:58 Final Reflections

Key Points

• The Emotional Weight: Both hosts openly acknowledge this is the hardest material they've covered. Sitting with Jesus' suffering is painful but necessary

• Pilate's Strange Behaviour: His actions (dressing Jesus as mock king, "Behold the man," the sign) may have been passive-aggressive attempts to free Jesus.

• "No Friend of Caesar" Manipulation: The ultimate political threat that finally breaks Pilate. His career hangs on Caesar's favour

• The Trilingual Sign: "King of the Jews" in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek, proclaiming Jesus's kingship to every person at Passover from across the Roman world

• Glorification Through Suffering: John presents the crucifixion as Jesus's moment of glory. What the world sees as ultimate shame, God sees as ultimate love revealed

• Standing Alone for Truth: The challenge of being the lone voice speaking truth when the mob demands something else

Discussion Questions

• Sitting With Suffering: Nick and Jamie discuss how emotionally draining it is to study Jesus's crucifixion in depth. How do you balance sitting with the weight of Christ's suffering versus the temptation to minimize or rush past it?

• Pilate's Passivity: Pilate seems to send passive-aggressive messages against the religious leaders while still condemning Jesus. Are you passive-aggressive, hinting at your feelings or needs without actually stating them? What are some ways you can voice your thoughts in a more healthy way?

• Mob Mentality: The crowd demands Jesus's death despite recently celebrating him. Have you witnessed or been part of a group dynamic that pressured you toward something you knew was wrong?

• Glory in Shame: John presents crucifixion as Jesus's glorification. How does this reframe your understanding of what "glory" means in God's kingdom versus the world's kingdom?

• Nick's Question: What are the things you value enough that you would risk being the lone voice for? Are you willing to speak up for justice, truth, love even when it costs you? Where in your life might you need to be the lone voice speaking truth?

Takeaways

Sit With the Suffering: Don't rush past the weight of Jesus' crucifixion. Understanding the depth of suffering helps us understand the depth of love

Glory Redefined: In God's kingdom, glory is self-sacrificial love, not worldly power. The cross is Jesus's moment of greatest glory

Stand for Truth: Are there values you hold strongly enough to be the lone voice speaking truth when the mob demands otherwise?

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected]

• Social Media: @GoTheWildWay
• Website: thewildway.ca
• DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.