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Method of Murder – Episode 3: The Death of John the Baptist

In this chilling episode of Method of Murder: A Bible True Crime Podcast, Tim Shapley and John Howell examine one of the most infamous executions in biblical history—the brutal and calculated murder of John the Baptist.
Who was this wild prophet who fearlessly called out sin, even in the highest places of power? Why did Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, fear and yet protect him? And what role did Herodias, driven by resentment and revenge, play in John’s tragic end?
Join us as we unpack the twisted web of political manipulation, personal vendetta, and unchecked power that led to a gruesome beheading at a royal banquet. With historical insights, dramatization, and theological reflection, Tim and John take you deep into a true crime story that still echoes through the centuries.
Jealousy. Revenge. Murder.This is Method of Murder.This is The Death of John the Baptist.
Listener discretion is advised.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/coming-after-you

The Weekly Show: Episode 41 - John 6

Join Tim and John as they serve up an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 6, where Jesus feeds the 5,000! They'll break bread (and fish) with you, dishing out insights and food for thought. Don't miss out on this spiritual feast!
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
The Seven I Am Statements:
The seven "I Am" statements by Jesus in the Gospel of John are profound declarations of His divine identity and His role in salvation. Each statement emphasizes a different aspect of His mission and character. 
Introduction to John 6
John 6 is one of the most significant chapters in the Gospel of John, containing some of Jesus' most profound teachings and miracles. This chapter highlights Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing His divine provision and the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life.
Why This Chapter Matters:
It points to Jesus as the ultimate provider—not just of physical needs but of eternal life.
It challenges us to ask: Do we seek Jesus only for what He can give us, or do we truly believe in Him?
It forces us to wrestle with faith and commitment, just as the disciples did.
This chapter calls us to fully trust in Jesus, the true Bread of Life, who alone satisfies our deepest hunger.
Key Theme One: Jesus’ Miraculous Provision (John 6:1-15)
Background: Why Did Jesus Seek Solitude? (Matthew 14:1-21)
Before the Feeding of the 5,000, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place (John 6:1, Matthew 14:13). This was shortly after He received the heartbreaking news that John the Baptist had been executed by Herod (Matthew 14:1-12, Check out our Method of Muder about this).
John the Baptist was not only Jesus’ forerunner but also His relative and a great prophet. His brutal death was a reminder of the cost of truth and righteousness, and Jesus likely sought solitude for:
Grief and reflection over John’s death.
Prayer and communion with the Father during a pivotal moment in His ministry.
Rest for Himself and His disciples, who had been actively ministering (Mark 6:30-31).
However, the crowds followed Jesus despite His attempt at seclusion, demonstrating their deep need and hunger—both physically and spiritually.
The Miracle of Provision (John 6:1-15)
Instead of turning them away, Jesus responds with compassion and miraculously feeds the large crowd.
Key Theme Two: Jesus’ Power Over Nature (John 6:16-21)
After the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, Jesus withdrew to the mountain alone (John 6:15), avoiding the crowd’s attempt to make Him a political king. Meanwhile, His disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee in a boat, heading toward Capernaum.
As they rowed, a storm arose, and they found themselves in a difficult and dangerous situation—alone in the darkness, battling strong winds and rough waters.
This miracle, paired with the feeding of the 5,000, reinforces that Jesus is the ultimate provider and protector—not only of physical needs but of our deepest spiritual needs as well.
Key Theme Three: Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)
Following the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 and the subsequent events of Jesus walking on water, the crowd tracks Him down, eager to see more signs and be fed again. Jesus takes this opportunity to reveal a deeper spiritual truth, teaching them that He is the true Bread of Life. This discourse on the Bread of Life is central to understanding Jesus' mission and His call for a faith that goes beyond the physical to the spiritual.
Key Lessons from Jesus as the Bread of Life:
Jesus is the ultimate sustenance for our souls. Just as we need food to survive physically, we need Jesus to sustain us spiritually.
Faith in Jesus gives us eternal life. Believing in Him and partaking in His sacrifice allows us to live forever with Him.
Earthly bread can only temporarily fill us, but the bread Jesus offers fills us eternally.
Jesus invites all to partake—just as bread is available to all who hunger, so Jesus offers Himself to all who come in faith.
The spiritual truth of the Bread of Life requires us to move beyond the physical and embrace the spiritual reality of who Jesus is and what He offers.
Key Theme Four: The Challenge of True Discipleship (John 6:60-71)
In this section, we see the reaction of the crowd and Jesus' disciples to His radical teaching about being the Bread of Life. While many were initially intrigued by Jesus' miracles and teachings, the depth of His message begins to cause division. Some disciples struggle with His words, while others reaffirm their commitment to Him. Jesus uses this moment to teach more about the nature of true discipleship and the importance of faith in Him.
Conclusion to John 6:
John 6 presents a powerful and multifaceted revelation of Jesus as the Bread of Life, inviting us into a deeper understanding of spiritual sustenance and the cost of true discipleship. Through the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus not only demonstrates His compassion and power over nature but also uses this event to reveal profound truths about eternal life and the spiritual nourishment He offers to those who believe in Him.
The crowds and even many of His disciples struggle to grasp the spiritual nature of His message. Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not about earthly satisfaction but about faith in Him as the source of eternal life. His radical teachings on eating His flesh and drinking His blood stir confusion and offense, showing that true discipleship requires a commitment that transcends human understanding and desires.
Despite many turning away, the Twelve remain loyal to Jesus, acknowledging that He alone has the words of eternal life. This moment of reflection on faith, understanding, and commitment offers an invitation to all believers: discipleship is about more than seeking signs or miracles; it’s about a deep, spiritual relationship with Jesus, where we recognize Him as the one who satisfies our spiritual hunger and provides the path to eternal life.
Finally, in the midst of rejection and betrayal, Jesus' sovereignty is evident. He knows that one of His disciples will betray Him, yet He continues to fulfill His divine purpose, showing that even betrayal and opposition cannot thwart God’s plan.
In conclusion, John 6 calls believers to examine the depth of their faith and commitment to Jesus. True discipleship requires accepting the hard teachings of Jesus, acknowledging Him as the source of eternal life, and following Him despite the challenges or sacrifices involved. Just as Jesus offers spiritual nourishment, we are called to feed on His words, trusting in His ability to satisfy our deepest spiritual needs and lead us into eternal life.

