12th Sunday after Pentecost John 6:35, 41-51

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

Psalm 130

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

lectionary:

Season of ordinary time, Year b

Author

Allen Thompson

Keywords (9)

Scripture (13)

Date Added

May 21, 2024

AIM Commentary

Ancient Lens

What's the historical context?

Back to the Wilderness

As he has been doing, Jesus calls the people’s minds back to the wilderness during The Exodus and reminds them of the manna and the bread that came down from heaven. The grumbling at this new manifestation of God’s presence and provision reminds us of the Israelites’ grumbling the first time around. Back then, they had wanted to return to slavery in Egypt, and now they cannot grasp the concept of being free from slavery to sin.

The Future is Now

Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah 54:13 and proceeds with a logical progression based on his prior statement rather than in defense of it. It is notable that…

Discussion Questions

What are some mundane miracles that you have witnessed?
What sparks our motivation to draw closer to God?
How can we remind ourselves of God’s more subtle presence?
What kinds of things might we explain away?
What is the benefit to lowering our threshold for seeing…

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Author

Allen Thompson

Allen Thompson serves as the senior pastor of Fairview Presbyterian Church in North Augusta, South Carolina, where he blends a deep love for Scripture with a practical, creative approach to leadership. With a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Allen is passionate about exploring the stories and culture of the Bible. He is particularly interested in understanding how people in ancient times responded to God and how these timeless lessons can shape faithful discipleship in the modern world.

Known for his imaginative and collaborative leadership style, Allen is a natural “ideas” person who excels at helping individuals and groups discern God’s call and utilize their unique gifts through the Holy Spirit. His ministry is characterized by a commitment to making faith both accessible and actionable, motivating others to live out their calling in ways that make a tangible impact in their communities.

Outside of ministry, Allen enjoys an adventurous and well-rounded life. He is an avid outdoorsman, with hobbies that include golf, hiking, camping, ice climbing, and even cooking pigs. His love for nature and physical challenges is matched by his appreciation for the arts, especially live music, and he enjoys spending time in vibrant community settings, connecting with people from all walks of life.

Allen is married to Kelsey, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and together they are raising two children who bring joy, energy, and excitement to their lives. With his unique blend of theological depth, curiosity, and relational ministry, Allen has become a dynamic leader at Fairview Presbyterian Church and a respected voice in the broader Christian community, continually inspiring others to engage with their faith in meaningful ways.