Wednesday Bible Study Recap - John 13

Bible Study Recap: John 13:31–38 – Love, Grace, and the Open Table

In our study of John 13:31–38, we reflected on Jesus' final conversation with His disciples before His arrest. These verses come immediately after Judas leaves the table, and Jesus begins preparing His disciples for what is about to happen.

Jesus first speaks about glory. While the cross would appear to be a moment of defeat, Jesus reveals that it will actually be the moment when God's love and saving purpose are most fully displayed. God's glory is revealed not through power and domination, but through sacrificial love.

We also discussed how Jesus openly spoke about His own death and departure. Rather than avoiding the subject, He intentionally prepared His disciples for what was coming. Jesus knew that His death would bring grief, confusion, and uncertainty, yet He chose to have honest conversations with those He loved.

For many people, talking about death is uncomfortable and often treated as a taboo subject. We may avoid these conversations because they make us feel vulnerable or because we do not want to think about loss. Yet Jesus teaches us a different way. By speaking openly about His departure, He reminds us of the importance of preparing ourselves spiritually and helping prepare those we love. Honest conversations about life, death, faith, and hope can be expressions of love and care. As Christians, we trust that death does not have the final word because our hope rests in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

Jesus then gives what He calls a "new commandment":

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

This command goes beyond simply loving our neighbors. Jesus calls His followers to love others with the same self-giving, welcoming, and grace-filled love that He has shown them. According to Jesus, this love is the primary mark of Christian discipleship. The world will recognize His followers not by their titles, traditions, or doctrines alone, but by the way they love one another.

Our discussion connected this teaching to the United Methodist understanding of the Lord's Table as an open table. In the Methodist tradition, Communion is not a reward for those who have it all together. It is a means of grace through which God reaches out to all people. Just as Jesus shared the table with imperfect disciples—including Peter, who would deny Him, and Judas, who would betray Him—God's grace is extended to people who are still growing, questioning, and seeking Christ.

The open table reminds us that none of us come because we are worthy; we come because God is gracious. Communion becomes a place where God's love welcomes us, nourishes us, and transforms us.

The chapter closes with Peter's bold declaration that he is willing to die for Jesus. Yet Jesus lovingly tells Peter that he will deny Him three times before morning. This moment reminds us that discipleship is not based on our strength or faithfulness alone. Peter's failure did not disqualify him from God's love or future ministry. Jesus knew Peter's weakness and loved him anyway.

This offers hope for all of us. We may fall short, fail, or struggle in our faith, but God's grace remains. The same Jesus who welcomed Peter to the table also restored him after his denial.

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean to love others "as Jesus loved us"?

2. How does the Methodist practice of an open table reflect Jesus' ministry?

3. What can we learn from the way Jesus prepared His disciples for His death?

4. Why do you think Jesus shared the meal even knowing Peter would deny Him and Judas would betray Him?

5. How does Peter's story encourage us when we fail or fall short?

6. In what ways can our church better reflect the welcoming love of Christ?

Closing Thought

At the table of Christ, we discover that grace comes before perfection. Jesus invites us not because we have earned a place, but because His love makes a place for us. As recipients of that grace, we are called to extend the same love and welcome to others. And as we follow Jesus, we are invited to face even difficult conversations about death with honesty, faith, and hope, trusting in God's promise of resurrection and new life.

A Vision of Radical Inclusion

The Table of Christ: A Vision of Radical Inclusion

There is something deeply sacred about sitting at a table. A table is more than furniture, it is a place of conversation, nourishment, vulnerability, and connection. And when we turn our attention to the Last Supper, that defining moment in Jesus’ ministry, we discover more than bread and wine. We discover a powerful lens through which to explore diversity, unity, and inclusion.

The Last Supper was not simply a farewell meal. It was a bold, intentional act of gathering. Jesus chose who would be there, and in doing so, he chose diversity. Among those seated were tax collectors and zealots, fishermen and doubters, a betrayer and those who would eventually flee. Different temperaments, different backgrounds, different visions of the world. Yet all of them shared bread from the same loaf and drank from the same cup. It was a table of radical grace, held together not by sameness, but by the presence of Christ.

