Talking John

Talking John
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”Talking John” is a series of podcasts featuring Dr. John White Jr., Chancellor Emeritus for the University of Arkansas, and Rev. Dr. Michelle J. Morris, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Bentonville, as they discuss their personal and professional connections to the Gospel of John and offer their scholarly and personal reflections.

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    Talking John - Season 2, Episode 1 - "I Am: The Good Shepherd and the Gate"

    "I Am: The Good Shepherd and the Gate" Scripture: John 10:1-18 Description: Welcome to our next group of podcasts here in Talking John, where we will be discussing the “I Am” statements from the Fourth Gospel. We start with I am the Good Shepherd and the Gate from Chapter 10. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How does it change your understanding of Jesus to hear that “I Am” echoes the divine name (the God of “being” itself)? What difference does it make to you that Jesus uses that holy phrase and then attaches such everyday images to it (bread, light, gate, shepherd, vine, etc.)? When you hear Jesus say, “I am the gate” and “I am the good shepherd,” what kind of protection or security do you long for most right now? Where in your life have you experienced God’s protection—not that trouble disappeared, but that you were held in the middle of it? The group mentioned that in Psalm 23, “follow” can be better translated as “pursue.” How does it change things to imagine goodness and mercy actively chasing after you? Can you name a time when it felt like God’s goodness “caught up” with you even when you weren’t looking for it? Jesus says his sheep know his voice and will not follow a stranger. In our noisy world, what helps you discern Jesus’ voice from all the other “thieves and robbers”? Are there particular messages, movements, or “Christian” voices you now recognize as a stranger’s voice rather than the Shepherd’s? What tipped you off? The conversation named how anxious and divided our country feels right now, and how many people are scared. What does it look like, very practically, to “lean on the Good Shepherd” in a season of fear or confusion—personally, and as a church? They talked about people who have deconstructed harmful forms of Christianity and feel like their faith is gone, when maybe it has actually grown. If you’ve questioned or taken apart parts of your faith, where do you sense Jesus as the gate—inviting you into a truer, healthier pasture rather than out of faith altogether? Michelle described herself not as the shepherd, but as the sheepdog—barking, nudging, and helping the flock stay close to Jesus.In your own context (home, work, church, community), where might God be calling you to be a “sheepdog”—not the Savior, but someone who helps people stay close to the Good Shepherd?

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    Talking John - Episode 39: "This Testimony Is True"

    Scripture: John 21:20-25 Description: We have come to the end of the Gospel, when we will reflect on God’s individual call on the life of Peter, and John, and Paul, and YOU!  Also, just when you thought we were at the end, a surprise awaits… Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: Reflecting on the phrase, “Walk your talk,” where in your life do your actions already line up well with your love for Jesus? Where might there be a gap between what you say you believe and what you actually do? The conversation mentioned Peter’s initial focus on Jews and God pushing him toward Gentiles as well. Who are the “Gentiles” in your world—the people we don’t naturally think of as “ours”—and what would it mean to include them in our ministry? Peter’s “Lord, what about him?” feels very human. How do you see comparison or rivalry show up among Christians today (or in your own heart)? What might it look like to hear Jesus say to you personally, “What is that to you? You must follow me”? Peter and John both follow Jesus but in very different ways and with different missions. How does it change your view of discipleship to remember that not everyone is called to serve or grow in the same way you are? John identifies himself as the disciple who “testifies to these things” and whose testimony is true. If you were to name your own primary role in the story (like “witness,” “encourager,” “teacher,” “servant,” etc.), what might it be right now? Why? The podcast talks about both “mission accomplished” and still having more layers to peel in John’s Gospel. Where in your spiritual life do you sense something has been completed—and where do you sense there are still layers Jesus wants to keep working on with you?

