Podcast: Interpreting the Gospel of John

In John 13:1-20 we begin the section of John’s Gospel that focuses on true discipleship with three lessons from Jesus’ symbolic act of washing his disciples’ feet.

In John 12 Jesus declares, “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” This is the conclusion to the first half of the Gospel (chapters 2-12, The Word Among Us) and, at the same time, the introduction to the second half of the Gospel (chapters 13-20, The Hour of His Glory). 

In John 11 Jesus provides a sign that points directly to himself as the Resurrection and the Life. He raises Lazarus from the dead to affirm the truth that life in this world is experienced through walking with him and life in the next becomes a reality through believing in him.

In John 10 Jesus follows up the sign of healing the blind man with teaching about himself as the Door of the Sheep and the Good Shepherd. This lesson ends the second major section of the Gospel, chapters 5-10.

In John 9 Jesus again declares, “I am the light of the world!” Paired to this declaration, he gives us a sign and concludes with these words, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”

In John 8:12-59 we continue the dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish crowd at the Feast of Booths as Jesus shines light on his own nature and theirs.

In John 7:53-8:11 we consider a known but rarely talked about issue with a cherished passage that does not seem to belong where it is located. The problem of this story will give us an opportunity to introduce the important study of identifying the original words of Scripture.

In John 7 we consider the symbolism of the Jewish Feasts in the Gospel and specifically the symbolism of the Feast of Booths as it applies to Jesus’ teaching in the temple, the debate of the people and the response of the leaders.

In John 6:52-71 we consider the second part of Jesus’ dialogue with the crowd centered on his declaration, “I am the bread of life.” Jesus offends the crowd and many disciples depart. What is Jesus doing? What do his words mean?

In John 6:1-51, Jesus performs an astonishing sign, but the masses following him resist what he offers them, insisting instead that he give them what they want. This raises a key question of faith. What do you want from Jesus?

In John 5:31-47, Jesus calls four witnesses to support his claim of equality with God.

In John 5:1-30, we listen to Jesus’ speech after the healing of a lame man and ask, “Is Jesus really claiming to be equal with God in power and authority? And if so, what does that mean about the nature of God?”

In John 4:43-54, Jesus is received without being received just as in chapter 2 many had believed without believing. The harvest field does not appear to be as white in Galilee as it was in Samaria. Still, the nobleman and his household indicate there are some in Galilee who truly believe.

In John 4:27-42, we consider the effect of Jesus’ gospel conversation on the Samaritan woman, the disciples and the Samaritan villagers.

In John 4:1-26, we listen in and learn from Jesus Christ principles for sharing the good news.