This week we discuss the way the Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel addresses the issue of Jesus’ departure, and how the disciples would be empowered to continue his work. We also discuss the Reformers’ views on how we know God based on the cult of saints and indulgences in the medieval Catholic church. Finally we discuss some of the contemporary challenges this passage poses for us.

This week we return to the prayer in John 17. We engaged in a wide-ranging discussion, from the nature of the unity, to the purpose of the unity, to the view of the “world” in the Fourth Gospel. We also discuss how the Reformers used this passage to counter some of the Roman Catholic theology of the day regarding salvation. Finally we discuss what to make of the fact that Jesus probably didn’t actually pray this prayer!

This week’s lesson takes us into a wide-ranging discussion of a passage in John’s Gospel meant to provide assurance to believers in his “absence.” In light of the details of the text and the way the Reformers treated it, we discuss the authorship of John’s Gospel, biblical interpretation, the work of the Spirit, and the question of whether faith is a “work,” among other topics.

This week we discuss Jesus’ “New Commandment” to love in light of the meal Jesus shared with his disciples, and especially his act of washing their feet. We also discuss John Calvin’s interpretation of the passage, which is connected with several Reformation themes. We close by discussing what it looks like to love one another following the example of Jesus’ humble service.

This week we take a look at the “follow-up” to the “Good Shepherd” discourse we discussed last year. Jesus emphasizes his protection of his “sheep,” which is matched by the Father’s protection, and claims that “I and the Father are one.” The Reformers discussed this passage with reference to Predestination. We conclude by exploring Predestination for us today.

This week we discuss the “epilogue” to John’s Gospel, its purpose in relation to the Gospel as a whole and particularly with reference to Peter’s status, and how Jesus’ “pastoral” approach to “rehabilitating” Peter is translated into Peter’s advice to pastors in 1 Peter. Some of these ideas are already brought out by the Reformers, and they also use the passage to discuss their concerns.

This week, we are re-broadcasting an episode from last year, in which we discuss Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances according to John’s Gospel, including his encounter with “Doubting” Thomas. On that basis we talk about the process by which our faith grows.

This week we talk about Luke’s account of the women at the empty tomb, how they are given the news that Jesus had become “the Living One,” and they shared that news with the disciples. We also talk about the challenges of “talking about” Jesus’ resurrection in our world.

This week we discuss Luke’s account of Jesus trials, sentence, and crucifixion. What we find is that Luke’s account is unique in comparison with Mark’s version from last year. Luke consistently portrays Jesus as an innocent man wrongfully condemned to death, who remains faithful to God to the very end. We also discuss the Reformer’s views on the various details of the narrative, that came from their unique context. Finally, we discuss the question of whether the Gospel account is “anti-Semitic.”

This week take a look at the story of Mary anointing Jesus in preparation for his impending death. We discover a complex set of relationships among the Gospels regarding this event. We also discuss the themes that the Reformers pulled out of the passage, and discuss the significance of Mary as a woman performing this act of honoring Jesus in preparation for his death.