Talking John - Episode 20: "A Donkey's Path or a Purposeful Path"

Talking John

Episode 20 - A Donkey’s Path or a Purposeful Path

Scripture: John 12:12-50

Description: We talk about the short shrift John gives to the Palm Sunday entry, and learn about the role donkeys played in building roads. We also consider what it means to follow Jesus, and to follow a God who is so purposeful in all God does.

Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:

1. What does the phrase “The Lord works in purposeful ways” mean to you? How does it differ from the usual expression that “The Lord works in mysterious ways”?
2. When in your life has it been important to pay attention to each step you take, either literally or figuratively?
3. When have you taken the easy path as opposed to the more difficult path? What was a result?
4. What does the verse, “Those who love their lives will lose them, and those who hate their lives in this world will keep them forever” mean to you? When have you had to give up something that was deeply precious to you for the benefit of someone else? How did that feel?
5. What do you think is good about our focus on the individual over the collective in this culture? How do you think we suffer because of that perspective?