The Carson Center Podcast

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

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Jesus's cleansing of the temple in John 2:13–25, which symbolized his role as the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. Carson explores the historical and theological context of Jesus's actions, contrasting the old and new covenants. He also highlights Jesus as the final temple in Revelation, calling Christians to a God-centered approach to life and worship. He teaches the following: * Jerusalem's unique role in Jewish history * The temple's historical and cultural significance * How the Gospel accounts of this event support its historical accuracy * Two important lessons from Jesus's cleansing of the temple * Jesus's claims about himself require a response of worship and faith * Jesus is the fulfillment of various Old Testament types and symbols * The Gospels' primary purpose to reveal Jesus and call people to faith * Why Jesus as the temple has implications for how Christians live and worship today

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the profound theological themes in the prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1–18), emphasizing the significance of the Word (Logos) as both the inner thought of God and the outward expression of his self-disclosure. Carson highlights the dual roles of the Word as light and life, and he contrasts the law given through Moses with the grace received through Jesus Christ. He teaches the following: * The contextual significance of the Word (Logos) * How John’s prologue is connected to Genesis 1 * The Word is the light of men and the life that prepares them for eternity * Witness as a theme in John’s Gospel * How John the Baptist’s role as witness sets the stage for the incarnation * How the Word confronts and divides humanity * The significance of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God