The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episode: Day 101: Signs and Wonders (2025)
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Sponsor: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 101 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into John chapters 7, 8, and 9, alongside a reflection on Proverbs 5:15-23. This episode, titled "Signs and Wonders," explores the profound interactions between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, the manifestation of His divine identity through miracles, and the timeless wisdom found in Proverbs.

Exploring John Chapters 7-9: Jesus’ Revelation and Miracles

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the context of John 7-9, highlighting Jesus' strategic movements and the escalating tensions with the Jewish leaders.

John 7: The Unbelief of Jesus' Brethren

• Jesus' Reluctance and Timing:
  Jesus stays in Galilee to avoid Judea, where the Jewish authorities seek to kill Him. His brothers encourage Him to reveal His works publicly, but Jesus responds, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here" (00:04). He emphasizes that the world's hatred towards Him stems from His testimony about their evil deeds.

• Teaching at the Tabernacles:
  During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus teaches in the temple, astonishing the Jews with His knowledge despite lacking formal education. When questioned about His authority, He declares, "My teaching is not mine, but he who sent me" (15:45), asserting His divine mission.

• Conflict with the Pharisees:
  Jesus engages in a heated debate about the Sabbath and circumcision, challenging the Pharisees' interpretations of the Law. His statements provoke division among the people, with some recognizing Him as a prophet or the Christ, while others remain skeptical.

John 8: Compassion and Condemnation

• The Woman Caught in Adultery:
  In a powerful display of mercy, Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ attempt to trap Him with the adulterous woman. He instructs, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her" (35:20). This act not only spares the woman but also exposes the hypocrisy of the accusers.

• Jesus as the Light of the World:
  Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (40:10), affirming His role in guiding humanity out of spiritual darkness.

• Debate on True Freedom:
  Jesus discusses the concept of true freedom, stating, "Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" (50:30), and contrasts it with the liberation found in adhering to His word.

• Affirmation of Divine Identity:
  In a profound declaration, Jesus states, "Before Abraham was, I am" (1:10:15), asserting His eternal existence and divine nature, which incites the Pharisees to attempt to stone Him.

John 9: The Healing of the Man Born Blind

• Miracle and Controversy:
  Jesus heals a man blind from birth, leading to mixed reactions from the Pharisees and the community. When questioned, the blind man testifies, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'" (1:20:45), proclaiming Jesus as a prophet.

• Spiritual and Physical Sight:
  Jesus emphasizes the theme of spiritual blindness versus sight, declaring, "I came into this world that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind" (1:35:20). This paradox highlights the deeper spiritual awakening that Jesus offers.

• Final Confrontation:
  The Pharisees' inability to grasp Jesus' true identity culminates in them driving out the healed man. However, Jesus finds him and invites him to believe, saying, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." Upon believing, the man worships Him, and Jesus declares, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see" (1:45:50).

Reflection on Proverbs 5:15-23: Wisdom on Relationships and Discipline

Fr. Mike transitions to Proverbs 5:15-23, focusing on the themes of fidelity, self-control, and the consequences of moral laxity.

• Advice on Marital Fidelity:
  The passage encourages readers to "rejoice in the wife of your youth" and to "drink water from your own cisterns" (2:00:10), emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in relationships.

• Warnings Against Temptation:
  Proverbs warns against infatuation with a "loose woman," highlighting how such entanglements can lead to one's downfall: "He dies for lack of discipline" (2:15:25).

• Application Beyond Romantic Relationships:
  Fr. Mike elucidates that the wisdom in Proverbs extends beyond romantic contexts, urging listeners to surround themselves with individuals of strong character to avoid the pitfalls of moral compromise.

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike interweaves scriptural readings with personal reflections aimed at deepening listeners' understanding and application of the Bible.

• Identity and Purpose of Jesus:
  Fr. Mike underscores Jesus' declaration of divine identity as a cornerstone of faith, encouraging believers to recognize and embrace His role in their lives.

• Miracles as Signs of Divinity:
  He explains that the miracles (signs and wonders) performed by Jesus in John’s Gospel are not merely acts of compassion but are intentional signs pointing to His divine nature and mission.

• Spiritual Eyesight:
  Drawing from the healing of the blind man, Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of spiritual enlightenment, urging listeners to seek deeper understanding and avoid the "spiritual blindness" that hinders one's relationship with God.

• Living Out Proverbs’ Wisdom:
  Applying the lessons from Proverbs, Fr. Mike encourages disciplined living and wise associations, highlighting how these contribute to a life aligned with God's purpose.

Concluding Prayer

The episode culminates in a heartfelt prayer where Fr. Mike seeks divine assistance in overcoming spiritual blindness:

Fr. Mike Schmitz:
"Father in heaven, we thank you. We give you praise today and every day. [...] Lord God, help us to not ever, ever be blind. [...] Give us the strength to have the courage to have open eyes in this world. [...] Convicted to act, Convicted to repent. Convicted to love those who are not loved and to fulfill the promises that we have made" (2:20:40).

This prayer encapsulates the episode's themes, appealing for spiritual clarity, strength, and the ability to live out God's truth.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus’ Divine Authority:
   Jesus consistently reveals His divine authority and purpose, challenging established norms and inviting listeners to recognize His true identity.

2. Miracles as Divine Signs:
   The miracles documented in John serve as tangible evidence of Jesus' divinity, urging believers to witness and embrace His message.

3. Importance of Spiritual Discipline:
   Proverbs imparts valuable lessons on maintaining moral integrity and disciplined living to avoid spiritual and moral decline.

4. Call to Open Spiritual Eyes:
   The overarching message encourages believers to seek spiritual enlightenment, resist blindness to divine truth, and live lives reflective of God’s teachings.

Notable Quotes

• Jesus on His Divine Mission:

  "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (40:10)

• Jesus on True Freedom:

  "Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The Son continues forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (50:30)

• Proverbs on Discipline:

  "He dies for lack of discipline. And because of his great folly he is lost." (2:15:25)

• Fr. Mike’s Encouragement:

  "Let this kind of [Scriptural wisdom] wash over you. Even if we don't get every single word, it's shaping us." (1:30:20)

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Day 101 episode serves as a profound exploration of Jesus' identity and mission through the lens of John's Gospel, complemented by timeless wisdom from Proverbs. By intertwining scripture reading with insightful reflection and prayer, Fr. Mike guides listeners toward a deeper understanding of how the Bible's narratives and teachings are intricately woven into the story of salvation and their personal lives.

Listeners are encouraged to maintain an open heart and mind, allowing the scriptures to transform their perspectives and actions, thereby experiencing the "transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life."

Stay tuned for the next episodes as Fr. Mike continues the journey through the Bible, offering commentary, reflection, and prayer to enrich your understanding and relationship with Scripture.