The Symbols of the Supper

The items at that table are not merely historical details; they are theological invitations.

The Bread:

Shared and broken. It reminds us that wholeness often comes through shared brokenness. Bread does not discriminate—it is given for all who are hungry. In our churches and communities, the question remains: are we offering bread freely? And are we willing to be broken in ways that create space for others?

The Cup:

Passed from hand to hand. A symbol of covenant and communion. When we share the cup, we are stepping into something larger than ourselves, commitment, forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. But passing the cup also requires intention. No one is meant to be skipped. No one is meant to be forgotten. Inclusion must be practiced, not assumed.

The Seats:

Every seat was chosen in the presence of Jesus, and every person was seen. This is essential. In today’s world, and in today’s church, people still arrive at our tables, yet too often they remain unseen or unheard. That is not the table culture Jesus modeled.

The Shape of the Table

We must ask ourselves honestly: What is the shape of our table?

For many, the Christian journey can feel like a small car driving alongside a massive truck on a highway, both moving in the same direction. At some point, the driver of the smaller vehicle realizes they are in the truck’s blind spot: present, but unseen. In that moment, there are only two choices, slow down and disappear behind the weight of what is larger, or accelerate and leave it behind entirely.

This is the reality many people experience in faith communities. Some have been pushed into invisibility. Others have chosen to walk away, not because they lost faith, but because they could not find themselves reflected in the life of the church.

In more than twenty years of ministry, I have witnessed what happens when we fail to notice who is missing or who is hurting.

I have served in rural congregations marked by deep faith and resilience, yet often overlooked because they lacked financial resources or institutional recognition. Their worth was too easily measured by budgets rather than by their devotion.

I have walked with underground communities of LGBTQ+ believers who lived with both faith and fear, fear of exclusion from the very church that had nurtured their hope. They were not asking for privilege, only for presence: to be seen, to be heard, to belong.

I have also pastored congregations made up largely of elderly members whose wisdom and experience were often dismissed, as though their season of contribution had passed. Yet their faithfulness carried the church in ways that were quietly profound.

These stories, and so many others, remind us of a sobering truth: when we are not intentional, the table becomes a place where some voices fade into the background, and some hands never receive the cup.

The Power of Choice

Jesus did not accidentally gather a diverse group of disciples, he chose them. And if we are to follow him, we must also choose.

We must choose to resist sameness.

We must choose to expand the table.

We must choose inclusion not as performance or symbolism, but as spiritual conviction.

Inclusion is not a trend. It is a discipline of discipleship. A theological commitment. A lived expression of the Gospel.

And it requires courage: the courage to listen when it is inconvenient, to share space when it feels uncomfortable, and to make room when it seems crowded.

A Safe and Sacred Space

The table of Christ is meant to be both safe and sacred, a place where all are fed, all are known, and no one is left in the blind spot.

It takes humility to recognize when our tables have fallen short of that vision. It takes courage to reshape them. But it is precisely this work to which we are called.

So as we pass the bread and lift the cup, we are also invited to look around and ask:

Who is with us?

Who is missing?

Who has been pushed to the margins?

The Gospel calls us to become communities where no one has to leave in order to be seen. Where no one has to disappear in order to be heard. Where everyone can find a place not only at the table, but at the center of grace.

After all, the Last Supper was never just a meal. It was, and still is, a call to embody the table of Christ in the world.

By Rev. Marvel Souza

Wednesday Bible Study Recap - John 12

Reflection on John 12: "Following Jesus in the Light"

John 12 presents a powerful contrast between different responses to Jesus. Some worship Him, some follow Him, and some reject Him.

The chapter begins with Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1-8). While others saw the perfume as a waste, Mary saw Jesus as worthy of her very best. Her act was one of love, gratitude, and worship.

In contrast, Judas criticized Mary's gift. He argued that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, John tells us that Judas was not truly concerned about the poor; he was stealing from the disciples' money bag (John 12:6). Judas teaches us an important lesson: it is possible to be physically close to Jesus while having a heart far from Him. He was one of the Twelve, witnessed miracles, heard Jesus' teachings, and yet greed slowly took hold of his heart.

