John is different than the other three gospels in many ways. One of these differences in John it that Jesus, rather than teaching primarily through parables, more often teaches through his encounters with specific people and groups. Compared to Matthew, Mark and Luke, these encounters are often much longer and/or more detailed. Our task these next few months is to discern what Jesus is saying to us through his encounters with others in this unique gospel.
August 23 – Jesus Clears the Temple (John 2:12-25)
What do we do that keeps people from worshiping God?
August 30 – Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42)
If Jesus was speaking the truth to us, what would he say?
September 6 – Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (John 6:1-15)
Are we a people who believe in scarcity or abundance?
September 13 – Crippled Man Healed (John 5:1-16)
Do we want to be healed?
September 20 – The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:2-11)
Are any of us fit to throw stones at others?
September 27 – Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind (John 9)
What is our “One Thing?”
October 4 – Lazarus Raised from the Dead (John 11:1-53)
What binds us? Do we really believe God is the God of life and resurrection?
Coventryville United Methodist Church 