The Gospel of John: A Discussion …

So for those of you who are reading along with me, here are my initial thoughts regarding my “brisk run” through John. The first observation I will pose in the form of a question: does the Gospel of John lend itself more easily to synchronization with the Pauline epistles then the so-called Synoptic Gospels (e.g. Matthew, Mark, and Luke)? I ask this because much of the “discipleship” presented through John is focused on “belief in the Christ” as opposed to the Synoptics where “discipleship” seems to be focused on “praxis” – or action.

Second observation. Orthopraxis (or “right actions”) cannot exist without orthodoxy (or “right belief”) because every action is precipitated by some measure of belief, no matter how small. On the other hand, can orthodoxy exist without orthopraxis?

Thoughts?

 

The Gospel of Matthew: A Discussion …

Finished my read through the Gospel of Matthew and three things are really standing out in my mind right now:

1. The earthly ministry of Jesus was marked by near constant conflict.  If He wasn’t arguing with the disciples, He was arguing with the Pharisees.  If not the Pharisees, it was the priests and the scribes.  But interestingly enough, when it came to the masses, His approach was much softer, much more inclusive.  So I’m left with the impression that He relationship with leaders (both those that He was training and those that He was critiquing) was exceptionally tough.  So what do you think?  Do you think Jesus’ attitude towards leaders was tougher that His attitude towards the masses?  And what might this mean for us as leaders in the church?
2. The second thing I noticed was the unbelievable power that was manifested in His public ministry.  Almost everywhere He went, the blind were being given their sight, demons were being cast out, the paralyzed were walking, etc…  Interestingly enough, I started to make the connection between His power and the public’s interest in His ministry.  For the first time, I was able to put myself in the Story and I was struck by the realization that I absolutely would have gone to see the Man who worked these miracles.
3. The third thing I noticed is actually a bit disconcerting at the moment.  If I knew nothing of the writings of Paul, or Peter, or John, and all I had to go one was the public ministry of Jesus, I’m not sure I’d actually be considered a disciple.  When I look at those that He describes as being “in” the Kingdom versus those that He describes as being on the “outside,” I’m not sure I measure up.  There is a really high cost to discipleship, and I don’t feel as if my life is measuring up to the standards our Savior proscribes …

So what about you guys?  What’s standing out to you in your readings? 

 

Journey Through the New Testament in 27 Days: A Reading Schedule …

“It’s good to read right through chapters, sections and entire books at a single sitting.   The ‘books’ which make up the New Testament weren’t written to be read in ten-verse sections at a time; imagine what would happen if you tried to listen to a symphony that way, or to read a novel at the rate of a single page once per week.”  (N.T. Wright)

 

Oct. 27 The Gospel of Matthew
Oct. 28 The Gospel of Mark
Oct. 29 The Gospel of John

Oct. 31 The Gospel of Luke
Nov. 1 The Acts of the Apostles
Nov. 2 Romans
Nov. 3 1 Corinthians
Nov. 4 2 Corinthians
Nov. 5 Galatians

Nov. 7 Ephesians
Nov. 8 Philppians
Nov. 9 Colossians
Nov. 10 1 Thessalonians
Nov. 11 2 Thessalonians
Nov. 12 1 Timothy

Nov. 14 2 Timothy
Nov. 15 Titus
Nov. 16 Philemon
Nov. 17 Hebrews
Nov. 18 James
Nov. 19 1 Peter

Nov. 21 2 Peter
Nov. 22 1 John
Nov. 23 2 John
Nov. 24 3 John
Nov. 25 Jude
Nov. 26 Revelation