WEEK 3.7: Discussion questions below.
In this EXPLORE episode of A Slow Journey Through John, we focus on John 1:6-15 including: John the Baptist, the challenges of testifying about faith, the temptations of upstaging Jesus, and the different ways Christians can model their lives after Him. We also discuss handling persecution, unity within the Christian community despite differences, and the importance of truly welcoming Jesus into all areas of one's life.
00:00 Introduction, Welcome, and Habit Tracker tool
01:00 Week Three Reflections
03:36 Exploring John the Baptist
05:46 Sharing Faith and Evangelism
09:50 Motivations and Judgments
17:11 Applying John the Baptist's Lessons
22:04 Finding Peace in Witnessing
23:09 Trusting Jesus with the Outcome
25:05 Seeing Jesus in the Marginalized
27:42 Handling Rejection and Persecution
30:15 Unity in Diversity within the Church
34:00 Welcoming Jesus into Our Lives
38:10 The Glory of God in Jesus
41:55 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
44:28 Support and Engagement
JOURNAL PROMPTS / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Nick and Jamie discuss how Christians sometimes use "actions speak louder than words" as an excuse to avoid verbal witness. When have you felt called to speak about your faith but remained silent, and what held you back?
2. How do you respond when encountering Christians who interpret Scripture or practice their faith differently than you do? What would it look like to maintain unity while disagreeing?
3. The podcast suggests Jesus is more likely found among the marginalized than in wealthy churches. Do you agree or disagree, and why? Where in your community might Jesus be present that you've been overlooking?
4. If welcoming Jesus is like inviting someone into your home, which "rooms" of your life have you kept off-limits to Him? What would full access look like?
5. John the Baptist consistently directed attention away from himself toward Jesus. In what areas of your life or ministry might you be seeking the spotlight rather than pointing to Christ?
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.
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
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