Week Four - Chapters 4, 5 and 6

Hopefully you are following along in your reading in John. We reached chapter 6 of John this Tuesday and next week we will aim to finish up chapter 6 and review chapter 7 and 8.  Try to read the chapters in more than one version of the Bible so that you get a full rounded view of what John is writing. I recommend that you read the following different versions:

• For word-for-word translation try the American Standard or the New American Standard Version
• For a dynamic equivalent [where the word meanings in the original language are translated into common terms and word phrases in English] read the New Living Translation [any edition except the 1st edition] or the New International Version.
• For a very contemporary version read The Message - translation by Eugene Peterson. Some think that this is a "free" translation but actually Peterson is trained in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and as a pastor for over 30 years in the same church, Peterson put the Bible into our common language while staying true to the original.

I hope you are also getting a feel for following the imagery in John that he borrows from the Old Testament. This should make it clear to us that we need to know our OT scriptures well and follow the images and imagery that the NT writers incorporate into their writing so as to bring attention to what they are writing. You can't miss the dynamic way that John paints a backdrop for Jesus' activity while on earth. Remember that they are not just writing history but their specific take on what they saw and witnessed and hoping that we see what they want us to see.

In chapter six of John, John writes of Jesus as if Jesus is the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that guided the Israelites through the wilderness. More than the manna [or bread] that He has to offer, His desire is that people embrace Him.  He is the key to our lives going from life to death to death to life. The key to this is our connection to Him.  He has the life that we need to live beyond death and live a super-abundant life.

Week Four Audio:

Chapter Four

Portico John Lecture - Chapter Four cont'd - Sowing Seed for Eternal Harvest

Chapter Five

Portico John Lecture - Chapter Five - The Father and the Son Continually Working

Chapter Six

Portico John Lecture - Chapter Six - Real Food and Real Drink