Judas reminds us that the greatest danger to our faith is not always open rebellion against God. Sometimes it is allowing hidden sins, selfish ambitions, or love of money to grow unchecked. While Mary surrendered something valuable because she loved Jesus, Judas wanted to hold on to what he valued more than Jesus. Their lives ask us a challenging question: What do we treasure most?

Later, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey (John 12:12-19), showing that God's kingdom is built on humility rather than earthly power. He then speaks of a grain of wheat that must fall into the ground and die to bear much fruit (John 12:24). Jesus is describing His own sacrifice and the call of every disciple to surrender their lives to God.

Finally, Jesus urges the people to walk in the light while the light is with them (John 12:35-36). Throughout the chapter, we see examples of those who choose the light and those who turn away from it. Mary walked in the light through worship and devotion. Judas chose darkness by allowing greed to control his heart.

Lesson

John 12 invites us to decide what kind of followers we will be. Will we be like Mary, offering Jesus our best? Or will we be like Judas, staying close to Jesus outwardly while clinging to things that pull our hearts away from Him?

Join us this Wednesday at 5:00 PM for Bible Study as we dive deeper into John 12 and discover what it means to truly follow Jesus. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 11

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 11

This Wednesday, May 20, our Bible study focused on John 11, the story of Lazarus, and the themes of death, resurrection, grief, and freedom in Christ.

We began our time together with a warm-up conversation, sharing personal experiences with grief, loss, trust, and hope. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how death and mourning affect both individuals and communities.

As we read through John 11:1–44, we listed words and expressions that caught our attention, including “weeping,” “believe,” “life,” “glory,” “come out,” and “let him go.” These words helped guide our discussion about the meaning of resurrection in biblical times and in our lives today.

We also talked about how people in Jesus’ time understood death differently. For many, death was not only physical but also connected to separation, mourning, ritual impurity, and the uncertainty of what came after life on earth. Martha’s statement in John 11:24 — “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” — showed the Jewish hope many people had for a future resurrection.

At the same time, Jesus expanded that understanding when He declared:
“I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

We reflected on how our understanding of death today can include physical death, emotional suffering, broken relationships, fear, depression, hopelessness, and anything that keeps us from fully living. Resurrection, then, is not only about eternal life after death, but also about experiencing new life, healing, freedom, and hope here and now.

We discussed different beliefs about resurrection and life after death, comparing perspectives from the time of Jesus with modern Christian understandings. We also reflected on the United Methodist perspective on resurrection, grace, eternal life, and the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39).

One of the most powerful moments of the study came at the end of the story, when Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus commanded the people around him:
“Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:44)

Together, we discussed how those “grave clothes” can symbolize fear, shame, grief, guilt, pain, and anything that keeps people spiritually or emotionally trapped. The invitation to “remove the burial cloths” speaks both to those who have passed into eternal life and to those who remain here on earth — called to live freely, fully, and faithfully in the new life God gives.

Additional scriptures referenced during our discussion included:
• John 11:1–44
• Ezekiel 37:1–14
• 1 Corinthians 15:51–57
• Romans 6:4
• Romans 8:38–39
• Revelation 21:1–4

In the link below, you will find more reflections and resources about resurrection, eternal life, and Christian hope.

We also invite everyone to join us this Wednesday at 5:00 PM as we continue our journey through the Gospel of John. This week, we will dive into John 12 and continue exploring the meaning of discipleship, devotion, and new life in Christ.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this thoughtful and heartfelt conversation.

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 10

📖 Bible Study Recap – John 10: “The Good Shepherd”

On Wednesday the 6th, we studied John 10 and reflected on Jesus’ powerful words: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Before entering chapter 10, we reviewed John 1–9 and remembered how Jesus revealed Himself through signs, miracles, teachings, and personal encounters. Throughout John’s Gospel, people are constantly faced with an important question: Will we recognize Jesus for who He truly is?

