"Walking with Jesus" Podcast: Recent Episodes
Craig Henningfield
This is an ongoing series of conversations among friends, focusing on the daily walk with Jesus of Nazareth. To the best of our ability, we imagine walking with Jesus along the highways and byways of his day, applying his Way - his life and teaching - into our everyday lives. "Learn from me," he offers, "and I will give you rest." Receiving from him what he offers is our desire.
Jesus cannot be reduced to human expectations! Nicodemus came to Jesus - at night - thinking he had figured Jesus out: "you are a teacher come from God." But, Jesus cannot be reduced to being just or only a "teacher," as the conversation points out. Jesus is more, connecting an Old Testament expert with the full intent and meaning of the Word of God. We are pointed toward an image that will test our understanding ... the image of the serpent on the pole.
Not only does John the Baptizer confess his - and our - proper posture before the Word of the LORD, he also confesses the sure and certain Truth of the Son of God. Using language similar to what Jesus uses with Nicodemus, John the Baptizer, approaching his own arrest, confirms the ministry of the Spirit, the Son and the Father, acting in harmony and unity, accomplishing Their plan and purpose in the world. Here, we learn of the One we follow; we discover more of the Man we walk with.
What is your image of Jesus? How do you view him? How do you understand his ministry? Who is he and what is he here to be/do? The evening conversation with Nicodemus touches on these topics, guiding us into a deeper and more mature awareness of his identity. We are to be careful of our assumptions when it comes to Jesus. We are better off being filled with his teaching, having our thoughts transformed through the Word, not forcing his teaching into our way of thinking.
Having taught the work of the Spirit ... pointing to the Christ ... revealing the Father through the Christ, Jesus points to the practical. Jesus responds to Nicodemus' implied question: "through this Divine work, how is this made manifest among humanity in culture?" How, really, does God's work in the world "put the world to right"? Using the Biblical word, what about God's "judgment"? Announcing that "believing" is intimately connected with the "name of the begotten Son, Jesus teaches through the images of Light and Darkness, Evil and Good that the Life of the Spirit becomes practical and practiced in the lives of the disciples. This "puts things right."
The evening conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, in the presence of the small band of disciples (learners), spawned many additional discussions. For several days, no doubt, the topics and thoughts of Jesus were considered: the Kingdom, the Spirit, the water, the Christ, the God of Israel, the judgment, the Torah, our living of daily life amidst the Presence of the Creator. The intertwining of God's Life with daily living raised questions and required direction. In the Judean countryside comes the opportunity to engage with Jesus, learning from him the practice of ministry.
John the Baptizer, still proclaiming the coming Kingdom of God, calling for repentance on the part of all Israel, raised issues that confronted and challenged the established religiosity. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus raised additional questions, exposing further conflict. Those who "walk with Jesus" enter into a real struggle, confronting common interpretation and established application of the Word. From the Judean countryside, word gets to John the Baptizer about Jesus, questions are asked, confusion abounds. John, however, remains faithful, revealing the heartfelt attitude and practice of the follower of Jesus: "He must increase, I must decrease."
The conversation began simply enough, "give me a drink." Quickly, however, the conversation gets to the point, "our people have little to do with your people." Cultural and religious distinctions hinder dialogue. Deeply rooted biases and prejudices hinder the free flow of the Word, not to mention everything else that divides humanity. The conversation between Jesus and this unnamed "woman at the well" breaks down such barriers, teaching us that the Word is for all people. We are learning!
How often does meaningful hearing and help from the Word get lost in religious discussion? This hurt-by-life woman, longing for someone to recognize her for who she is, doesn't really know what to do when Someone offers her what she most desperately desires. With her back to the corner, so to speak, she does what so many do ... changes the subject. Graciously, we learn, Jesus moves with her while keeping the real goal in view. Wondrously, Jesus explores, with a "foreigner" who lives in her own culture as an outcast, the significance and importance of the disciple's worship.
So, in the cultural context of Jesus, what is worship? What happens when worshipers gather? Where do they gather? What do they expect? Who is involved and in what way? How does this accomplish what is desired? Many questions with fundamental answers, paving the way toward our more mature understanding when Jesus teaches "worship."
Jesus knows what he is doing. Jesus knows worship. Jesus worships! Here, on a hot day, tired from his morning walk from Judea, Jesus offers a struggling woman "living water," giving her insights into the worship sought after by the Father. Jesus speaks from personal experience. This is not an intellectual expression. What we hear is grounded in everything that makes life worth living: worship of the Father.
John the Baptizer is aware of Jesus' growing ministry. The Pharisees are aware of Jesus' growing ministry. The religious establishment in Jerusalem is aware of Jesus' growing ministry. "Storm clouds" could be arising. In response, Jesus decides to remove himself from the potential conflicts, choosing to return to Galilee. We get to come with him! Amazingly, Jesus chooses to bypass the normal route toward home, heading straight north through Samaria. Not what we would have expected, but becomes yet another learning opportunity for us.
