John briefly references the story of Simon from Cyrene (Found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and omits the story of the daughters of Jerusalem (found only in Luke). For John, the significance of Jesus’s journey from the Gabbatha to Golgatha is found in his continuing intentional drinking of the Father’s cup. He had a mission, and he would complete it, as any brave and mighty king would do.
Mary of Magdala
In this twenty minute talk, we’ll first follow Mary through the years she was a student and supporter of Jesus, then we will spend most of our time in the Garden with Mary at Christ’s empty tomb, and end with a deeper understanding of ourselves as members of the Body of Christ.
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Minor Prophets: Zephaniah Look Beyond
Zephaniah 3:17-20 is the fulfillment of human longing. At last, those who love God and have put their faith God, will find themselves fully restored in a glorious life that will be lived fully in communion with God, in the peace, and love, and joy of the Lord.
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Gospel of John: First Sight
One of the Gospel of John's continuing themes is the weaving of the first three chapters of Genesis with the telling of Christ's story. Because of this, I have woven more overtly those chapters with these crucifixions scenes.
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Gospel of John: A Street Called Straight
After John's chiasm come seven vignettes that describe the crucifixion of Christ. This is the segue.
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Gospel of John: We Have No King
Justice was the bedrock upon which Pax Romana was built. Pilate felt had done all he could to free this righteous and just man, standing on Gabbatha waiting with tranquil dignity for his judgement. Pilate could do no more.
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Gospel of John: Where Are You From?
John notes when Pilate heard -why- the temple officials wanted to put Jesus to death, he was “far more afraid.”
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Gospel of John: Son of God
The inward movement of John's chiasm reached its climax in this shedding of the Lamb’s blood. Now would come the process by which the innocent Lamb of God would be offered up to die and become accursed, hanging on a “tree.”
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Gospel of John: Scourge and Scorn
The entire company was kneeling, hailing Christ as King in an eerie prophecy of what will one day be fulfilled at the end of time.
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Gospel of John: Bar Abbas
Pilate stood and shouted over the fray, Which of the two do you all want me to pardon and set free to you? Bar Abbas? Pilate bit out his name with a look of contempt, or Jesus who is called Christ? The comparison was obvious: Did they still want to free a villainous murderer, or would they take the nobler option of freeing this gentle holy man who had been falsely accused?
