Week Eleven
Have you noticed that the gospel of John is not like the others? It’s so unique in the way it presents the gospel that it is not included in what theologians call the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). It is still a gospel, but John approaches the good news with more theology often inserted between historic moments and the weighty words of Jesus. You have probably noticed that while the story is familiar and many short stories the same, John approaches things from a completely different angle. In fact, theologians claim that 92 percent of this gospel is unique material.
Consider what you have read so far and notice the theological sections (John 1:1-18, John 3:16-21, 3:31-35) of the letter and what surrounds them. Pay attention to how John weaves these important truths into historical moments and Jesus’ words, letting them add depth to his narrative. Don’t just casually read these sections. Maybe even go back and re-read them. Consider the context and how the surrounding text complete the meaning. Consider asking the questions: (1) What does this text say about God? (2) What does it say about humanity? (3) What does it say about me? And finally, (4) What is God asking me to do? Maybe He is calling you into a deeper level of discipleship.
In my small group we continue to come back to the question, “Do I want to be a disciple?”. It’s a question that deserves careful consideration. The way of Jesus is not easy and you may have noticed, it likely includes an amount of suffering. What will happen if you say yes? The answer as an individual is one thing and it can be very impactful you and others.
But, what if the question should really be, “Do we want to be disciples?” What if we ALL said yes? Would it change my life to be one of many disciples? Would it change my family? Would it change our community? Could it change our church? Could it even change the world?
There is probably only one way to find out. . . let’s all say “yes.”
Write a comment below or reach me, Melissa, at mrightmire@crnaz.com . Thank you for traveling with me on this journey through the New Testament.
Below are the readings for week 11:
March 13, 2025 John 6:16–59 NIV, Ps 67 NIV
March 14, 2025 John 6:60–7:24 NIV, Ps 68:title–9 NIV
March 15, 2025 John 7:25–8:11 NIV, Ps 68:10–20 NIV
March 16, 2025 John 8:12–59 NIV, Ps 68:21–35 NIV
March 17, 2025 John 9 NIV, Ps 69:title–11 NIV
March 18, 2025 John 10 NIV, Ps 69:12–36 NIV
