Listen "SJTJ 289: Week 41 EXPLORE (John 18:1-18 - "I Am" vs "I Am Not")"
Episode Synopsis
WEEK 41.7 Discussion questions below.Episode SummaryIn this Week 41 Explore episode, Nick and Jamie dive into Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1-18). They explore the stunning Exodus parallels throughout the narrative, from Jesus crossing the brook Kidron (red with Passover lamb blood) to commanding "let these people go." The episode examines the massive military force sent to arrest one carpenter, Jesus's divine "I am" revelation that knocks soldiers to the ground, Peter's violent sword attack on Malchus (revealing his misunderstanding of Jesus's way), and the tragic contrast between Jesus's courageous "I am" and Peter's fearful "I am not." Throughout, they discuss the dangerous mixing of religion and politics, the clash between worldly violence and Jesus's sacrificial love, and what it means to follow the nonviolent way of Jesus in a violent culture.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Recap01:49 Jesus' Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane 03:27 Peter's Predictable Actions and Reflections 05:10 The Role of Religion and Politics 15:52 Jesus' Courage and Divine Revelation 26:07 The Sacrificial Love of Jesus 26:32 Peter's Rash Actions and Jesus' Response 33:26 The Nonviolent Way of Jesus 37:51 Peter's Denial and Loyalty 45:38 Reflections on Faith, Fear, and Following Jesus 47:54 Listener Engagement and HelpKey PointsExodus Parallels Throughout: Water turning to blood (brook Kidron), Jesus saying "let these people go" (Moses's words), the Passover timing - John intentionally connects Jesus to the Exodus liberation storyOverkill Military Force: Between 200-2000 Roman soldiers sent to arrest one carpenter and his followers, designed to instill fear and crush any resistance\The Divine "I Am" Moment: When Jesus says "Ego Eimi" (I am), the entire armed mob falls backward, a glimpse of his true divine power before willingly surrenderingPeter's Misguided Violence: Peter tries to kill Malchus with a sword, attacking from behind and revealing he completely missed Jesus' teachings about love and nonviolenceReligion + Politics = Danger: The religious leaders manipulated Roman power to accomplish their goals. This is a pattern throughout history (including Hitler's use of Christian rhetoric)Contrasting Powers: Jesus demonstrates that true power is sacrificial love and courage, not swords and violence. He protects both his disciples and his enemiesPeter's "I Am Not": Three denials contrasted with three "I am" statements from Jesus, showing the difference between human fear and divine loveDiscussion QuestionsExodus Parallels: Jamie notices multiple connections to the Exodus story (blood in water, "let my people go," Passover timing). How does seeing Jesus as the new Moses change your understanding of his mission?Religion and Politics: The hosts discuss how religious leaders manipulated Roman power. How do you discern when Christian political engagement becomes dangerous alignment with worldly power?Nonviolence vs. Self-Defense: Nick and Jamie wrestle with Jesus's clear nonviolence versus practical questions about defending oneself or loved ones. Where do you stand on this tension?Peter's Violence: Peter completely missed Jesus's teaching about love and enemy love, trying to kill Malchus. What does this reveal about the gap between hearing teaching and living it?Holding Faith and Fear: Nick's takeaway is that faith and fear can coexist in our hearts. How do you relate to Peter's mixture of loyalty and cowardice?Connect With UsEmail: [email protected] Request: Share how SJTJ has impacted you! Send voice notes or written testimonies by October 31st, 2025 for the final episode. Option to join a live Zoom call too.Please Share: Help us with marketing by sharing episode one with someone who would love this podcastRate & Follow: Give five stars and follow on your podcast provider - it really helpsSocial Media: @GoTheWildWay Website: thewildway.caDONATE TO THE WILD WAY
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