Dear Partner in Preaching, Any careful reader of John’s Gospel will notice that his account varies from his synoptic cousins at a variety of points, few more significant than in today’s reading. Rather than place Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple at the end of Jesus’ public ministry, as Matthew, Mark, and Luke do, John places it here at the beginning of the story. Why? Because of distinct theological agendas. Keep in mind that the Gospels are confessions of faith from the first century rather than historical accounts of the twenty-first century. So each difference provides us with a clue to the distinct confession of faith the...
John 18:19-21
Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who...
John 18:17-18
The woman said to Peter, ‘You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming...
John 18:15-16
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who...
Ministry in the Digital Age
If you’ve read just about anything I’ve written over the last few years, you will know that I’m keenly interested in how the church responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by living in the digital age. What do I mean by “digital age”? Well, various authors and thinkers define it in slightly different ways, but suffice it to say that it’s a world where we receive and increasingly share most of our information – which of course includes our thoughts and beliefs about meaning and identity – via digital platforms. All of which is why I’m so excited to invite you to hear a...