As a warm-up activity, participants were invited to share Bible verses related to shepherds and sheep. It was a meaningful way to connect the group with the biblical imagery found throughout Scripture. Some of the verses shared included:

• Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
• Isaiah 40:11 — “He will feed his flock like a shepherd.”
• Ezekiel 34:11 — “I myself will search for my sheep.”
• Matthew 18:12 — The parable of the lost sheep.
• Luke 15:4–7 — The shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one.
• John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd.”
• 1 Peter 5:2–4 — Encouragement for shepherding God’s flock.

In John 10, Jesus describes the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. He reminds us that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him because they trust him. We talked about the many voices competing for our attention today and how important it is to learn to recognize Christ’s voice in our daily lives through prayer, Scripture, worship, and community.

One of the highlights of our study was watching a video experiment where different people tried calling a group of sheep, but the sheep only responded to their actual shepherd. They recognized his voice because they knew him and trusted him. It became a beautiful illustration of John 10 and helped us understand more deeply what Jesus meant when He said, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

We also reflected on four important conditions sheep need in order to truly rest:
• They need food and nourishment.
• They need safety and protection.
• They need community and togetherness, but also enough space and peace to avoid friction among one another.
• They need guidance.

These needs connect beautifully to our spiritual lives as well. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides what we need, protects us, guides us, and teaches us how to live together in healthy community.

Another analogy we shared was that if Jesus is the Shepherd, pastors are like sheepdogs — helping in the work of gathering people together, guiding them in the right direction, and protecting the flock. The role of pastoral leadership is not to replace the Shepherd, but to faithfully assist in Christ’s ministry of care and guidance.

We also reflected on Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Unlike a hired hand, Jesus does not abandon His people. His love is personal, sacrificial, and faithful. As United Methodists, we connected this message to God’s grace — a grace that seeks us, saves us, and continues transforming us.

Another important theme was inclusion. Jesus says, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold,” reminding us that God’s love is wider than human boundaries. The church is called to reflect this welcoming love and open its doors to all people.

Finally, we ended with the assurance that no one can snatch us out of Christ’s hand. In a world filled with uncertainty, John 10 reminds us that we belong to the Good Shepherd, who guides, protects, and walks with us every day.

May we continue listening for Christ’s voice and following where He leads.

✨ Join us again this Wednesday at 5:00 PM for our weekly Bible Study as we continue growing together in faith, fellowship, and God’s Word. All are welcome!

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 9

 

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 9

Last Wednesday at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, we had a dynamic and engaging Bible study as we explored John 9 together.

We began with a fun warm-up using a Wordwall quiz based on John 9. It was a great way to review the text, get everyone involved, and prepare our hearts and minds for a deeper conversation.

---

Two Types of Blindness

John 9:1–7 | John 9:39

We started by reflecting on two kinds of blindness:

• Physical blindness – like the man born blind

• Spiritual blindness – not seeing truth even when it is right in front of us

Jesus says:

“I came into this world… so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind” (John 9:39)

This led us into a powerful conversation about how spiritual blindness can affect anyone—not just those outside the faith.

---

Spiritual Blindness Today

John 9:13–34 | Matthew 15:14

We discussed how the Pharisees in the story are not just figures of the past. Their attitude can still be present today in religious spaces.

• Rigid thinking

• Judgment without compassion

• Resistance to what God is doing

Jesus warns:

“If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14)

This challenged us to reflect honestly on our own hearts and attitudes.

---

A Growing Vision of Jesus

John 9:11, 17, 38

One of the most meaningful parts of the study was observing how the blind man’s understanding of Jesus grows over time:

• First: “The man called Jesus” (v.11)

• Then: “He is a prophet” (v.17)

• Finally: “Lord”—and he worships Him (v.38)

We reflected on how our own journey of faith often looks the same—our understanding of Jesus deepens as we walk with Him.

---

Blindness as a Closed Mind

John 9:40–41 | Isaiah 6:9–10

We discussed how spiritual blindness is not always about lack of knowledge, but often about a made-up mind—a heart that is not willing to change.

• Not inability → but resistance

• Not ignorance → but refusal

This was a strong reminder that humility is essential for spiritual growth.

Warning from Laodicea

Revelation 3:17–18

We connected this story with the church in Laodicea:

“You say, ‘I am rich… I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

We discussed how self-sufficiency is one of the clearest symptoms of spiritual blindness.

