Class notes for Sunday, April 10

INTRO TO A DIFFERENT KIND OF HERO: An Exploration of
Five Peacemaking Themes in the Gospel of John


4/10/05

TRANSITION

1. Review
a. What sorts of things about the Gospel of John stand out to you?
b. Was there anything during our study that you feel nurtured your faith journey?
2. Intro
a. WHY PEACEMAKING?

i. John “understood Jesus himself, his life, his teaching, his death, and resurrection to be the peace of God.”


ii. Peace mentioned 5 times:
1. 3 times “Shalom” (Hebrew/corporate), Wholeness, balance, right relations
2. 2 times “Eirene” (Greek), a gift of Jesus (That which passes all understanding?)

iii. Primary focus is on Christology with occasional insights into matters of discipleship (personal) and community (corporate) life.


b. INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

i. Language we use reflects beliefs about selves and others. Inclusive language expands “our understanding of God and humanity.” God is called Father more times in John than in any other book in the New Testament.
ii. Is my understanding limited when I think “Father?” Am I including concepts of Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer?
iii. John’s Father language is essentially relational. (Willimon)

The Peace Of Christ Disturbs The Status Quo And Dares To Challenge Barriers (John 4:7-10, 27)


MAIN IDEA: In the Gospel of John we find that by His example, Christ calls us to dare to cross boundaries that culture imposes when they keep us from embracing those different than we.

· What do you remember from our previous study of this passage?
· Why do you think the disciples did not ask Jesus to explain his conversation with the Samaritan woman?
· With whom do you identify, the disciples or the Samaritan woman? Why?
· Why do you think Jesus broke the social & religious rules to speak to her and drink from her cup?
· What does the passage have to do with peace?
· What message(s) do we draw from it?
a. “He saw the searching for God that was deep within her & helped her discover God’s Spirit within herself.”
· How might that affect what we do/how we live as disciples? (radical)

· Recall first awareness of someone being put down, left out, hurt. What impact did it have on you?

· Describe someone special to you who has dared to challenge the status quo, transcending barriers that divide & hurt.

a. Pope John Paul II!

CLOSING
Readings: Astronaut’s quotes as they looked back home-p. 11
Dr. King’s quote….p.10



In Jesus Christ, Power Is Redefined..The Prince of Peace Stands With, Not Over (John 12:12-16; Zech 9:9-10)

MAIN IDEA: By His example, Jesus calls us to stand with, not over
others; that is how peace happens.

INTRO
1. Revisit Triumphal Entry
a. Different power than expected
b. Quote p. 14

“The Prince of Peace rode into town on a farm animal, not at the helm of a military chariot. His path to peace was traveled in solidarity with the most vulnerable. The authority of his reign was based on his power to give, rather than take life; this power was expressed in standing with, not over or above.”

SCRIPTURE STUDY
· Listen for phrases that stand out or resonate.
a. Zech 9:9-10
b. John 12:9-15

Group –
Ø What phrases stood out for you?
Ø Any new insights?
Ø Can you think of any contemporary leaders who chose the donkey instead of the war horse? How were those leaders received?

In Search of a Roundtable – p. 19

- What lines or images stand out or especially speak to you?
- Where/how do you personally struggle w/living out round-tabling?

CLOSING
Antiphonal Prayer – p. 20