The Carson Center Podcast

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 11, focusing on Jesus's delayed response to Lazarus's illness and subsequent death. Carson highlights the irony in this account, illustrating how Jesus's actions reveal his sovereignty over death and his role as the resurrection and the life, ultimately pointing to his future sacrifice. Carson reflects on the broader implications of Jesus's death and resurrection, underscoring the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. He teaches the following: * Why understanding Jesus's claim as the resurrection and the life requires seeing it in the context of unfolding irony * How Jesus demonstrated his love by delaying his response to Lazarus's death * The narrative framework highlights Jesus's love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus * The mixed responses to Jesus's actions from the Jewish audience * The fulfillment of Caiaphas's prophecy reveals that Jesus's death is also for the scattered children of God * Jesus's resurrection power has an ongoing impact, both in individual lives and in future resurrection on the last day

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 10:1–21, emphasizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, nurtures, and lays down his life for his sheep. He contrasts Jesus with thieves, showing that, unlike them, Jesus sacrifices for his sheep and leads them with authority and care. Carson reflects on the practical implications of this metaphor for believers and church leaders, urging them to understand and follow Jesus's example. He teaches the following: * The historical context of shepherding in the first-century Middle East * How the metaphor of the shepherd is used to describe Jesus's relationship with his followers * How John 10 connects to Old Testament themes of shepherds and their roles, particularly Isaiah 56 and Jeremiah 23 * How the metaphor of the gate describes Jesus's role in leading and nurturing believers * How the metaphor of the shepherd illustrates the pastoral care that church leaders should provide * The key points of Jesus's relationship with his people: knowledge, nurturing, sacrifice, and transformation

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Jesus as the “Bread of Life” in John 6 who offers eternal fulfillment through his death and resurrection. Carson emphasizes that true belief in Jesus is the work of God and the way to eternal life. Jesus’s sacrifice is portrayed as the ultimate sign of his authority and the source of salvation for the world. He teaches the following: * The contextual significance of bread in first-century Palestine * Jesus's role as the true manna, and its parallel to the Old Testament account of manna in the wilderness * Jesus's miracles are meant to demonstrate his ability to provide for our needs * Jesus is the ultimate source of eternal life, not just physical sustenance * The role of God the Father in drawing people to Jesus and ensuring their salvation * Why Jesus's death and resurrection are central to the metaphor of Jesus as the living bread * Why Jesus's role as the Bread of Life is central to understanding his mission

In this lecture, Don Carson focuses on Jesus's healing on the Sabbath in John 5:16–30, which led to Jewish persecution. Carson explores the theological implications of Jesus's sonship, his authority in judgment, and his role in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Carson also emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus's identity and the need for believers to deepen their worship and evangelism through knowledge of God's revelation in Christ. He teaches the following: * Paul and John’s differing perspectives on sonship * How Jesus's response to the Jews elevates the discussion to a theological level * Why the Father's love for the Son is foundational to the gospel * The Son's authority in judgment is rooted in his identity as the Son of Man * Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament feasts, laws, and institutions * Proper knowledge of God and his revelation is essential for effective evangelism and spiritual growth

In this lecture, Don Carson explores Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John, where Jesus teaches the necessity of being "born again" through the Spirit for spiritual renewal and entry into the Kingdom of God. Carson explains the symbolism of light and darkness in the passage, connects new birth to Old Testament promises, and highlights the transformative power of the Spirit. Carson also discusses the role of faith in receiving eternal life, with God's love as the motivation behind Jesus's sacrifice. He teaches the following: * How Jesus's response to Nicodemus challenges his understanding of the Kingdom of God * The theme of light versus darkness illustrates the spiritual blindness of unbelievers * How the concept of new birth is rooted in Old Testament passages * Nicodemus's confused focus on national transformation instead of personal renewal * How Jesus challenges Nicodemus to accept his testimony based on his divine authority * The love of God is the motivation for Jesus's sacrifice and the new birth