WEEK 28.6: The Prayer of Examen helps us reflect on the week that was in our Slow Journey Through John.

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 28.5: 53 From that day on they plotted to kill him.

54 Therefore, Jesus was no longer active in public ministry among the Jewish leaders. Instead, he left Jerusalem and went to a place near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover, and many people went from the countryside up to Jerusalem to purify themselves through ritual washing before the Passover. 56 They were looking for Jesus. As they spoke to each other in the temple, they said, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?” 57 The chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where he was should report it, so they could arrest him.

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 28.4: 45 Therefore, many of the Jews who came with Mary and saw what Jesus did believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

47 Then the chief priests and Pharisees called together the council and said, “What are we going to do? This man is doing many miraculous signs! 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him. Then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our people.”

49 One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, told them, “You don’t know anything! 50 You don’t see that it is better for you that one man die for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed.” 51 He didn’t say this on his own. As high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would soon die for the nation— 52 and not only for the nation. Jesus would also die so that God’s children scattered everywhere would be gathered together as one.

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 28.3: 41 So they removed the stone. Jesus looked up and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 I know you always hear me. I say this for the benefit of the crowd standing here so that they will believe that you sent me.” 43 Having said this, Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his feet bound and his hands tied, and his face covered with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.”

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 28.2: 36 The Jews said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “He healed the eyes of the man born blind. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”

38 Jesus was deeply disturbed again when he came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone covered the entrance. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.”

Martha, the sister of the dead man, said, “Lord, the smell will be awful! He’s been dead four days.”

40 Jesus replied, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you will see God’s glory?”

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 28.1: 33 When Jesus saw her crying and the Jews who had come with her crying also, he was deeply disturbed and troubled. 34 He asked, “Where have you laid him?”

They replied, “Lord, come and see.”

35 Jesus began to cry.

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 27.7: Discussion questions below.

Episode Summary

In this SLTJ Explore episode, Nick and Jamie go through the beginning of John 11 and the famous story of Lazarus. They explore why only John recorded this pivotal miracle, examine Jesus's puzzling delay when Lazarus was sick, and discuss the raw honesty of Martha's confrontation with Jesus. The episode addresses the difficult tension between resurrection hope and letting things die, while emphasizing that disappointment with God is normal and acceptable. They also explore Jewish mourning traditions and Jesus's powerful declaration "I am the resurrection and the life" as both present reality and future hope.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Greetings 

00:51 Week 27 Recap

02:20 Discussion on Martha and Mary 

03:21 The Significance of Lazarus' Miracle 

04:40 Why Did Only John Recorded Lazarus' Miracle?

08:15 Jesus' Love and Disappointment 

16:10 Trusting Jesus' Plan 

22:36 Returning to Judea 

28:16 Martha Confronts Jesus 

29:33 Martha's Honest Exchange with Jesus 

32:17 The Tension Between Hope and Letting Go 

37:28 The Role of Community in Grief 

39:53 Martha's Raw Emotions and Honest Faith 

44:55 Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life 

54:42 The Importance of Being Honest with God 

56:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Understanding Disappointment with God

• Normal Part of Faith: Disappointment with God is a common experience that doesn't indicate lack of faith or love
• Permission to Express: Martha's direct confrontation shows we can be brutally honest about our feelings with Jesus
• Different Processing Styles: People handle disappointment differently - some confront directly like Martha, others withdraw like Mary initially
• Community Support: Jewish mourning traditions emphasize not grieving alone, requiring community presence for healing

Discussion Questions

Read through John 11:1-32. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss some or all of the following questions:

1. Disappointment and Love: How do you reconcile the reality that God loves you deeply while sometimes allowing disappointing circumstances? What helps you navigate seasons when God's love and your disappointment seem to conflict?
   
2. Honest Prayer: Martha directly tells Jesus "if you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died." How comfortable are you expressing raw disappointment, anger, or frustration to God in prayer? What holds you back from complete honesty?
   
3. Letting Go vs. Holding On: The hosts discuss the tension between resurrection hope and knowing when to let things die. How do you discern when God wants you to keep fighting for something versus when it's time to release it and let it go?
   
4. Present vs. Future Hope: Jesus declares "I am the resurrection and the life," offering both present abundant life and future resurrection. How do you experience Jesus as "life" in your current circumstances, not just as future hope after death?
   
5. Community in Grief: Jewish tradition requires community presence during mourning and focuses prayers on God's faithfulness rather than the loss. How has community (or lack thereof) affected your ability to process disappointment or grief?

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.

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected]
• 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 27.6: The Prayer of Examen helps us reflect on the week that was in our Slow Journey Through John.

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 27.5: 27 She replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, the one who is coming into the world.”

28 After she said this, she went and spoke privately to her sister Mary, “The teacher is here and he’s calling for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Jesus. 30 He hadn’t entered the village but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were comforting Mary in the house saw her get up quickly and leave, they followed her. They assumed she was going to mourn at the tomb.

32 When Mary arrived where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.”

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 27.4: 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha replied, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

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