Kontakion

Reading Amount: John 21:1-25 Central Verse: But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down. I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 Central Truth: God is still speaking!!!!! Food for thought: (Questions about the text) The ending of the Gospel is a common form of ending, giving respect to all the information that doesn't make it into the written word. The disciples were back fishing, this may have been a sign that they were giving up on their mission. But Jesus appears to call them back to it. Jesus asks Peter to take care of his sheep three times, this may be a way of giving Peter forgiveness for denying him three times. Connections: (Time with Our Society) Why doesn't God speak to me? Why doesn't God speak today? These are questions that I've had to face quite often as a pastor. Usually its someone who is upset about something and there is honestly no answer to give. Wh...

Reading Amount: John 20:1-31 Central Verse: Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they ware forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. John 20:21-23 Central Truth: The Holy Spirit has been given to all of us so that we might spread the light of Christ to all the world! Food For Thought: (Questions about the Text) The word for "breath" here is meant to call to mind the text in Genesis where God breathed life into Adam and Eve, it is also meant to call to mind the text in Ezekiel where the dry bones are given life. There is nothing in the text that limits the disciples to only the twelve. It is safe to assume that there were more followers than just the twelve present. Making this text about forgiveness of sins inclusive of all the church life not just the clergy. Connectio...

Reading Amount: John 18:1-19:42 Central Verse: Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." John 19:11 NRSV Central Truth: There is a sin that is worst than all others according to the Gospel of John. It is the rejection of God in the form of Jesus, you can be redeemed from this sin but it is the primary issue in the way of salvation for John. Food for Thought: (Questions about the text) There is always a question of who was responsible for the death of Jesus, it is important theologically and historically. Who do you think is responsible? Connections: (Time with our Society) In many of our churches there is an almost constant emphasis on sin. This also happens in how our churches interact with society there is a huge emphasis on what people do and the sin that people engage in. In the Gospel of John the greatest sin is to not acknowledge who Jesus is. Pil...