St. Pat's Faith Talk

Advent 2024 Read-Along John Chapter 21

John 21 recounts the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to seven of His disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus directs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of 153 fish. Recognizing Jesus, Peter jumps into the water to reach Him. Jesus then provides a breakfast of fish and bread, and after the meal, He asks Peter three times if he loves Him, mirroring Peter's three denials. Each affirmation prompts Jesus to instruct Peter to "feed My sheep," signifying Peter's restoration and commission to care for the church. The chapter concludes with a brief mention of the beloved disciple, John.

Advent 2024 Read-Along John Chapter 20

In John Chapter 20, the story unfolds on the morning of Jesus' resurrection. Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and “the disciple who Jesus loved” (traditionally understood to be John), who come to investigate. They find the grave clothes but no body, leading to confusion. Mary stays behind weeping and encounters the risen Jesus, though she initially doesn’t recognize Him. Jesus then appears to the disciples, offering peace and breathing the Holy Spirit onto them. He commissions them to forgive sins. A week later, Thomas, who wasn’t present the first time, doubts the resurrection. Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!" The chapter concludes by stating that the signs recorded in the Gospel are written to help people believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, they may have life in His name. Thanks to Alex Carter for reading.

Advent 2024 Read-Along John Chapter 19

In John chapter 19, Jesus is condemned to be crucified by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate after being severely beaten and mocked by soldiers. Pilate offers to release Jesus as part of a Passover custom, but the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, a criminal, instead. Jesus is forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, where He is crucified between two thieves. As He hangs on the cross, He speaks several significant words, including entrusting the care of His mother to His disciple John and declaring "It is finished," signifying the completion of His mission. After His death, His body is taken down by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who prepare it for burial. This chapter highlights Jesus' victory over the powers that be through suffering and sacrifice instead of violence and domination.  Thanks to Tim Redman for reading.

Advent 2024 Read-Along John Chapter 15

John 15 focuses on the relationship between Jesus, His disciples, and God the Father. Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and His followers as the branches, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Him to bear fruit. He teaches that apart from Him, they can do nothing. Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, highlighting that this sacrificial love is the greatest form of obedience and the mark of true discipleship. He also warns them that the world will hate them because they belong to Him, just as it hated Him. Despite this, He assures them that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will guide and strengthen them. The chapter concludes with Jesus reiterating the importance of love, obedience, and the coming persecution, while reminding them that He has chosen them and appointed them to bear lasting fruit. Thanks to Amy Plank for reading.

Advent 2024 Read-Along John Chapter 14

In John 14, belief plays a central and multifaceted role. Jesus calls His disciples to trust in Him and believe in His identity and mission, especially as He prepares them for His departure. Belief in John 14 is about trusting in Jesus’ person and work, recognizing His unity with the Father, and living in obedience to His commands, all of which are empowered by the coming Holy Spirit. It’s a belief that is both relational and transformative, offering peace and a deeper connection with God. Thanks to Matt Lewis for reading.