• Thinking we don’t need God

• Believing we already see clearly

• Losing dependence on grace

Jesus invites us instead to receive true sight from Him.

---

Jesus’ Unusual Way of Healing

John 9:6–7

We also noticed that Jesus healed this man differently:

• He made mud

• Placed it on the man’s eyes

• Told him to go and wash

Unlike other moments where Jesus simply spoke or touched, here the process was more involved.

We reflected on how:

• Jesus does not always work the same way

• Healing and transformation can be a journey, not just a moment

• Obedience plays a role in experiencing God’s work

---

Closing Reflection

This study challenged us to ask:

• Where might I be spiritually blind?

• Is my understanding of Jesus still growing?

• Am I open to change, or holding onto a fixed mindset?

• Am I depending on God, or on myself?

---

Invitation

You are warmly invited to join us for our next Wednesday Bible Study:

📍 Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church
🕔 Wednesday at 5:00 PM

Come and grow with us as we continue exploring God’s Word together in a welcoming and faith-filled community.

---

Video resource: 

Wednesday Bible Study Recap - John 8

 

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 8 and the “Four Alls”

Last Wednesday’s Bible study at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church was a meaningful and spirit-filled time of reflection as we continued exploring John 8 through the lens of the United Methodist “Four Alls.”

We began with a warm and engaging conversation about baptism. Everyone shared their personal experiences, memories, and the ways baptism has shaped their understanding of faith and identity in Christ. This sharing created a beautiful foundation for the evening—centering us in God’s grace and the gift of new life.

From there, we moved into John 8, allowing Scripture to guide us into deeper reflection on punishment, judgment, grace, and self-awareness before God.

---

All Need to Be Saved

John 8:1–11 | Romans 3:23 | Ecclesiastes 7:20

The story of the woman caught in adultery reminded us of the universality of sin. Jesus’ words—

“Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7)

invited everyone present into self-examination.

We reflected on how easily judgment can replace humility when we forget:

• “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
• “There is not a righteous person on earth who always does good” (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

This opened a powerful conversation about how both visible and hidden sins place all of us equally in need of grace.

---

Clarification on “Corrupted Natural”

During the study, Pastor Marvel clarified a phrase that appeared in the video shared with the group: “corrupted natural.” He explained that this does not mean that human beings are worthless or beyond hope. Rather, it points to the reality that:

something within us is broken and needs to be made whole again by God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

It is not a statement of rejection, but an invitation to healing, restoration, and transformation through Christ.

---

All Can Be Saved

John 8:10–11 | John 3:17 | Luke 19:10

Jesus’ response to the woman was life-changing:

“Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”

We reflected on the radical nature of grace—that Jesus neither excuses sin nor abandons the sinner.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world” (John 3:17)
• “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10)

We named how powerful it is that no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s mercy.

---

All Can Know They Are Saved

John 8:12 | Romans 8:16 | 1 John 5:13

Jesus declares:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.”

We reflected on how salvation brings clarity, identity, and assurance—not confusion or fear.

Other guiding Scriptures:

• “The Spirit himself testifies… that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16)
• “I write these things… so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13)

The group shared how faith is not only belief, but lived assurance in the light of Christ.

---

All Can Be Saved to the Uttermost

John 8:31–36 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Jesus teaches:

“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free… So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

We discussed how salvation is not only forgiveness, but deep transformation and ongoing freedom.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• “May God sanctify you entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

We reflected on how grace does not only pardon—it restores, heals, and reshapes our lives.

---

Closing Reflection

Together, we saw how John 8 reveals the full movement of grace:

• A woman restored
• Religious assumptions challenged
• Sin exposed in all hearts
• Christ offering light and freedom to everyone

We closed by asking:
Which of the “Alls” is God inviting you to trust more deeply right now?

---

Invitation

You are warmly invited to join us for our next Wednesday Bible Study:

📍 Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church
🕔 Wednesday at 5:00 PM

Come as you are for a time of Scripture, reflection, and community as we continue growing together in God’s Word and grace.

Rev. Marvel Souza

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 7

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 7

This past Wednesday, we gathered for a rich and engaging time of fellowship and study as we explored John 7 together.

