Blog Archives - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

John 20 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

2/25/2023

Peter Paul Rubens had a way of saying things with lighting. In this painting, three disciples are confronted by Jesus. When three people are seen with Jesus, it's usually Peter, James, and John, but here the young one is Thomas. We assume Peter is the old man in the middle. My guess is that it's John at the left, looking at Jesus' face, rather than his wounds. The background appears entirely dark at first glance. However, you see that the light emanating from Jesus is giving a hint of light to the darkness behind him. There are even hints at a halo of light coming from the back of Jesus' head. In the resurrection, is Jesus alive? Yes. Yet he is still the one who bears wounds for our sake. And here, Thomas sees Jesus has come back especially for him, though he had been unbelieving. Jesus comes to us to turn our disbelief into belief, through his work as the risen Lord, the light of the world. The painting is part of a triptych. This panel is about 56x48 inches. It resides at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
  Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
  Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
  Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 20. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. At the start of John 20, Mary (Magdalene) is at the tomb. Before she leaves the area in verse 10, what did she witness?
2. Why would it be surprising to have Mary as a primary witness to the resurrection?
3. What do verses 8-10 tell us about the state of belief of Peter and John at the time of the resurrection, as compared with what John knew by the time he wrote this Gospel?
4. Describe verses 19-23 in detail. What is significant about each part of the passage?
5. What does Jesus' return a week after the resurrection show us about his care for Thomas? What comfort do we have when we are faithless like Thomas?
6. At the end of the chapter, John says Jesus did many more things. These are written so we can know what Jesus is like and so we can believe. What is Jesus like? Do you believe him? What assurance does he give those who believe him?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!

The Resurrected Christ Reveals Himself

2/25/2023

Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1991.
“IV. Jesus’ Self-Disclosure in His Cross and Exaltation (13:1-20:31)” “F. The Resurrection of Jesus (20:1-31)” pp. 631-663.

Carson notes that the end of the crucifixion account does not end the Gospel. The reality of the resurrection is necessary to the message (Carson 1991, 631). The Christian faith depends on a factual resurrection. Carson takes a brief detour to defend eyewitness authorship, almost certainly by the apostle John (Carson 1991, 634). This points to a reliable account which was open to critical analysis by other witnesses. The resurrection narratives are not as consistent as those of the crucifixion. However, the selection of events is not as important from a sequential point of view.

In 20:1, the inspection of the tomb was clearly early in the morning of the first day of the week (Carson 1991, 636). The grave clothes show signs of Jesus’ departure through the cloth (Carson 1991, 637). The sight creates belief, noted in verse 8 (Carson 1991, 638). Verses 10-18 see Jesus’ appearance to Mary (Carson 1991, 639). For some unspecified reason, Mary returns to the tomb. Now she looks in and sees angelic messengers (Carson 1991, 64). After being told by the angel of Jesus’ resurrection, Mary leaves the tomb. She does not recognize Jesus, who appears to her in the garden. Carson notes that Jesus seems difficult to recognize after the resurrection (Carson 1991, 641). Once she recognizes Jesus he urges her to release him, a statement which is cryptic at best (Carson 1991, 642). Mary does take Jesus’ message to his disciples, to whom Jesus appears in verses 19-23 (Carson 1991, 646). Carson notes Jesus’ ability to come to the disciples despite the doors they had locked against the Jewish leaders. Jesus is able to come to his disciples when and where he wishes (Carson 1991, 646). He greets the disciples with his peace and sends them to complete their mission. Carson discusses the modern debate about the scope of the Church’s mission briefly (Carson 1991, 648). He concludes that the work of the Church includes proclamation of the Gospel as well as social care. Jesus’ appearance to his disciples and his breathing on them signifies an empowerment by the Holy Spirit (Carson 1991, 650). Carson does, however, note that the empowerment prior to Pentecost does not seem altogether absolute. This happens later (Carson 1991, 653). Carson discusses the tendency of texts to speak slightly indirectly of events which are widely known and accepted, such as Pentecost. In verses 24-29 Jesus appears again to his disciples, this time including Thomas (Carson 1991, 656). By his words and actions Jesus shows that he knows what the disciples have discussed. He also shows that he is present physically (Carson 1991, 657). Carson sees Thomas’ confession as an accurate and honest statement of surprised realization. Jesus really is the Lord (Carson 1991, 659). The message of Jesus as Lord is the purpose of the Fourth Gospel. This is found in 20:30-31. The Gospel is written to encourage belief (Carson 1991, 661).