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    Talking John - Episode 38: "Swimming With the Lambs"

    Episode 38 - Swimming With the Lambs Scripture: John 21:1-19 Description: Well, we have made it to Chapter 21. Even though we will discuss the haul of fish and the threefold confession of love, we still won’t make it to the end. But that is because there is so much left to say. Enjoy this extra long episode! What does the vague timing (“afterward”) tell us about the disciples’ waiting season? How do we handle our own “what now?” moments after spiritual highs? Do you read Peter’s return to fishing as backsliding, prudent waiting, or seeking comfort after shame? Where do you tend to “snap back” when life is uncertain? Why might John leave two disciples unnamed? How does that narrative choice invite us into the story? John notes a charcoal fire both at Peter’s denial (18:18) and at breakfast with Jesus (21:9). How might smell/memory set the stage for Peter’s restoration? Where have you experienced God redeeming a place of failure? Whether symbolic or literal, what could the large number and un-torn net suggest about the scope and resilience of the Church’s mission? What do you think “these” refers to (work, friends, others’ devotion)? How does each reading challenge our priorities? And how do you hear the shift from feed my lambs → take care of my sheep → feed my sheep? The chapter seems to hold space for different styles of discipleship (John and Peter). How do diverse gifts and callings coexist in a healthy church today—and what guardrails keep those differences from becoming divisions?

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    Talking John - Episode 37: "In Praise of Being Late"

    Episode 37 - In Praise of Being Late Scripture: John 20:19-31 Description: In this episode, we consider whether Thomas may be the disciple with the deepest faith. Doubt often leads to deep faith. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How can doubt be an essential part of a deeper faith, as the conversation suggests? Have you ever experienced doubt that ultimately strengthened your belief? Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. What might his absence (and later presence) teach us about the role of timing, community, and personal encounter in faith? The Gospel contrasts those who see and believe with those who believe without seeing. How does this tension speak to modern faith, where we rely on testimony and tradition rather than physical presence? The hosts highlight that Jesus’ encounters often restore people to community (e.g., Samanda, the Samaritan woman). When have you experienced this kind of restoration through faith? Instead of condemning Thomas, Jesus meets him where he is and offers him proof. What does this reveal about Jesus’ approach to our questions and hesitations? How does Thomas’ “second chance” encounter with Jesus encourage us in our own spiritual lives when we feel like we’ve missed out or failed? The tradition that Thomas went to India and was martyred suggests his faith grew strong despite, or perhaps because of, his initial doubt. How does this shape the way we interpret his story beyond the “Doubting Thomas” label?

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    Talking John - Episode 36: "Darkness Turns to Light"

    Episode 36 - Darkness Turns to Light Scripture: John 20:1-18 Description: As the dawn breaks on the morning the disciples discover Jesus is gone from the tomb, the truth of the resurrection is also revealed. But the new light of understanding still has to drive away some of the darkness of their misunderstanding as well.  So it is also with us.    Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: The speakers note the differences between John's resurrection account and the Synoptics. What stood out to you about John's telling of the resurrection? How do these differences affect your understanding of the resurrection story? Reflect on Mary Magdalene’s role in this chapter. Why do you think she is the first to encounter the risen Jesus? How might her grief, courage, and recognition of Jesus speak to our own experiences of loss and hope? The podcast discusses a possible scribal error that could change Jesus’ words from “Do not touch me” to “Do not be afraid.” How does each version shape your understanding of Jesus' interaction with Mary? Which interpretation resonates more with you and why? The theme of “seeing is believing” versus “believing is seeing” comes up repeatedly. How do you interpret John’s statement that he “saw and believed” yet still “did not understand from Scripture”? What does this say about the process of coming to faith? The podcast highlights the central role of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection. Why is this significant, especially in the cultural context of the time? What message might this hold for the church today? The speakers draw parallels between the Garden of Eden, the garden of Jesus’ resurrection, and the garden of Gethsemane. How does this garden imagery shape your understanding of God’s work in creation, redemption, and restoration? The conversation reflects on the very human, sometimes hesitant, reactions of the disciples to the resurrection. How do these portrayals encourage or challenge you in your own journey of faith?

