The Present Word

Today is our last meditation on John! Take your time with this passage, as I think it holds a lot to consider. Also, there will be an extended break in the production of this podcast. I will be making some decisions about what to use this space for in the future. If you'd like to have a say in those decisions, you can email me your thoughts at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. 

Thanks for joining me on this journey through scripture. I hope it has been a blessing to you as I know it has been a blessing to me. May God's richest blessings fall upon you, friend. 

Today's meditation comes from the last chapter of John. In it, we read about Jesus' last sign to the disciples and the simple beginnings of their ministry following Jesus. This is our second to last meditation! I cannot believe that we have come this far and I am so grateful that you have joined me on this journey. 

In today's meditation, we read the moment where so-called "doubting" Thomas comes to belief in the resurrected Jesus. We also read what was possibly once the ending of this gospel! Thanks for joining me for another meditation!

Today's passage is about a beautiful moment. We listen as Mary weeps in front of the tomb, and then encounters the risen Jesus who ultimately ordains her as the first person to preach the Good News of the risen Christ. As you meditate, consider the ways that we miss Christ when they are right in front of us!

Today's episode is the beginning of the resurrection! The perceptive among you will notice that we skipped the crucifixion. That is because I was planning to include it as a long-read episode this past weekend. Unfortunately, those plans went a little sideways. At the moment, I think I will go back and record a bonus episode with the crucifixion story for this coming weekend. We will see how that pans out! 

For now, this episode is a wonderful piece to meditate with and I am so glad you've chosen to join me today. 

Today's text is a really tough one, honestly. As you listen and meditate, consider where you might be in this story? With whom do you identify? It's a tough question, and one I've been asking myself all week. As always, you can share your thoughts with me via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening! 

In today's episode, we hear the chief priests and temple police condemn Jesus in the face of Pilate finding no case against him. It's a tough text to read, but look deep within yourself as you meditate, consider what God is saying in this moment.

In today's meditation, we find John's Jesus questioned by Pilate. Meditate carefully, and consider today who you see yourself as within this text. The answer to that question could be surprising to you and may impact how you read other passages! 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com.

In today's meditation, we witness Jesus being questioned by the high priest. This whole week will be filled with passages like this one, so meditations will be difficult as the subject matter is a bit darker. Bear with it, however, and I think we will find some beauty here as well.

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com!

Today's meditation is over the arrest of Jesus. It's short, but powerful. Listen carefully for the words that Jesus asks his captors, and the way this moment occurs! 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join in the conversation!

Today's meditation covers the conclusion of Jesus' prayer at the end of the Gospel of John. Next week, we will begin the final events of Jesus' life and ministry on earth. Listen closely as Jesus calls for unity marked by love here at the conclusion of his ministry. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you have any feedback about the podcast, you can send that my way at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join in the conversation! 

Today's meditation continues Jesus' prayer. We hear some beautiful words and more tying of themes at the end of John! Listen carefully for Wesleyan key words like "Sanctify" spread throughout! 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you have feedback about the podcast, you can send that my way at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation! 

Today's meditation continues to draw us closer and closer to the final events of Jesus' life. Here we turn from Jesus' discourse to the disciples to a prayer he says just before his arrest. Listen closely as the author of John beautifully ties themes and theology into the words Jesus says. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

Today's meditation is another short one! So, take your time, and pause the podcast if you need some extra space to breathe and meditate. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

Today's meditation is a shorter one, but really wonderful for our purposes. As you meditate, consider how God is working on your heart in this moment, and in this space. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you have any feedback on the podcast, you can send that my way via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join in the converstaion!

In today's meditation, we continue to follow Jesus' final conversation with his disciples before his death. Here, he further underscores the importance of love. This is a theme we've seen throughout John, and it is combined with the "life" theme to create a beautiful outlook worthy of our attention. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you have any feedback about the podcast, you can send that to me via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

In today's passage, we meditate on and with more words about the Holy Spirit and the Trinity in general. It's fascinating to read these things, but they also provide beautiful words on which we can dwell and meditate. 

Thanks, as always, for joining me for a meditation on and with scripture. If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation! 

Today's episode is a beautiful passage in which Jesus tells the disciples a little about the Holy Spirit and implores them to obey his commandments. Reading it in context with chapter 13 and the beginning of chapter 14, it becomes crystal clear how much John's gospel is focused on driving home the point that love is the most important thing for Christians. Love is the center of all the Jesus teaches and love is the guiding force of any commandment. Everything goes back to love. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

Today's episode places us firmly in the Book of Glory as we hear from Jesus as he speaks to the disciples during and after the Last Supper. In this meditation, we hear one of the most popular "I Am" statements, and some really interesting and beautiful statements about Jesus. I hope you find peace and hope here today. 

