WEEK 1.7 Discussion questions below.
Episode Summary
In this inaugural explore episode of A Slow Journey through John, co-hosts Nick and Jamie introduce themselves and their podcast while exploring the fundamental questions: Who is Jesus according to John's Gospel, and how should we respond to him? They establish John's Gospel as unique among the four gospels, examine Jesus as revealer of God who embodies love and lordship, and discuss belief as a journey rather than a destination. The episode addresses concerns about spiritual abuse while emphasizing their mission: "Christ formed in you for the sake of others."
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to A Slow Journey through John
00:28 Meet Your Hosts: Nick and Jamie
04:12 The Vision Behind the Podcast
05:49 How the Podcast Works
10:52 Diving into the Gospel of John
13:16 The Uniqueness of John's Gospel
19:38 Jesus: The Revealer of God
23:23 Jesus: Embodiment of Love
25:59 Jesus: Lord and Creator
27:25 Wrestling with the Identity of Jesus
28:17 Jesus: The Giver of the Spirit
28:54 The Challenge of Receiving God's Love
31:23 The Evidence of the Holy Spirit: Gifts vs. Fruit
32:51 Belief as a Journey, Not a Destination
36:21 Creating Safe Spaces for Belonging and Belief
38:21 Abiding in Christ: A Lifestyle of Following Jesus
41:29 What Obedience Is and Isn’t
45:56 Going Forth: Loving Others as Jesus Did
49:49 Conclusion and Takeaways
Key Points
- Podcast Structure: 5 daily meditations + prayer of examen + explore day with discussion questions for individuals or groups
- John's Gospel Uniqueness: Likely written 80-100 AD by master storyteller John, covers three years of ministry (or one year three times) and demonstrates Jesus as disruptor
- Who is Jesus? Four Answers: Revealer of God, Love incarnate, Lord deserving allegiance, and Giver of the Holy Spirit
- How Should We Respond? Three Ways: Believe (faith as journey), Follow (life-giving invitation to flourishing), Go (sent to give life and love abundantly)
Understanding Abundant Life
- Available now, not just future promise
- Includes both loving God and loving neighbours
- True abiding means following Jesus's teaching as whole lifestyle
- Purpose of spiritual practices is formation for the sake of others
Discussion Questions
- The Jesus Filter: How might asking "Can I picture Jesus doing/saying this?" change your understanding of God or Scripture?
- Journey of Belief: What has your own journey of belief looked like? How have questions or doubts been part of your spiritual growth?
- Receiving vs. Giving Love: Why is receiving God's love often more challenging than giving it? How do you struggle with accepting God's abundant love?
- Following Without Burden: How can you distinguish between teachings that lead to freedom versus those that create shame and control?
- Christ Formed for Others: How does your spiritual growth connect to serving others? What would bringing "heaven on earth" look like in your daily life?
Takeaways
- Faith as Journey: Embrace questions and gradual awakening as normal parts of spiritual growth
- Jesus as Filter: Use Jesus's character as the lens for understanding God and Christian living
- Integration Over Separation: Abundant life means Jesus's influence in all areas of life, not just private spirituality
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.
Bibliography
Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).
Music credits:
Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne