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    Talking John - Episode 35: "Nic at Nearly Night"

    Episode 35 - Nic at Nearly Night Scripture: John 19:1-42 Description: The crucifixion is upon us, and it is the world’s great tragedy.  But in the Gospel of John, it is also an exaltation, and the birth of something new. What kind of faith will it birth? We debate that reality around the character of Nicodemus yet again. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How do we hold the tension between honoring the reality of Jesus’ suffering on the cross and avoiding either sanitizing it or sensationalizing it? In what ways do different portrayals (like The Passion of the Christ or the example from Glory) help or hinder our understanding of the crucifixion? Why do you think the Gospel of John gives fewer physical details about the crucifixion than the synoptic Gospels? How does this emphasis on Jesus’ divinity shape our interpretation of his death? The podcast describes the moment Jesus entrusts his mother to the beloved disciple as the 'birth of the Church.' How does this moment reflect the formation of spiritual family, and what implications does it have for how we understand community in the church today? What does Pilate’s role in Jesus’ death teach us about moral responsibility in the face of public or political pressure? Nicodemus’ presence at the burial reignites the question of whether he truly believed in Jesus. What can Nicodemus’ ambiguous faith journey teach us about the process of belief, doubt, and transformation? Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take bold steps to care for Jesus’ body, despite religious and political risks. When have you seen someone in your life—or in history—take a risky, compassionate stand, and what did that teach you about faith in action? The absence of most disciples at the crucifixion contrasts with the faithfulness of the women and John.  What does this moment say about fear, loyalty, and second chances in the life of faith?

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    Talking John - Episode 34: "What Is Truth?"

    Episode 34 - What Is Truth? Scripture: John 18:1-40 Description: This chapter is filled with failures of leadership.In some instances, it seems as though people are making decisions to preserve their own power.  In others, it may be to keep those with more power than them from crushing down upon them. What do you think is behind the actions of Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate? Are they after truth or just privilege?    Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: “What is truth?” Pilate’s question echoes through history. Do you hear it as cynical, confused, or sincere? How do you personally wrestle with defining or discerning truth in your life? In this chapter, Jesus seems to assert control even in the face of arrest and judgment. How does John's portrayal of Jesus as calm and commanding shape your understanding of divine power? When Jesus says “I am he” and the crowd falls back, it is seen as a culmination of all the “I am” statements in John. What does this moment tell you about Jesus' identity and mission? Peter’s denials are presented without mention of his weeping in John’s Gospel. Do you see this as an omission of mercy, or as a critique? How do we hold space for both failure and grace in our own lives? Much of the narrative focuses on people trying to avoid responsibility (Pilate, Peter, the crowd). Where are we tempted to do the same today? How can we recognize and resist those moments? The podcast contrasts the Synoptics’ portrayal of Jesus’ agony with John’s portrayal of exaltation. How do both perspectives deepen your understanding of Jesus’ humanity and divinity? Even amid betrayal, denial, and political games, Jesus chooses the path of sacrificial love. How does this challenge or inspire your own capacity to love, forgive, and serve?

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    Talking John - Episode 33: "The Lord's Prayer"

    Episode 33 - The Lord’s Prayer Scripture: John 17:1-26 Description: This chapter is the Lord’s prayer. Not the one you are used to hearing or can possibly recite, but the prayer Jesus has for himself, for the disciples, and for all of us. What if we knew these words by heart too? Would it change how we treat one another?   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How does it impact your understanding of Jesus to realize that he specifically prayed for you in John 17? What does it mean to you that Christ was thinking of future believers—us—in his final hours? Jesus prayed that all believers “may be one,” not that we would be the same. How do you personally navigate differences in belief, practice, or politics within the Church? What does unity in Christ look like to you? Jesus asks that his followers be sanctified in truth. What role does Scripture, prayer, or community play in helping you stay grounded in truth? How is God continuing to sanctify you? Jesus says the disciples “have obeyed your word,” even though we know they falter. How does this give you hope in your own imperfect journey of faith? Where do you sense God naming your progress rather than your failures? Jesus prays for himself, then his disciples, then future believers. How might this order reshape your own prayer life? Who are the “future believers” you could be praying for right now? In a culture full of conflict, how do you hold on to the “joy, joy, joy down in your heart”? What are practical ways to stay centered in Christ while surrounded by division, frustration, or fear?

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حول

”Talking John” is a series of podcasts featuring Dr. John White Jr., Chancellor Emeritus for the University of Arkansas, and Rev. Dr. Michelle J. Morris, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Bentonville, as they discuss their personal and professional connections to the Gospel of John and offer their scholarly and personal reflections.

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