The Fourth Gospel in a Three-Year Lectionary

The Gospel of John does not march in step with the other gospels. Perhaps this is why the framers of the three-year lectionary now used by many Christian churches found it so difficult to domesticate John. The readings from Matthew, Mark, and Luke proceed in measured pace, one gospel per year, while the Fourth Gospel appears sporadically throughout the lectionary, claiming a premier role on festival days, dominating the Easter season, and making occasional guest appearances. Yet since there is no “Year of John,” those who preach from the lectionary face the formidable task of capturing this “maverick” gospel without the opportunity for an extended pursuit over a twelve-month period. This interpretive challenge is the focus of our work here

The Interplay of Word and World: Biblical and Experiential Reflections

From his vantage as a New Testament scholar and seminary leader, Craig Koester reflects on the interchange between Word and World through the lens of biblical studies, especially through several examples. Koester is Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament at Luther Seminary

The Passion and Resurrection According to John

The story of the passion follows the upward movement of the pendulum. It begins with Jesus in the posture of a slave, washing his disciples’ feet (chap. 13); but concludes when Thomas recognizes that Jesus is both Lord and God (20:28), bringing the story back to the high point where it began in 1:1. Each year John’s passion account appears in the lectionary for Holy Week and his story of the resurrection is appointed for Easter and the Sunday after Easter, providing an opportunity for sustained reading and proclamation of these texts. John’s narrative is masterfully told; the drama is bold, yet subtle. Those who contemplate its message are drawn into the very heart of the Christian faith

Promise and Warning: The Lord\u27s Supper in 1 Corinthians

There is a yes and a no in Paul\u27s understanding of the Lord\u27s supper—a yes to life and promise and Christ, a no to sin and death and other religious claims. A biblically based participation in communion will hear both with equal clarity

Were You There? (John 18-19): Telling the Story of Jesus\u27 Trial--And Ours

The scenes leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion are an essential and yet troubling part of the Christian story. Focusing on the major characters provides a way to tell the story in ways that engage modern listeners and allow the gospel to be heard. In the end, it is God’s story of self-giving love that brings redemption out of tragedy