We began with a warm-up conversation centered on different Bible versions and personal favorite Bibles. This opened the door for meaningful sharing, as many reflected on the stories behind their Bibles—whether it was a gift from a loved one, a Bible that carried them through a difficult season, or a translation that helped them better understand God’s Word. This moment reminded us that Scripture is not just something we read, but something that walks with us through life and shapes our faith in personal ways (Psalm 119:105).

As we entered into John 7, Pastor Marvel led us in reflecting on how people responded to Jesus during His ministry. Throughout the chapter, we see a wide range of reactions:

• Some responded with curiosity, wondering who Jesus truly was (John 7:12, 7:25–27).

• Others reacted with doubt and skepticism, questioning His authority and background (John 7:15, 7:41–42).

• Still others were filled with amazement, recognizing that there was something unique and powerful about Him (John 7:31, 7:46).

These different responses help us see that encountering Jesus has never been neutral. People were—and still are—moved to respond in different ways. This led us to reflect on our own journeys of faith: Where do we see ourselves in these responses? How do curiosity, doubt, and wonder shape our relationship with Christ today?

Another important part of our study focused on Jesus’ brothers and their encouragement for Him to make His ministry more public and visible (John 7:3–4). At that time, there was a strong expectation that the Messiah would bring immediate political, religious, and social restoration to Israel. Many were looking for a visible, powerful leader who would transform their circumstances.

However, Jesus responded in a surprising way: “My time has not yet come” (John 7:6, 7:8). This statement reminds us that Jesus was not driven by human expectations or pressure, but by God’s divine timing and purpose. His mission would unfold not according to popular demand, but according to God’s plan. This invites us to reflect on how often we try to fit God into our timelines and expectations, rather than trusting in His perfect timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Pastor Marvel also emphasized the important role of curiosity in our faith. Curiosity is often seen as uncertainty, but in reality, it can be a doorway to deeper understanding. In John 7, we see people asking questions, debating, and seeking clarity about who Jesus is. Rather than dismissing these questions, we are invited to lean into them. Jesus Himself later cries out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (John 7:37), showing that a seeking heart is welcome.

Curiosity leads us to ask, to search, and to grow. It invites us into a deeper relationship with Christ, where faith is not static but continually being formed and renewed.

We closed our time reminded that just as in John 7, people today continue to respond to Jesus in different ways. The invitation remains open—to come, to question, to believe, and to grow.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful time together. We look forward to continuing our journey through the Gospel of John next week!

You are warmly invited to join us for our next Wednesday Bible Study at 5:00 PM, at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church - 168 S. University Blackfoot ID 8322. Come as we continue diving into the Gospel of John, growing together in faith, understanding, and community. We would love to see you there!

With Grace and Peace,

Rev. Marvel Souza

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 6

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – March 18

Text: John 6

During our Bible study we explored Gospel of John chapter 6, one of the most powerful chapters in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with the well-known miracle where Jesus feeds a large crowd with only five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:1–14). From this story we reflected on several important spiritual lessons.

Jesus Cares for Both Body and Soul

One of the first things we noticed is that Jesus did not ignore the physical needs of the people. The crowd had been following him for a long time and they were hungry. Instead of sending them away, Jesus chose to feed them.

This reminds us that the gospel is not only about spiritual words but also about compassion in action. As followers of Christ, we are called to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

This idea appears throughout Scripture:

• Gospel of Matthew 25:35 – “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”

• Epistle of James 2:15–17 – Faith without caring for people’s practical needs is incomplete.

This led us to an important question for our lives and our church:
Are we caring for the real needs of people, or are we only trying to share religious messages so people become members or simply more “religious”?

God Multiplies What We Offer

Another detail we discussed was how Jesus organized the large crowd into smaller groups before the miracle happened (John 6:10). Order and community became part of the process of multiplication. Sometimes God works through structure and participation, not only through dramatic miracles.

We also noticed that Jesus used what was already available—five loaves and two fish. Though it seemed small, when it was placed in Jesus’ hands, it became enough for thousands.

This reminds us that God often works through the resources we already have, even when they seem limited. What matters most is faith and willingness to offer it to Christ.