John Chapter 20 Annotated

2/25/2023

John Chapter 20 Annotated

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John 19 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

2/19/2023

This photograph is almost certainly the most disturbing image I have used in this series on John's Gospel. It was taken in 1944 in Warsaw, Poland, and used as German propaganda to show how they had put down an uprising of Polish resistance forces during August and September of 1944. The implication from the Germans was that the foolish Poles,whether Jewish people fighting against Christians, or Christians, clinging to their Christian religion, were not saved by their faith. Like the other rebels, the crucified Christ was lying in the street, not victorious at all. Desecration of Christian sites has been common for almost two thousand years. The message of the Scripture and historic Christianity, though, is that though in Christ, God died on a cross, he rose from the dead and is able to bring all who believe to eternal life, because Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
  Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
  Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
  Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 19. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. In John 19:1-5 Pilate has Jesus flogged and then presents him back to the crowd. Why would he have done this, then said that he didn't think Jesus was guilty? What is he trying to accomplish?
2. Verses 6-11 present Pilate with a problem. Why does it trouble him that the priests say Jesus has presented himself as the "son of God"? When Pilate questions Jesus again, what does he learn about Jesus?
3. In verses 12-15 what is Pilate trying to accomplish? What is surprising about the situation?
4. What kind of king is Jesus showing himself to be? Is he your king?
5. In verses 16-22 what is disturbing about the message Pilate has posted above Jesus? Notice that the message is often abbreviated in artwork, usually in Latin, INRI
6. Verses 23-30 describe the death of Jesus. What are the important (and surprising) features?
7. Verses 31-42 describe several different actions - the soldier verifying that Jesus is dead, the criminals being put to death, and Jesus being taken down and entombed. What are the significant elements of the different actions?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!

Pilate Executes a Sentence Unwillingly

2/19/2023

After the crowd refuses to have Jesus released, John 19 begins with Jesus’ sentencing. Jesus is mocked and beaten. Carson discusses the different types of flogging that Romans practiced. He does not have a clear opinion of which penalty was given (Carson 1991, 597). In 19:4-5 Pilate again presents Jesus to the people as a pathetic figure. Carson notes that Pilate’s mockery of the Sanhedrin is biting. Jesus doesn’t seem to be any sort of threat at this time (Carson 1991, 598). The response of the Jewish leaders is that Jesus claimed to be God’s son. This, Carson notes, creates fear in Pilate (Carson 1991, 600). If Jesus is divine in any sense, Pilate should fear for his life. He seeks relief by questioning Jesus more. Jesus eventually explains, in brief. Carson notes that Jesus shows that none of the events have happened apart from God’s authority. The person who turned Jesus over to Pilate was more guilty than Pilate. Humans are therefore responsible for sin in this event, though their sin accomplishes God’s purpose (Carson 1991, 601). Finally, Pilate tries to rescue Jesus and the Jewish leaders claim their allegiance to Caesar. It is an odd world (Carson 1991, 603).

Carson here considers the inconsistency about the date of the Passover and the crucifixion. This is in response to the “preparation” of John 19:14. Carson’s conclusion is that the accounts of John and Mark do conflict but for understandable reasons of approximation and emphasis (Carson 1991, 605). Pilate speaks mockingly about Jesus as the king. The chief priests react by denying any king but Jesus (Carson 1991, 606). John presents the incidnt as yet another time that people speak the truth in ignorance.

In John 19:16-30 Jesus is crucified. Carson observes that John gives several details which are not found in the Synoptic Gospels (Carson 1991, 608). He considers the route of the procession, possible locations of Calvary, and the actual logistics of a crucifixion (Carson 1991, 610). Pilate’s work with the sign agove Jesus continues to antagonize the chief priests (Carson 1991, 611). At the same time, it proclaims God’s glory to the whole world. At this point, Carson notes John’s move to explain the fulfillment of Scriptures, something John has rarely done (Carson 1991, 612). Finally, Jesus is crucified with a small band of witnesses (Carson 1991, 615). Among the witnesses Carson finds John and Mary, who becomes the ward of John (Carson 1991, 617). While numerous attempts have been made to establish symbolic meanings of the various events, Carson finds them tenuous at best. In 19:30, Jesus gives up his life. Carson reminds the reader that nobody took his life from him (Carson 1991, 621).

In John 19:31ff, the Roman soldiers, in light of the important upcoming Sabbath, break the legs of the criminals to hasten death. Jesus, appearing dead, is pierced witha spear, verifying his death (Carson 1991, 623). Carson sees John’s emphasis on the reality of Jesus’ death, rather than on the means. Various explanations of possible symbolism of the blood and water are less than compelling (Carson 1991, 624). Carson raises the question of the identity of “this” person, the truthful eyewitness to the events. There has been considerable debate of the identity. Carson concludes that it would appear to refer to the Evangelist John (Carson 1991, 626). The symbolism of verse 36 and none of Jesus’ bones being broken may be based on several Old Tstament passages (Carson 1991, 627). Many events in this passage happen for the stated purpose of fulfilling Scripture.

In John 19:38-42 Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Sanhedrin, obtain the body of Jesus and prepare it for burial. Carson notes the large amount of spice was not out of accord with other recorded first century burials. Jesus was laid in a new tomb in a nearby garden (Carson 1991, 630). Carson does think the location is very likely that pinpointed today by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Carson 1991, 631). This ends the account of the death of Christ.

Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.

