Adult Education News
After a break for the summer, the Adult Education program that meets between services each Sunday morning will return to action with a block buster series that starts on September 12 (the Sunday after Labor Day). The Gospel of John is the subject and it will be explored thoroughly over a period of 13 sessions, up through December 5.
John’s account of the life and teachings of Jesus, known often as the Fourth Gospel, is unique. One of the four biographical records of Jesus in the New Testament, it differs significantly in style from the other three (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Those three are known as the synoptic Gospels. A key difference is that the first three are much more like chronological records of the life and ministry of Jesus. They do indeed provide a synopsis of his activity and teaching. It’s not that John doesn’t do that exactly. Rather, it is more characteristic of John to interpret what Jesus does and says. He is much less concerned about the chronology of Jesus’ ministry than he is about what it means and implies. As a result, there are some places where John’s order of things seems different from the others. It can be noted, of course, that there are clear implications to be found in the synoptics about the ways these three writers interpret Jesus. You can discern from careful reading that there are certain emphases they want to make to the readers they address. Some of those things are evident in their vocabulary and in subtle differences they might employ to tell stories. But John is more the theologian. His imagery is deep, often able to be “peeled.” Much of the time John can be read in several layers of depth. It is always appropriate to ask “what’s underneath this statement or that one?” when reading John’s writing. (Such examples are the encounter of Jesus with Nicodemus in chapter three or the story of Jesus and the woman at the well in chapter four.)
These and many other nuances of John’s special Gospel will be examined in the series that is scheduled. The thirteen sessions will be led by 10 different presenters. They will be explored as the study makes its way from the beginning to the end of the book itself. Attention will be paid to the various “themes” that comprise the book – such as the bread of life, the shepherd, the resurrection and the life, etc. There will be an emphasis on the ways John is faithful to the traditions of Scripture, and on his presentation of some of the very basic tenants of Christian faith – the Church, the Trinity, the Cross, and the Resurrection.
This series is an important one. It will present good information about one of the most profound and important books of the Bible. And it is one in which everyone can gain wonderful insights and reminders. Make plans to be a part of this opportunity to grow in faith and understanding. Adult Education sessions are each Sunday, 9:15 to 10:10 A.M. The schedule resumes on September 12 with the series on the Gospel of John.
