October 25, 2026 | John 6:22-40
Reflection:
The word “metaphysical” has a long and interesting history. It originally was used to refer to the books that came “after physics” - especially referring to Aristotle’s books that were placed in order after his writings on physics. The Greek word was borrowed by Latin writers who thought it meant “beyond the physical” - referring to the study of the mind. We commonly use the word today to talk about some understanding of reality beyond the physical world, that is, the supernatural. Jesus in the Gospel of John often points our attention to that which is beyond the physical. In our passage today, he speaks of the “bread of life,” and he means something more than physical bread that sustains and nourishes our physical bodies. Jesus directs those who question him to the spiritual nature of reality that is accessed through faith/trust/belief. Jesus makes one of his famous “I AM” statements found in John. “I am the bread of life.” He is speaking metaphorically, even as he speaks metaphysically. He isn’t literally a loaf of bread. But from the perspective of trust/belief/faith, he nourishes the soul, the mind, and the very being, so one who has put trust in the Son will experience the Son as true bread from heaven. In what way does seeing Jesus as “bread” have meaning for your faith?
October 26, 2026 | John 6:41-59
Reflection:
While Jesus is teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, he meets with opposition to his “metaphysical” interpretations and teachings. How could a human being be ‘bread from heaven’? It makes no sense, and seems a bit blasphemous! It makes perfect sense that “the Jews” (meaning, the scribes and Pharisees) question this teaching. It sounds crazy. What does he mean that those who eat the flesh of the Son of Man will live forever? Jesus draws them away from literal understanding to spiritual truth about the nature of God. As far as we know, every one of Jesus’ faithful followers for the last 10 centuries has died a physical death. Jesus appears to be talking about a different kind of eternal life than living forever on this physical plane. Jesus speaks of the way that God draws people in and initiates faith in them. And in that God-born trust/belief/faith is life…without end. How does this passage remind you of the Lord’s Supper?
October 27, 2026 | John 6:60-71
Reflection:
Jesus has to deal with a lack of trust in his group of disciples. On the one hand, his teachings are difficult for even his closest followers. Some turn away at this point. On the other hand, Jesus knows that specifically one disciple will betray him. He speaks of that one as “a devil.” The word used in the Greek here is diabolos. The word means “accuser” or “slanderer.” It could also refer to the “one who is like Satan.” Satan is a Hebrew word that means “accuser” or “adversarial prosecutor.” Jesus could simply be saying, “One of you is acting in an adversarial role against the work God is doing.” Other gospels say that “the devil entered Judas,” and this is why he acted as he did. Here in John’s Gospel, the accusation isn’t as strong. Jesus is pointing out that one of his closest disciples is working contrary to the kingdom of God. Yet, even knowing about the form of betrayal this adversary will take, Jesus will later welcome him at the very table where he gives his body and blood for their benefit, for their very life. Have any of Jesus’ teachings ever caused you to consider “stepping away” from being a close follower? What has kept you close, despite some hard teachings?
October 28, 2026 | John 7:1-9
Reflection:
The Greek word adelphos (which is part of the city name Philadelphia) means “brother,” literally means, “from the same womb.” In this passage, Jesus’ brothers seem to be at odds with him. The narrator tells us that his brothers didn’t “believe in him.” And we see them encouraging Jesus to do the miracles he’s been doing on a larger stage. We are not entirely sure what their motivation was in pressuring Jesus to go to Judea, but Jesus is clear that it was not his time. Jesus also says something quite strong, “The world hates me because I bear witness that its words are evil.” In his role as a prophet, Jesus calls out the world’s hypocrisy. We see this throughout the Gospel of Luke. “Hate” is a strong reaction to being told that you’re acting hypocritically. And yet this animosity: God sent Jesus into the world to save the world, for God so loved the world. Christians are often referred to as brothers and sisters of Christ. In this role, as womb-mates of Jesus, in what ways does the way of Jesus call you to see the world from God’s perspective?
October 29, 2026 | John 7:10-24
Reflection:
What unfolds in today’s passage is a key scene of conflict between Jesus and religious authorities. We see this type of scene in each of the gospels. The key points of conflict circle around Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath, Jesus’ teaching with an authority that appears to come from beyond his station in life, and Jesus’ being accused of colluding with the devil to do the miracles he does. Jesus meets each point of conflict with grace; he points his detractors to the scriptures themselves, to the traditions of their ancestors. And ultimately he points them all beyond all this to the God who is behind scripture and law and history. Notice how the word “glory” reappears in his passage. We saw it in the first chapter, where the “Word” and “God’s glory” were equated in the one who was born “God’s only son.” How does Jesus address conflict in ways that might help us? Notice how Jesus points beyond himself to the divine intent beyond law, scripture, and tradition.
October 30, 2026 | John 7:25-39
Reflection:
John writes his Gospel so that those who read it might have faith. We hear this throughout the gospel. Today we hear it in the saying of Jesus, “‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” It looks like Jesus is quoting scripture here, but no exact match has been found. Similarly, themes can be found in Isaiah 44:3: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." and Isaiah 58:11: God promises that the faithful person will be "like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." Also, the Greek actually says, “Out of the belly of the one who has faith in me will come forth streams of living water.” The illusion doesn’t quite make sense to us, perhaps, though we can surmise that Jesus means something like, “From the innermost part of the one who trusts in me will flow living waters.” Since Jesus calls himself the Living Water, then he is saying that Christ himself will flow forth from the very being of those who put their faithful trust in Jesus and the One who sent him. Notice how the central theme of Jesus being God’s faithful one who points beyond himself to God sits at the center of all the controversy and the assertions about Jesus’ identity. How is Jesus ministry one of compassion and empathy for those who hunger and thirst?
October 31, 2026 | John 7:40-52
Reflection:
Notice how in this passage today major themes return, especially in terms of the crowds trying to determine the identity of Jesus.
Nicodemus returns from chapter 3, this time seeming to defend Jesus from a hasty assessment of his actions and his identity. And when he tries to divert the wall of water that is rushing toward Jesus, Nicodemus himself is condemned. The question returns for us, “Who is Jesus? Who do you say he is?” This is a question to be answered in faith/trust/belief, and out of the overflow of the heart (belly). The prophet-messiah makes a claim to our life, and we seek to answer with our whole selves. How does Jesus’ identity cause you to question everything you think you know, as his call on us to faith reorients our life and our allegiances?