Podcast Summary: Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of John
Episode: Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of John (2025)
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Guest: Jeff Cavins
Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Produced by: Ascension
Introduction
In the episode titled "Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of John," Father Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins delve into the significance of the Gospel of John within the overarching narrative of the Bible. This episode marks the first of four messianic checkpoints designed to highlight how the entirety of the Old Testament points to Jesus, the fulfillment of God's salvation history.
Messianic Checkpoints and the Gospel of John
Father Mike begins by explaining the concept of messianic checkpoints, designed to integrate the Old and New Testaments seamlessly. He states:
"All the Old Testament is pointing to the New Testament. All the Old Testament is pointing to Jesus, who is the fulfillment of everything." [00:55]
This approach ensures that listeners grasp how Jesus embodies the culmination of the Biblical narrative, bridging Genesis to Revelation.
Differences Between the Four Gospels
Jeff Cavins elaborates on the unique nature of the Gospel of John compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). He highlights:
"John stands out because John is really different than those other three gospels. Not to mention that John is really for more of a universal audience." [04:18]
Key distinctions include:
- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as king.
- Mark: Portrays Jesus as the servant.
- Luke: Focuses on the humanity of Jesus.
- John: Highlights the divinity of Jesus, starting with profound theological statements like, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." [04:18]
Cavins notes that John avoids parables and instead provides direct teachings about Jesus’ divine nature.
Themes in John: Divinity and "I Am" Statements
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the divinity of Jesus as presented in John. Father Mike emphasizes the connection between belief and obedience:
"There’s that connection between, in John's Gospel so powerfully between faith and the way we actually are living right now, which is just so necessary for the Christian life as well." [07:09]
Jeff Cavins expands on this by enumerating the "I Am" statements that reveal Jesus' divine identity:
"John says about Jesus, 'I am the bread of life' in John 6, and 'I am the light of the world'...[and] 'I am he who lives and was dead, and I am he who searches and reigns in hearts.'" [08:34]
These declarations underscore Jesus' eternal existence and divine mission, aligning Him directly with God.
The Significance of the 153 Fish
A particularly intriguing part of their conversation revolves around the symbolic meaning of the 153 fish caught in John 21:11. Father Mike mentions:
"That could also be a pointing to Jesus' identity." [11:52]
Jeff Cavins explains the Hebraic significance:
"In Hebrew, 'I am God' translates to 'Ani Elohim,' which equals 153. This numerical connection is an intentional nod to Jesus' divinity." [12:30]
This subtle detail reinforces the Gospel’s theme of Jesus as God incarnate, even in the minutiae of the text.
Restoration and Forgiveness
The episode delves into themes of restoration and forgiveness, particularly through the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 7-8). Jeff Cavins reflects:
"Jesus is not going to hold you to that shame the rest of your life, but he is going to release you because he can. He's God, he is divine." [16:47]
Father Mike adds a personal application:
"If you haven't been in the place yet where you feel like you've disqualified yourself when it comes to belonging to the Lord... just realize... you are restored." [15:38]
This conversation highlights the compassionate heart of Jesus, offering unconditional forgiveness and a path to renewal.
Notable Quotes
-
Father Mike Schmitz:
- "All the Old Testament is pointing to the New Testament. All the Old Testament is pointing to Jesus, who is the fulfillment of everything." [00:55]
- "There’s that connection between, in John's Gospel so powerfully between faith and the way we actually are living right now." [07:09]
- "If you haven’t been in the place yet where you feel like you’ve disqualified yourself... you are restored." [15:38]
-
Jeff Cavins:
- "John stands out because John is really different than those other three gospels. Not to mention that John is really for more of a universal audience." [04:18]
- "John says about Jesus, 'I am the bread of life'...[and] 'I am the true vine.'" [08:34]
- "In Hebrew, 'Ani Elohim' equals 153. This numerical connection is an intentional nod to Jesus' divinity." [12:30]
Insights and Conclusions
The episode underscores the Gospel of John’s pivotal role in affirming Jesus' divine nature and fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. By focusing on John, listeners gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, moving beyond historical accounts to theological revelations about His identity and mission.
Father Mike and Jeff Cavins encourage listeners to immerse themselves in John’s Gospel, allowing its profound truths to transform their understanding and relationship with God. The discussions on themes like belief, obedience, restoration, and forgiveness are not only intellectually stimulating but also spiritually enriching, providing practical applications for daily Christian living.
Final Takeaways
- Integrative Approach: Understanding how the Old Testament sets the stage for the New Testament enhances the overall narrative of salvation.
- Unique Perspective of John: The Gospel of John offers a distinct and profound portrayal of Jesus’ divinity, complementing the Synoptic Gospels.
- Symbolism and Depth: Elements like the 153 fish illustrate the layered meanings within the Scripture, inviting deeper exploration.
- Restoration and Mercy: The stories in John emphasize God's unending grace, offering hope and renewal to all believers.
As Father Mike concludes, he emphasizes the communal aspect of this journey:
"It's the whole community of us who are allowing God's word to shape our hearts and to form our vision so that we can not only see like God sees and love like God loves, but truly live how God has called us to live." [19:50]
Listeners are encouraged to continue their journey through the Gospel of John with faith, community support, and a heart open to transformation.
End of Summary