Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.
Focus: For Christians, Jesus (as part of the Trinity) is the foundational character in our faith. Yet, as critical as our understanding of Jesus is, it is also, at times, very contradictory. Jesus is Lord, yet our personal friend. Jesus is the son of a carpenter, and the Son of God.
Probe 1. What words describe Jesus?
Sentences on the Subject: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1)
See the video “Embracing an Adult Faith: Marcus Borg on Jesus (minute 26)
Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
Probe 2. Borg speaks of the “Hybrid Jesus” vs “the Pre-Easter Jesus and Resurrected Jesus.” What is he conveying about the nature of each ‘Jesus’? What do you think about the importance of this change of perspective?
Probe 3. Borg states that the two focal points of Jesus’s ministry were “The Way” and “the Kingdom”. What does he mean? Do you agree with Borg?
Probe 4. Anything strike you from this video clip that you wish to discuss?
The Takeway. What new ideas did you form from the video or discussion?
Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 