WEEK 6.7: Discussion questions below.

In this week's episode of The Wild WaysA Slow Journey ThroughJohn, Jamie and Nick explore John 1:35-51. We cover a lot of ground! We discuss themes of discipleship, spiritual encounters, and the importance of community:

• How Jesus uniquely calls each person in this passage and offers personal encounters tailored to their needs
• The critical role of having a welcoming, questioning, testifying, and learning-based (through study and experience) faith community
• The theological significance of Jesus as the 'thin place' between heaven and earth
• The importance of inviting others to encounter Jesus directly
• How the church should function as a sending agency rather than merely an attractional model.

Basically, through anecdotes and theological insights, we provide practical advice on how to live out this 'come and see' invitation both in personal lives and within communities.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

04:10 Reading and Reflecting on John 1:35-51

06:49 John the Baptist's Role and Sacrifice

09:57 The Question: What Are You Looking For?

16:31 Come and See: Invitation to Experience Jesus

18:32 The Role of the Church

21:34 Individual Encounters with Jesus

23:51 The Power of Personal Testimony

24:49 A Life-Changing Encounter

26:21 Jesus' Invitation to Follow

27:23 Building a Community of Believers

32:09 Nathanael's Skepticism and Revelation

35:19 Jesus as the Link Between Heaven and Earth

43:37 The Universal Invitation to Follow Jesus

46:43 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

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JOURNAL PROMPTS / SMALL GROUP GUIDE

Read through John 1:35-51. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss the following questions:

1. We discuss how John the Baptist was "successful" in his ministry by losing his disciples to Jesus. What areas of your life might God be asking you to "decrease" so that Jesus can increase?

2. We explores how Jesus didn't build an "attractional" ministry but rather equipped people to go out. How might your understanding of church and ministry need to shift from focusing on bringing people in to sending people out?

3. We note that Jesus welcomed questions and doubts in his learning community. How comfortable are you with questions and doubts - both your own and others'? What makes it challenging to create space for uncertainty in faith?

4. We discuss the Celtic concept of "thin places" where heaven and earth overlap, with Jesus being the ultimate thin place. Where do you most naturally experience the overlap of heaven and earth in your own life? What practices or spaces help you sense this sacred connection?

5. Jesus approached different people in different ways - some through intellectual discussion, others through personal encounter. How has Jesus met you in ways uniquely suited to who you are? How might this influence the way you share faith with others?

End your time by taking a minute to listen to the Holy Spirit and prayerfully choose an “I will…” intention. One small, practical step you’ll take this week to put your learning into practice.

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SJTJs 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. 

Bibliography

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Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

All Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012) unless otherwise noted.

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

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