Walking with Jesus opens us to His Life and Work for us ... and among us. Realistically, His Life and Work among us are to be viewed and understood from His perspective. Jesus' comment of "the serpent raised up" clarifies his insight into being Messiah, forcing us to rearrange what we have come to know. Thankfully, Jesus goes on to explore and explain the serpent-image, sharing with us one of the most widely known sayings of the entire Bible.
We must always pay close attention to what Jesus says and does. Why? We must be utterly attentive to Jesus' actions and words because they carry immediate and long-term meaning. While he speaks with the "bigger picture" in mind, we listen with our "small pictures" in focus. Jesus expands our thinking because that is his intent. This is one of the reasons why he was born.
Nicodemus, and the little band of disciples walking with Jesus, are introduced to the Spirit working through water. "This is the entrance to the Kingdom?" becomes the question. Silence before Jesus becomes the appropriate response.
The conversation with Nicodemus, in the presence of the disciples, continues with Jesus doing with him what he has done with us: giving us insight into the meaning of our expectations. What we think and believe must be challenged and re-oriented by the Word.
What Jesus did in the Temple, turning over the tables of the money changers, caused questions all the way to the top of the religious establishment. Nicodemus is moved to visit with Jesus and the little band of disciples in an after-hours gathering, away from the crowds. If Jesus wanted to gain respectability among the religious elite, this would be his chance. Or so we thought. However, the conversation did not go as Nicodemus, or His disciples, imagined.
The excitement was building. There is a sense that the "time of the end" (as Daniel spoke of it) was approaching. The people of Israel in Galilee and in Judea seemed ready ... maybe more than ready ... for God to act on their behalf. With a small group of at least five, the same five who had begun walking with Jesus, who had been with him in Cana, who were now with him in Jerusalem, their expectations were on the rise. They were, at least, able to mouth the words. Jesus was giving them the real content and meaning of their words. Then they all get to the Temple!
After singing the "Songs of Ascent," the small band of disciples was ready to see God take action. They longed for it, desired it, anticipated it. They had called Jesus "Son of God." So, when Jesus seems to act violently in the Temple, turning over the money changers tables, disrupting the functions of Israel's central story, this causes significant agitation. And, Jesus' action generated some pointed questions of "authority" from the religious leadership. "How dare you," they declare. "How about this," Jesus responds.
Jesus just doesn't teach. Jesus acts. His words and actions align. And, he acts in such a way that what should be obvious - water made to be wine - actually reveals much more. This is an expression of glory; a revealing of the true substance of the Miracle Worker. For those immersed into the hope of Israel ... and aware of the exile of Israel at the same time ... can see in this act a deeper insight into what it means for Jesus to be Messiah.
Even though the earliest five disciples - John, Andrew, Simon (newly named Peter), Philip, Nathanael - have their ideas of who Jesus is and what Jesus is about, it is telling that Jesus still must give their insights a clearer meaning. The Messiah gets to identify what this means, not those who follow Him. Our understanding of the Messiah is shaped by the Messiah, not our own fancies or ideas. This stirs many unique conversations as we walk with Jesus toward Cana in Galilee.
Good News ignites and excites! Andrew, being able to recognize the Messiah, goes to share the good news with his brother - Simon. The next day, the good news is shared with Philip. It doesn't take long before Philip finds Nathanael, commenting that the one "Moses wrote about" has been discovered. Graciously, Nathanael's questions were respected, then answered. Wondrously, in the regular, daily conversations among seekers and doubters, the "Son of God" and the "King of Israel" is recognized.
When the larger group doesn't follow Jesus, work with a smaller group. John, after pointing to Jesus among the crowds, points to Jesus while talking with just two. These two, hearing John and trusting their teacher, do what he requests: follow Jesus. This becomes a wonderful conversation between Jesus and these two learners, concluding with the realization that the Messiah has been found! What God, through His Word, had promised, was happening!
Jesus is tested by the Satan, the "accuser" and "abuser" of all. John the Baptizer is being tested by the religious leadership. Jesus held to the Word. John the Baptizer held to the Truth. Here, the Truth is pointing away from himself and pointing toward Jesus. This is our Truth too: "I must decrease," says John the Baptizer, "he, that is Jesus, must increase."
Since the Satan quotes the Bible in his dealings with us, we must know the Word. Knowing the Word of God is a matter of our "getting into the Word," hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating and applying God's Word in our daily lives. Knowing the Bible is, more importantly, a lifetime of "the Word getting into us," shaping our thoughts, molding our imaginations, correcting our choices, guiding our worship, developing our character. The Word deals with the satanic idolatries that confront us every day. Learn from Jesus to deal with evil.
John was in the wilderness when the Word of the LORD came to him, awakening him and commissioning him for his public ministry. Jesus was at the Jordan River when the Spirit of the LORD came upon Him, entering Him, and driving Him into the wilderness to be tempted/tested. One cannot miss the echoes of ancient Israel's wilderness wanderings as Jesus is confronted by the Evil One. In this episode, notice how the Tempter seeks to exploit bodily weakness and human desire: hunger. At the heart of the temptation is the same questioning-attitude expressed in the Garden of Eden. Satan comes questioning God's Word!
