Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of John — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Summary

In this episode of the 'Bible in a Year' podcast, Father Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins dive into the Gospel of John, exploring its unique portrayal of Jesus as the divine Son of God. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John's account highlights Jesus' identity through His 'I AM' statements and focuses on the profound relationship between belief, obedience, and salvation. The episode also reflects on powerful moments in the Gospel, such as the healing of the woman caught in adultery and the significance of the 153 fish in John 21. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of God’s word, offering restoration and renewed faith for all believers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gospel of John focuses on the divinity of Jesus, emphasizing his identity as God, which sets it apart from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
• 😀 John’s gospel starts with a profound theological statement: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,' highlighting the divinity of Jesus.
• 😀 The Gospel of John contains eight miracles, six of which are unique to John's account, underlining his distinct narrative style.
• 😀 Unlike the synoptic gospels, John doesn’t use parables but instead presents direct teachings and discourses from Jesus.
• 😀 One-third of John's gospel (chapters 12-19) is dedicated to the last week of Jesus' life, emphasizing his passion, death, and resurrection.
• 😀 The word 'believe' is a central theme in John’s gospel, connecting belief in Jesus with obedience to his commandments and the Christian way of life.
• 😀 The concept of 'recapitulative history' is introduced, meaning that Jesus fulfills what was left incomplete in Israel’s history, particularly through his obedience and righteousness.
• 😀 The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 7-8) is an example of Jesus releasing people from shame, offering forgiveness and restoration.
• 😀 The restoration of Peter after his denial (John 21) shows that no one is disqualified from God’s grace, even after failure, reinforcing the idea of redemption and forgiveness.
• 😀 John’s gospel provides a portrait of Jesus through his 'I Am' statements, such as 'I am the bread of life,' 'I am the light of the world,' and 'I am the good shepherd,' which reveal Jesus’ divine nature.
• 😀 The theme of grace is emphasized throughout the episode, particularly in the context of how Jesus’ teachings offer freedom from shame and a call to restore one’s relationship with God.

Q & A

Why did Father Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins decide to jump ahead to the Gospel of John during the Bible in a Year podcast?

Father Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins decided to jump ahead to the Gospel of John to introduce the New Testament earlier in the journey. This decision was made because, by following the Bible timeline, they wouldn't read the New Testament until November, and they wanted to show how the Old Testament points to Jesus. They also wanted to allow listeners to see the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Christ.

How does Father Mike Schmitz describe the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?

Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes that the Old Testament points to the New Testament, and the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old. He highlights the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the Old Testament points to, demonstrating that all scripture is Christ-centric, meaning it finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Recapitulative History' as discussed in the podcast?

The term 'Recapitulative History,' as discussed by Jeff Cavins, refers to the idea that Jesus relived and completed what was not fully realized by the people in the Old Testament. Jesus, as the Son of God, had to fulfill all righteousness, completing God's plan of salvation. This concept underscores that Jesus’ life and actions fulfill the history and promises of the Old Testament.

What makes the Gospel of John distinct from the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)?

The Gospel of John is distinct because it focuses on the divinity of Jesus rather than his humanity or kingship. Unlike the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which share many stories and parables, John highlights Jesus' identity and teachings more directly, including the 'I am' statements. John also includes only eight miracles and no parables, setting it apart from the other Gospels.

How does the Gospel of John emphasize belief and obedience?

In the Gospel of John, belief is not only intellectual assent but also involves obedience to God's commands. Jesus repeatedly stresses the connection between belief in Him and living according to His teachings. This theme is highlighted in passages like John 14:15, where Jesus says, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments,' showing that belief and obedience are intertwined.

What are the 'I Am' statements in the Gospel of John, and why are they significant?

The 'I Am' statements in the Gospel of John (such as 'I am the bread of life,' 'I am the light of the world,' and 'I am the resurrection and the life') are significant because they reveal Jesus' divine identity. These statements echo God's self-revelation to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14), where God identifies Himself as 'I Am.' By using this phrase, Jesus asserts His divinity and unity with God the Father.

What is the connection between the number 153 and the divinity of Jesus, as discussed in the podcast?

In John 21, when Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, they catch 153 fish. This number has symbolic significance because it corresponds to the Hebrew phrase 'Ani Elohim,' which means 'I am God.' The number 153 represents a hidden, layered meaning in the text, pointing to Jesus' divine nature and His revelation as God.

How does the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 7-8) illustrate the concept of shame and restoration?

The story of the woman caught in adultery illustrates how Jesus offers freedom from shame. When the woman is brought before Jesus to be stoned, He does not condemn her but instead tells her to go and sin no more. This act of mercy and forgiveness shows how Jesus restores dignity and removes shame, offering grace and a new beginning to those who repent and believe in Him.

What is the central message of John 10:30, 'I and the Father are one'?

John 10:30, where Jesus says, 'I and the Father are one,' is a declaration of His divine nature and unity with God the Father. This statement is central to the Gospel of John, as it affirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but is God Himself, sharing in the divine essence with the Father. It emphasizes Jesus' divinity and His role in salvation.

What role does community play in the journey through the Bible, as mentioned by Father Mike Schmitz?

Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes the importance of community in the Bible reading journey. He highlights that the journey is not just about individual understanding but about supporting and praying for each other as a group. He encourages listeners to engage in the communal aspect of the podcast, reflecting on God's word together and allowing it to shape their hearts and lives.