Thanks, as always, for joining me! If you have any feedback about the podcast, you can email that to me at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation! 

Hello and thanks for tuning in for today's conversation! Today we've got a good one for you as I chat with my friend, Rachel Mumaw. We talk about John (of course), get specific about the woman caught in adultery (John 7:53-8:11), and get a little nerdy along the way. I hope you enjoy! 

Socials: 

Rachel - Twitter: @rachelm296; Instagram: rmumaw.author

Podcast - facebook.com/thepresentword

If you have some feedback you'd like to give me, you can reach out via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com

Music:

Bread (prod. by Lukrembo)

Today's passage encapsulates one of the key messages of John's gospel: love is the most important thing. As you meditate, consider what this passage, in conversation with yesterday's, might be saying to you today. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the project on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation. 

Today's meditation passage tells a pretty familiar story: Jesus washing the disciples' feet! It is a beautiful passage for a number of reasons and contains some deep wisdom that is worth hearing a few times over. 

Thanks, as always, for joining me for another meditation! If you would like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation! 

Today's meditation covers a really interesting conversation involving Jesus, God, and a crowd of people listening in. It's a good one, so take your time as you listen! 

Thanks, as always, for listening. If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow this project on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation.

Today's episode tells a bit about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, but John doesn't dwell on that. Instead, these few verses relate the disciples' confusion, the crowd's excitement, and the Pharisees' fear at the events of the next week. It's a powerful piece of foreshadowing! 

Thanks, as always, for listening. If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword to keep up with updates and join the conversation! 

In today's episode, we begin chapter 12 and, with it, we come that much closer to the ending of the Book of Signs and the beginning of the Book of Glory. If you're confused by that, go listen to the Study Episode where we explored some intro material on John! 

Today's passage contains a beautiful story of mundane ministry which mentions Lazarus, but involves his sister Mary directly. As you meditate, consider your senses. They are really important for this reading! 

Thanks, as always, for listening. If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook at Facebook.com/thepresentword.

Today's meditation covers the actual raising of Lazarus! Today we hear the sign that Jesus has come to do in the presence of Martha, Mary, his disciples, and a crowd of onlookers. It is a beautiful ending to a lovely story and a very rich passage for meditation. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you would like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

Today, we continue the story of Lazarus with a conversation between Martha and Jesus in the outskirts of Bethany. As you meditate, consider the "I am" statement that Jesus makes here and what it means in this moment, today. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can send me an email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Facebook to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

In today's meditation, we begin the story of Lazarus. We are opening with a short selection from the story in order to really sit with the first few moments of this story, as Jesus waits to leave after hearing of Lazarus' illness. As you meditate today, consider this decision and what Jesus says about it. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you would like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow the podcast on Facebook to keep up with updates and join in on the conversation! 

Today's passage comes immediately after yesterday's, giving us the second part of Jesus' extended metaphor. While Jesus called himself "the gate" yesterday, today he is "the good shepherd." This passage also has some really interesting wordings about God, Jesus, and their relationship with humanity. So, as we meditate today, let us focus on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and what it means to know Jesus the same way Jesus knows God. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you would like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow us on Facebook to keep up with updates and to join in the conversation! 

In today's episode, we hear a common analogy for God's relationship to humanity reworked slightly by Jesus. We also get another "I am" statement from Jesus which precedes (and works with) an "I am" statement we will hear tomorrow. As you meditate today, consider what Jesus means when he gives us today's "I am" statement. 

Thanks, as always, for listening and meditating with me! If you would like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can send me an email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like and follow us on Facebook for updates and to join in the conversation! 

Today's meditation covers the last piece of the story we've been following all week. The man who was blind from birth will have his story, at least as told in this gospel, book-ended by encounters with Jesus. Jesus also, as always, gets the last word over the Pharisees. As you meditate on this passage, consider the way that this man has moved from not knowing Jesus to fully knowing him over the course of this story. How does that fit with your own journey of faith? Does it fit at all? 

Thanks, as always, for joining me on this journey. If you'd like to contact me about the podcast, you can send an email to presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like the podcast on Facebook if you want to keep up with updates and join in the conversation! facebook.com/thepresentword. 