Jesus, hungry in body but alive in the Holy Spirit, quotes the Word of the LORD revealed through Moses as His defense against the temptation of the Satan. In doing this, Jesus proves that the Word engaged and embodied is the truest sustenance of our lives. Yes, food is important, vital in fact, but while material provisions only provide temporary relief, the Word of the LORD is the necessary resource for our lives.
The Word announces the arrival of the King! This is the message of John the Baptizer. This raises the questions: "what gives you the right?" and "are you the king we are searching for?" People want an explanation of God's actions that can be understood and affirmed. In his defense, John returns to the ancient Scriptures, pointing us to the purpose and faithfulness of the Living God through His Word. And, in the same response, John the Baptizer positions himself as an unworthy servant/slave when compared to the Christ.
Jesus, so it seems, responded to the preaching of the coming-Kingdom through John the Baptizer. The messages of Kingdom-life coupled with the the emphasis of John upon the Christ's presence in the world and of his coming to Israel likely struck a chord in Jesus. Here, in a revelation of wondrous humility and understanding, Jesus enters into the Jordan River to be baptized in water. The response from the heavens still echoes around the world today!
When the Word makes alive, it seems natural that the world would ask questions. When one lives and speaks from the resources of the Word, the world wonders "what is happening here?" John the Baptizer is asked such questions, and, in keeping with his divine calling, he answers "I am here to point to Another." How does John point to the Christ? He uses the same means available to us: words. John speaks, teaching people the truth of the One all of creation looks to and for.
John the Baptizer cried for "repentance," declaring this reality as the Word moved him to do. While "Faith" is the preferred response to the Word - denial of the Word is also possible - "repentance" is the way through which the Word pursues the Life-giving transformation in a person's daily experience. Repentance in the face of the coming King begins to take particular shapes in the lives of the disciples. It is these various shapes that set the initial foundation and community prepared for the King's arrival.
John the Baptizer is no accident. His person and ministry were both predicted and prepared for ahead of time. The ancient Writings spoke of his arrival. His own father Zechariah, at his birth, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, confessed his vocation. His lifestyle, including clothing and diet point toward the role he was born into and "made alive by the Word" for. And, when he appears on the stage of human history, his message supports and strengthens the prophetic Word's presence and power.
The Word of God accomplishes what is desired and intended. With the Word having returned to awaken the nations - coming specifically to a man at the edges of society - what the Word seeks is what happens. The Word creates reality. The Word unleashed causes results. We are privileged to observe that the Word transforms, enlivens, makes possible and calls to repentance, preparing for the great work of the Word Made Flesh. All of humankind is to heed this Word spoken through those whom the LORD appoints, responding as appropriate.
The Word of God does not fail to achieve what is intended. Positively, the Word of God does accomplish what it desires and purposes to get done! But, being a "word from the LORD," the Word must be announced, proclaimed, spoken and revealed in such a way that it can be heard in this world. Thus, John the Baptizer is known as a proclaimer, a preacher and speaker of the Word!
John the Baptizer was "made alive" through the Word. This should come as no surprise to anyone ... at least to anyone with an awareness of the Old Testament Scriptures. The Tanakh (OT) had declared that the Word would come and the Word would make alive, enlivening people, moving them to vocation in God's world. This happened to John the Baptizer ... and can happen among us. What are the primary actions of someone made alive by the Word? As you listen along, notice the primary actions connected to Word and Sacrament ministry among people.
The Good News of the LORD is grounded in real space and time. The very message of the "messenger" - John the Baptizer - shines as an example of the historical presence of the Gospel Word. The Word of the LORD came to John in the wilderness. Take clear note that it did not come to Jerusalem or Rome!
Most certainly the Message "of" Jesus and "about" Jesus is for real people who live in the real world, regardless of where one may live. And, this message comes for us and to us established in real space and real time ... through words. There is no doubt that Christ is for all people for all time from all nations in every way. Even the way the Gospel-writers wrote - Mark and Luke in this case - is worthy of our attention.
This conversation highlights additional aspects of the historical setting of the life of Jesus, anticipating the arrival of the Word into the world. Amidst the confusion and uncertainty of the political, economic and religious realities in the first-century: God acts! And, He acts in a most certain way: through His Word. Never underestimate the presence and power of the "Word of the LORD" when He moves to enter into His creation.
Jesus was - and is - a real person; a human being who lived in real time and space, among real people in actual history; who had neighbors and friends; who enjoyed good meals and great relationships; who lived in a land ruled by a king, in an empire ruled by an emperor, in a culture dominated by the priestly caste and religious elite; who worked with his hands in an honorable occupation, supporting himself and his family. This podcast explores this basic historical setting, beginning our Walking with Jesus journey and setting the historical stage in which He walked.
This podcast shares the purpose of this ongoing teaching/learning series as well as the process for taking this Journey. This conversation offers the WHAT and the HOW of our time together. Here, the journey of "Walking with Jesus" begins. This podcast enters into the journey of being and growing as an apprentice of Jesus, learning from Him by being with Him. These conversations are offered in an ordered sequence, literally walking with Jesus through His life in the basic order that He lived His life. You are encouraged to engage these conversations in their designed order. Get out your Bible; grab a pen and paper; let's learn from Jesus!