A similar principle appears in Second Book of Kings 4:42–44, where a small amount of bread is multiplied through God’s power.

The Crowd’s Motivation

Later in the chapter, we see that some people continued following Jesus, but their motivation was not entirely spiritual. They were seeking him because they had eaten the bread and were filled (John 6:26). Jesus challenges them by saying they should not work only for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life (John 6:27).

This invites us to reflect on our own faith:
Are we seeking Jesus only for what he can give us, or are we seeking a deeper relationship with him?

Jesus as the Bread of Life

The discussion ended with one of the most profound statements in the Gospel of John. Jesus declares:

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

Here Jesus reveals that the miracle of bread was not only about feeding the crowd for one day. It was a sign pointing to a greater truth: Christ himself is the bread that comes from heaven (John 6:51).

Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, Jesus sustains our souls, bringing forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.

This connects with the spiritual promise found in Gospel of John 10:10, where Jesus says he came so that we may have life in abundance.

Final Reflection

Our conversation reminded us that the mission of the church is both spiritual and practical. We are called to share the good news of Christ while also responding to the real needs of people around us.

When we offer what we have—our time, compassion, and resources—Jesus can multiply it for the blessing of many. And as we follow him, we are continually nourished by the true Bread of Life, who feeds our souls with grace, hope, and new life.

Rev. Marvel Souza

Wednesday Bible Study - John 5

 This study reminds us that healing, faith, and understanding God’s Word require both willingness and an open heart to receive what God offers.

Bible Study Recap – Wednesday, March 11

Text: John 5
Division of the Text:

1. The Healing at Bethesda (John 5:1–15)

2. Jesus’ Authority and Unity with the Father (John 5:16–30)

3. The Four Witnesses About Jesus (John 5:31–47)

---

1. The Healing at Bethesda (John 5:1–15)

We discussed why Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be made well?” before performing the miracle. This question shows that faith and willingness are essential for healing. Not everyone receives miracles in the same way, and Jesus works uniquely in each situation.

We described the man’s whole situation—his illness, isolation, and long-term paralysis—which helped us understand the depth of Jesus’ compassion and the significance of personal response to God’s intervention.

---

2. Jesus’ Authority and Unity with the Father (John 5:16–30)

In this section, Jesus claims His authority to:

• Give eternal life (John 5:21)

• Raise the dead (John 5:28–29)

• Judge humanity (John 5:22, 27)

We explored how Jesus’ authority demonstrates His unity with the Father and the divine mission He carries out. This emphasizes that believing in Jesus is not just about miracles, but about trusting His authority over life and eternity.

---

3. The Four Witnesses About Jesus (John 5:31–47)

Jesus points to four witnesses that testify about Him:

1. John the Baptist – testified of Jesus’ identity (John 5:33–35)

2. Jesus’ Works – the miracles and signs reveal God’s power (John 5:36)

3. The Father – God Himself bears witness (John 5:37)

4. The Scriptures – the Hebrew Scriptures point to Jesus (John 5:39–40)

Bible references for these witnesses:

• John 5:33–35 (John the Baptist)

• John 5:36 (Jesus’ Works)

• John 5:37 (The Father)

• John 5:39–47 (The Scriptures)

We emphasized the importance of trusting these testimonies as the foundation for faith in Jesus.

---

Additional Reflections

• We discussed “old wine and new wine” in the Bible. The Pharisees represented the old skin unable to receive Jesus’ new teaching (doctrine). To receive what God offers, we need a transformed mind and heart, open to faith and new understanding.

---

Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas of my life where I am comfortable in my “paralysis” instead of seeking healing from Jesus?

2. Do I rely more on religious rules, or do I have a living relationship with Jesus?

3. Do I truly trust the testimony of Scripture about Jesus?

---

This study reminds us that healing, faith, and understanding God’s Word require both willingness and an open heart to receive what God offers.

By Rev. Marvel Souza

Next Bible Study

Our next Bible study will be on Wednesday at 5:00 PM in the Disciple Room at Jason Lee Memorial UMC. We hope to see you there as we continue to explore God’s Word together!