Today's text continues the saga of the man Jesus healed at the beginning of the week. He is brought before the Pharisees again to answer further questions. For his trouble, he ends up driven out of their presence. This passage points again to some important themes in John as well as some key questions for Disability Theology. 

Thanks, as always, for listening and joining me on this journey through scripture. If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can email me at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like us on Facebook to keep up with updates and join the conversation!

Today's text continues the story of the man who Jesus healed with mud and a pool called "Sent." Here, we encounter the Pharisees as they dispute and debate Jesus' work because it was done on the Sabbath. Some question whether he is "of God," while others say his signs could come from no one else. The man who was healed, however, moves from not knowing where Jesus is to deciding something about who Jesus is. As you meditate, consider that movement, from not knowing to knowing. 

Thanks, as always, for listening and meditating with me! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can send an email to presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also keep up with updates and join the conversation on our Facebook page at facebook.com/thepresentword.

Today's text tells the story of a man born blind being healed by Jesus via some mud and a pool called "Sent." It is a fascinating passage for a number of reasons, but it also holds some beautiful words for our meditation purposes. As you meditate, consider what sticks out to you about this passage. What is interesting? What is enlightening? What really grabs your attention? After the meditation, I encourage you to continue thinking about your answers to those questions, and why they are your answers. 

Thanks, as always, for joining me on this journey. If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. You can also like the podcast on Facebook to keep up with updates and join in on the conversation! 

Today's meditation comes right on the heels of Friday's text where we heard the story of the woman caught in adultery. Here, we actually pick up with a conversation Jesus was having in chapter 7 in the Temple. This disjointed transition from one story to the next is called a "seam," and happens when stories have been inserted later into already existent texts. It is for this reason that many scholars think that the story of the woman caught in adultery was, in fact, added later! Strange transitions aside, today's text gives us some interesting theology around the relationship between Jesus and God as well as a very familiar "I am" statement from Jesus himself. Join me as we meditate on and with scripture today! 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you have any feedback, or just want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can do so via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. Alternatively, if you want to keep up with updates and join in on the conversation about this project, you can like the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword. 

Today's meditation is on a story that has been debated for many years! It covers "The woman caught in adultery" in which the religious authorities bring a woman they claim was caught in adultery before Jesus for judgement and he tells them "let anyone who is without sin throw the first stone." It's a fascinating story, and probably added later based on manuscript evidence. Nevertheless, it is a worthy story for our meditation practice. 

Thanks, as always, for listening! If you'd like to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can send an email to presentwordpodcast@gmail.com, and you can keep up with updates by liking our Facebook page at facebook.com/thepresentword.

In today's meditation, we hear a bit more of Jesus' conversation with the people he fed at the beginning of the week. Here, he talks about eating his flesh and drinking his blood! What?? Yeah, that's how his disciples felt too, it seems. As you meditate on this passage, consider how God is speaking through these words, even these difficult words, and exposing more of Themself to you today. 

Thanks as always for listening! If you want to get in touch with me about the podcast, you can reach out via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com. If you want to follow along with this project and keep up with updates, you can like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword. 

Thanks for listening and meditating with me today! Our text for this meditation tells us of a conversation between Jesus and the people he fed in yesterday's meditation. They seek something from him, but he adjusts their expectations to something a little bit higher. Join me as we meditate on and with this scripture today. 

If you want to give feedback about the podcast, or just want to get in touch with me and follow along with this project, you can send me an email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com or you can like the podcast on Facebook at facebook.com/thepresentword. 

Today's text is a little longer, but worth the read because we get to meditate on the feeding of the five thousand, the only story that shows up in every gospel! As you meditate, consider the work that Jesus does here and what this sign could mean to you today. Thanks, as always, for listening!

If you want to connect with me, you can reach out via email at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com OR like the podcast on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/presentwordpodcast to keep up with updates!

Today's meditation covers a portion of the conversation between Jesus and the religious elites in the town where he healed the long-suffering man from last Friday's episode. It's a short passage, but it is absolutely packed with John's important themes and some beautiful theology. As we meditate, let us focus on what this passage is communicating to us about God and God's relationship with creation. 

Thanks for listening! If you want to get in touch with the show, you can send an email to presentwordpodcast@gmail.com, or you can like us on Facebook by following this link - https://www.facebook.com/presentwordpodcast. Either way, we would love to connect with you! 

