Gospel of Life

Last autumn we completed a series on the gospel of the year, with a session on St Luke’s gospel. Since then, people have asked for a follow-up session on the gospel according to St John. John’s account of Jesus doesn’t get a year to itself in the lectionary, but we read it, especially at festivals, in all three years.

It’s fairly obvious that John is different in lots of ways from our first three gospels. Instead of speaking in short memorable sayings, Jesus often delivers lengthy speeches. There are no exorcisms. Jesus regularly speaks of the relationship between the Father and himself as Son. Positively, the gospel has powerfully shaped Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Negatively, John’s statements about the group he calls “the Jews”, has fed the long history of anti-Semitism.

How do we read this different gospel? What are its key themes? How does it help us think about, and relate to Jesus? Doug Chaplin will explore these and other questions, as he completes his series on the gospels. While everyone who is interested in this book and these questions is welcome, as in the annual sessions on Matthew, Mark and Luke, this will be of particular relevance to those of us who preach.

This session is offered both onsite in the morning, and repeated in a slightly shorter form online in the evening, exploring John’s Gospel.

To book your place please click here