READ MARK LEARN: JOHN'S GOSPEL
St. Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
Marshall Pickering. 229 pages. £7.99
ISBN 0 551 03204 9
Read, Mark, Learn is a small group course developed by St. Helen's, Bishops-gate and used by many churches worldwide. Here, for the first time, Read, Mark, Learn: John's Gospel is available in paperback.
Divided into 27 studies, each unit follows the same pattern - context, structure of the passage, Old Testament ideas, brief notes on the text, key themes, application, aim and suggested questions for leaders. A separate section is provided at the end of the book giving questions that can be photocopied to help group members prepare for each session.
For many of us, the emphasis in recent years has been on Mark and Luke, so a fresh approach to John's Gospel is a welcome development. The strength of the studies lies in their commitment to let John speak for himself. Each passage roots NT fulfilment in OT promise and helps us focus on John's own stated purpose for his Gospel - that we should believe that Jesus is the Son of God and receive life in his name.
Some of the study passages are long (7.1-52, for example,) although this practice is defended and the focus of the passage well maintained. Only working through Read, Mark, Learn: John's Gospel with a group in your church will determine whether the relentless use of the headings outlined above becomes tedious with time. The studies themselves certainly won't.
You will develop not just a fresh appreciation of John but, more important, a deeper love for the Lord Jesus and gratitude for the life you have in him.
Read, Mark, Learn: Romans is planned for next year. So encourage the leaders of your church to start with John this autumn and you'll be ready to progress to Romans.
