WEEK 4.7 Discussion questions below.
In this episode of 'A Slow Journey Through John,' Nick and Jamie explore John 1:16-28, sharing listener feedback and discussing the challenges faced throughout the week. We reflect on John the Baptist's humility, his rejection of fame, and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. We also delve into the concepts of bounded set and centre set churches, emphasizing inclusion and the importance of grace. The episode concludes with a discussion on the significance of repentance and the need for theological humility in understanding and following Jesus.
00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback
01:16 Recap of Last Week's Meditations
02:12 John the Baptist's Humility and Fame
04:19 Exploring Grace and Inclusion
07:31 Bounded Set vs. Center Set Churches
16:18 John the Baptist's Role and Opposition
23:28 Creating Space for Jesus: The 'I Am Nots'
29:13 John the Baptist's Mission
30:41 Understanding Repentance
34:52 Theological Humility and Unity
41:12 Grace and Humility: Key Takeaways
42:20 How to Support SJTJ and Wild Way
JOURNAL PROMPTS / SMALL GROUP GUIDE
Read through John 1:16-18. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss the following questions.
1. Nick and Jamie discuss how during 400 years of prophetic silence, religious leaders began interpreting scripture in problematic ways. In what areas of your life might you be filling God's silence with your own interpretations rather than waiting patiently for His voice?
2. The discussion explored "bounded set" versus “centre set" approaches to faith community. Share your thoughts on this. How might your view of who "belongs" expand if you focused less on theological boundaries and more on whether people are oriented toward Jesus?
3. We heard how viewing sin as "relationship breaking" rather than just "missing the mark" changes our understanding of repentance. How would your approach to repentance shift if you focused on restoring relationships rather than just modifying behaviour?
4. When examining our own self-worth, Nick and Jamie suggested that believing we're "not good enough" for God's calling might actually reflect a low view of God's power. Where in your life might you be limiting God's work by focusing on your inadequacies rather than His sufficiency?
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.
---
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.
Weekdays are 10(ish)-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
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
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.