John Chapter 19 Annotated

2/19/2023

John Chapter 19 Annotated

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John 18 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

2/12/2023

This etching from a metal plate, measuring almost 22x18", dates to 1636 and was made by Rembrandt. The print is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Here, Jesus is being brought to Pilate for judgment. Pilate, on his judgment throne, is hearing an accusation against Jesus by the high priests who have just conducted an illegal trial of Jesus. Others, consulting with one another in the lower left, are making sure there's a crowd of supporters in the courtyard. The scene is full of hustle, bustle, and disorder, and the soldiers in attendance are clearly flustered. Some are looking on with wonder, possibly thinking there is no reason for Jesus to be there. If you look carefully at some of the upraised spears at the upper right, you will notice they are shrouded with something, creating an appearance of a cross, draped as it would be in a liturgical church after the Maundy Thursday service.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
  Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
  Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
  Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 18. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. By this time it is very late at night. Judas brings a group of soldiers who seem to work for the chief priests and Pharisees, about 600 in number. Describe the action and what the arrest party might have thought they were going into. How is the reality different from what they imagined?
2. We learn that Peter was armed when he attempts to defend Jesus. What is significant about his attack, his victim, and what happened there? Why would John give the name of the person who was attacked by Peter, while the other Gospel accounts would not?
3. What is significant about Jesus' trial before Annas and Caiaphas?
4. What develops in the courtyard while Jesus is on trial? Why is it significant?
5. What is significant about Jesus' trial before Pilate? What does it tell you about Jesus, about Pilate, and about the crowd in attendance?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!

Who's On Trial Here?

2/12/2023

Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1991.
“IV. Jesus’ Self-Disclosure in His Cross and Exaltation (13:1-20:31)” “E. The Trial and Passion of Jesus (18:1-19:42)” pp. 571-631.

Carson notes that all the Gospels push directly to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Scholars debate a relationship between John’s account and that of the Synoptics. Carson assumes that John was familiar with at least one of the Synoptics. However, he was not directly dependent on it (Carson 1991, 571). Though the differences are significant there is no reason to find them as contradictory. Carson discusses several areas in which commentators have attempted to create insurmountable challenges.

In John 18:1-11 Jesus is arrested (Carson 1991, 576). Jesus and his disciples have gone to an olive grove, well known to them. A large force of soldiers, possibly up to 600, but maybe smaller, more like 200, guided by Judas, came on the manhunt (Carson 1991, 577). When Jesus identified himself to the arrest party they fell back. Carson finds few adequate explanations for the situation (Carson 1991, 578).

Jesus is tried before Annas and then sent to Caiaphas. Carson notes that Annas had previously held the high priesthood but was removed and replaced by the Roman governor (Carson 1991, 580). During the trial, Peter, in the courtyard, denies knowing Jesus (Carson 1991, 581). By the end of verse 24, the interrogation of Jesus is complete. Jesus does not give much information but he does say his teaching is public (Carson 1991, 584). Meanwhile, Peter has continued to deny Jesus (Carson 1991, 586).

In John 18:28-19:16 Jesus is tried before Pilate, the Roman governor (Carson 1991, 587). Carson notes that it is difficulut to explain John’s knowledge of what happened inside Pilate’s court. He considers it entirely possible that Jesus may have given some details after the resurrection. It is also possible that John would have consulted the public records which were kept but have mostly been lost since the first century.

The Jewish leaders would not enter Pilate’s quarters. This would have incurred uncleanness and interfered with the Passover. Carson considers this situation and also the apparent discrepancy between John’s account and that of the Synoptics (Carson 1991, 589). Carson’s conclusion is that the Jews were considering the entire Feast of Unleavened Bread as part of Passover. The Jews expected that Pilate would go ahead with their plan to execute Jesus. Yet in verse 31 Pilate refused them, possibly simply to antagonize them (Carson 1991, 591). Yet, when Pilate questions Jesus, Jesus pushes him to make a conclusion. Is Jesus the king of the Jews? (Carson 1991, 593). By verse 36, Jesus is helping Pilate see that he is a king, over Pilate, but not of an earthly kingdom (Carson 1991, 594). Pilate is not eady to recognize this, so he calls off the interrogation (Carson 1991, 595).

John Chapter 18 Annotated

2/12/2023

John Chapter 18 Annotated

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John 17 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

2/5/2023

This painting measures about 5'x4'. It's by "El Greco," who was active mostly in Spain in the late 16th and early 17th century. I have seen this work dated variously from 1590-1612. Though it was painted in Toledo, Spain, it now resides in Toledo, Ohio. Significant details include the slightly elongated depiction of Christ, emphasizing the stress he is under as he prays for his disciples and the world. We also notice the three disciples: Peter, James, and John, who have fallen asleep after Jesus asked them to pray with him, a detail found in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John 17. The olive branches around them, broken off, are significant, as the olive tree is a symbol of Israel.

Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
  Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
  Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
  Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 17. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!

1. Jesus prays in verses 1-5 that he would return to the glory he originally had with the Father. What does this tell you about Jesus' history and his work as the redeemer?

2. In verses 6-10 Jesus specifically prays for those the Father gave him. What is an appropriate attitude about praying for people - do we pray for everyone the same way? Why or why not?

3. Verses 11-19 speak of the name, the word, and the truth of God as a way people are kept or preserved. What's significant about each of these three elements? In John's Gospel how does the process of guarding people work?

4. In verses 20-26, what encouragement do we receive? What is the result we should expect from Jesus' prayers for us?

Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!