”Talking John” is a series of podcasts featuring Dr. John White Jr., Chancellor Emeritus for the University of Arkansas, and Rev. Dr. Michelle J. Morris, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Bentonville, as they discuss their personal and professional connections to the Gospel of John and offer their scholarly and personal reflections.
Talking John - Season 2, Episode 4: "I Am: The Way, the Truth, and the Life"
Season 2 , Episode 4: "I AM The Way, The Truth, and the Life"
Scripture: John 14:1-7
Description: Jonathan Tompkins joins us for a very United Methodist reflection on these words of Christ.
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Which of those three words resonates most with you right now, and why?
Thomas asks how to know the way, and Jesus responds with himself rather than directions. What does it mean to follow a person rather than a set of instructions?
The discussion connects “the way, the truth, and the life” with different stages of grace (prevenient, justifying, sanctifying). Where do you see yourself in that journey right now?
Grace is described as God’s loving presence with us before we even recognize it. Can you identify moments in your life where God may have been at work before you were aware of it?
The idea of faith as a lifelong, sometimes cyclical journey is emphasized. How have you experienced growth, doubt, or “re-conversion” in your own faith?
The conversation highlights that grace is a gift, but also carries responsibility. What does it look like for you to actively “use” the grace you’ve been given?
The metaphor of healing (like managing a lifelong condition) is used to describe the ongoing work of grace. How does thinking of faith as ongoing healing or transformation shape your understanding of the Christian life?
8 May 2026
Talking John - Season 2, Episode 3 - "I Am: Bread and True Vine"
Season 2 - Episode 3 - I AM Bread and True Vine
Scripture: John 6:26-70 and 15:1-8
Description: As we dive into two images that are so central to John White’s faith, we hope that you will find a way of understanding community and connection to Christ.
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” Where do you see light overcoming darkness in your own life or in the world around you?
The Gospel of John connects light with life and love. How do you see these three themes working together in your faith experience?
The contrast between Nicodemus coming at night and the Samaritan woman meeting Jesus in daylight is highlighted. What might this say about spiritual awareness, openness, or readiness?
Light is described as something universal that all people understand. Why do you think Jesus often used everyday, universal images to teach deep spiritual truths?
Jesus repeats “I am the light of the world” to his disciples. What does that repetition suggest about how we learn or hold onto important truths?
The statement “I am the resurrection and the life” is described as central to Christianity. What does the idea of resurrection mean to you personally—not just after death, but in your life right now?
The conversation suggests that people often grow deeper in faith through doubt and questioning. How have questions or struggles shaped your faith journey?
26 Mar 2026
Talking John - Episode 2: I Am Bread and True Vine
Season 2, Episode 2: I AM Bread and True Vine
Scripture: John 6:26-70 and 15:1-8
Description: As we dive into two images that are so central to John White’s faith, we hope that you will find a way of understanding community and connection to Christ.
Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:
How does knowing the context of a teaching (like the feeding of the 5,000 before “I am the bread of life”) change the way you understand it?
Where do you see God meeting both physical and spiritual needs in your life or community?
Why do you think we often default to “doing” instead of “believing”? What does it look like to truly trust instead of striving?
What memories or experiences shape your understanding of communion or “bread” in your faith journey?
What practices help you stay connected (abide) in Christ? What tends to pull you away?
What might God be “pruning” in your life right now? How do you discern what to release and what to keep?
What does it look like for a church or group to truly carry one another’s burdens? Where do you see this happening—or missing?
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1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
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