Welcome back to The Present Word! Last Saturday, we introduced The Gospel of John in an overview, just to get to know our text a little better. This week, we are starting something a little bit different. Instead of a direct study episode, we'll be listening to a conversation between myself and Rev. Phil Dieke, a close friend of mine. This conversation took place on Fireside Chats, an audio-only social platform designed to bring out the best in public discourse. It's currently in beta testing, so a big thanks to Phil for inviting me on and agreeing to have this conversation. 

We'll be listening to more conversations like this one in the future, each with the goal of bringing in a different perspective on the Gospel of John and scripture generally. So, I hope you enjoy what will be the first of many episodes like this one. 

As always, thanks for listening and I invite you to reach out with feedback or questions. You can email me at presentwordpodcast@gmail.com, or you can like the podcast on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/presentwordpodcast. 

Music: 

"Marshmallow" (Prod. by Lukrembo).

In today's meditation, we move into chapter 5, and witness the healing of a man who has been ill for 38 years. It is a beautiful passage, and there is a lot to meditate on here. Thanks for joining me for another meditation on and with scripture!

Today's meditation covers the second sign Jesus does. He is, again, in Cana of Galilee, just as with the wedding in chapter 2. Here, however, he extends his work to Capernaum, apparently at least a day away, and heals the dying son of a royal official. This healing leads to the faith of that official and his whole household. It's a beautiful healing story, and a wonderful text to meditate with as we do. 

Thanks for listening!

Today's meditation closes out the story of the Samaritan woman and her ministry in her community. It speaks to the reality of ministry, both professional and not, in the lives of Christians. As you meditate on this passage, consider the work of the Samaritan woman and the way it must have impacted her community even after Jesus moved on to his next stop. I invite you to go back read the rest of her story, it's a good one. 

Thanks for listening and meditating with me today.

Today's meditation takes us into chapter 4 of our text. We meet a new character, the Samaritan woman at the well, and witness the beginning of her conversation with Jesus. This is a wonderfully interesting part of John's gospel, and it points to some of its major themes, including the importance of women to the ministry of Jesus. The reading I've chosen ends in a bit of a funny spot, but that's purposeful. As you meditate here, consider the way that this reading speaks to you and how you meet Jesus. 

Thanks for listening!

Happy Monday! In today's scripture, we continue hearing Jesus speaking to Nicodemus, the pharisee and leader among the Jews. Jesus reveals who he is and why he is here to Nicodemus, giving us what is probably John's most iconic verse in the process - John 3:16. This passage is a fun one to meditate on and provides much to mull over! Thanks for joining me as, together, we meditate on and with scripture, hoping to encounter the Word behind the words. 

Today, we begin our study of John with an introduction. We'll talk a little about my personal approach to scripture, discuss genre, and then dive into an overview of the structure, themes, and puzzles in this text. 

Thanks for joining me on this journey into scripture! If you're enjoying this podcast, would you share it with your friends? I love working on this project, and it brings me so much joy to see people enjoying it. I am excited to see what this will grow into, and I hope you are too. 

SOURCES:

Mark Allan Powell, Introducing The New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey 2nd ed., (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018).

Paul N. Anderson, The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel: An Introduction to John, (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2011).

Jaime Clark-Soles, Reading John for Dear Life: A Spiritual Walk with the Fourth Gospel, (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2016).

MUSIC:

(By order of appearance)

"Serenity" by Prod. Riddiman

"Sorry" by Prod. Riddiman

"Biscuit" by Lukrembo

"Onion" by Lukrembo

"Teapot" by Lukrembo

"deep space" by Prod. Riddiman

Today's meditation has a lot of questions. We read the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee, coming to Jesus in the night with many questions, and Jesus challenging him with difficult (and cryptic!) answers. As we hear this story, let us be present to the questions we have and the way that faith is often a path of unknowing. Also, congratulations on making it to the end of our first week of meditations! They have been a joy to record, and I hope they are a joy to listen to as well. Thanks for joining me on this journey. 

Today, we meditate on John's telling of Jesus driving out the money traders from the Temple in Jerusalem. It's a little different feeling from the passages we've explored these last couple days, but here we experience a slightly different side of Jesus. We also get a taste of John's sense of foreshadowing which will permeate much of the gospel. Join me as we meditate on this story. 

Our scripture for today's meditation is the first sign Jesus does in his ministry in the Gospel of John. Turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana is perhaps one of the most joked about miracles Jesus does in any gospel, but it is still a beautiful testament to the power of God in Jesus and a revelation of Christ's glory. Join me as we meditate together on this passage.