Hi to All:
Next Sunday we'll discuss Chapters 14 and 15. Here are some issues and questions to ponder for the discussion.
Chap. 14: The Brothers of Jesus: Origins
1. P. 136, 1st parag and continued on p. 137. "...the early followers of Jesus...searched the Jewish scriptures for hints to illumine the Jesus story..." With this quote, Spong continues his analysis. Filled with ideas that embellished the story of Jesus, this paragraph (and extended to the top of p. 137) provides insights into the marvelous story, which bolstered the stature of Jesus among his followers. "We should therefore be aware that John may be using Sukkoth symbols in this story in order to continue developing his non-literal portraits of Jesus." (p. 137, 1st parag.). Comments about Spong's analysis?
2. Pp. 137-138. "My hour has not yet come." Jesus says these words to Mary at the wedding feast and to his brother in Galilee. Are his words some kind of foreboding of his pending crucifixion? Could John, writing some 70 years after the crucifixion, have artfully added these words to the narrative to add zest to the drama? Could John have plucked from the popular stories circulating among the followers about Jesus these and other elements to create his own mystical version, as compared to the three synoptic gospels? Your thoughts?
3. P. 138, final parag. and continued on top of p. 139. John stirs up the rhetoric. He has Jesus compare the Jewish circumcision law to his own ministry on the Sabbath. What's this all about? Comments?
4. P. 139, end of the long parag. Spong suggests that at this point in John's story, Jesus is beginning to break down barriers. On page 140 we read that John develops the argument between the religious officials and Jesus: 'We know your origins and so you cannot be the Messiah.' Then, at the bottom of p. 140, Spong makes an analysis about the religious authorities' self-consciousness and Jesus' universal consciousness. Then Jesus says: The truth shall set you free: (see line 5, p. 141). Are you, at this point, leaning towards Spong's analysis? Comments?
5. P. 141, 1st parag. Spong writes a list of bondages. Could you add another modern bondage to Spong's list? How does Jesus include Abraham in his argument with the synagogue officials?
6. P. 142, 1st parag. "Glory does not come by trying to accumulate power. Glory comes by having the freedom to give your life and love away." WOW!! And now for the key question: What does this kind of glory look like to you? Your thoughts?
7. P. 142, last parag. Would you say that this paragraph is a strong reflection of mysticism? If so, how or why?
Chap. 15: The Man Who Was Born Blind
8. What is the purpose of the story of the man who was born blind? What do you suppose was the intent of the author of the Fourth Gospel to add this story in his narrative? If his purpose was to show that the split between the synagogue community and the followers of Jesus was complete, why didn't he just cut to the chase and say so? Why all the stories? Why not just report the facts? Was reporting just the facts not allowed in Jewish mysticism? Comments?
9. P. 150, last parag. and on p. 151 to the end. Spong states that "the conflict between the Jewish Johannine community and the Jewish synagogue leaders was intense." That is, the synagogue leaders refused to see Jesus' truth and, so, bitterness ensued. There are two sides to this conflict. The more important question for us is not an academic question of right or wrong, but one of how we practice the way of Jesus. How do we do the practice on a daily basis; how do we walk the walk, not just talk the talk; how to be doers of the Word and not hearers only; how can it be possible to transcend the limits of our own humanity? (See p 151, last sentence). Or, are we destined to fall short every time? Are we ultimately destined to be counted among those who are born blind? Comments?
I look forward to another engagement of intelligent, robust discussion at 11:00 am under the Sanctuary. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and treat your neighbor with TLC. Best wishes and hasta domingo, Ben
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