Revival Message Three: Consider Your Ways

Sermon Date: 3/16/2025
Bible Verses: Haggai 1:1-15
Speaker: Rev. Daniel "Dan" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Revival Message Two: All in for the Great Comission

Sermon Date: 3/15/2025
Bible Verses: Matthew 28:16-20
Speaker: Rev. Daniel "Dan" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Revival Message One: Christ's Invincible Rule

Sermon Date: 3/14/2025
Bible Verses: Psalm 2
Speaker: Rev. Daniel "Dan" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

The Weekly Show: Episode 40 - John 4:43–5:47

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 4 Verses 43-54 and Chapter 5 Verses 1-47.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 4:43–5:47
This section of John’s Gospel continues to reveal Jesus’ divine authority, miraculous power, and the growing opposition against Him. It highlights two key miracles and Jesus’ confrontation with the Jewish leaders over His identity and mission.
Key Themes in This Section:
Healing by Faith (John 4:43-54) – Jesus heals the official’s son from a distance, emphasizing the power of faith in His word.
Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15) – Jesus restores a man who had been disabled for 38 years, demonstrating His authority over sickness and the Sabbath.
Jesus’ Authority & Equality with God (John 5:16-30) – The healing leads to conflict with Jewish leaders as Jesus claims divine authority, making Himself equal with God.
Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity (John 5:31-47) – Jesus provides multiple testimonies—John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures—to affirm that He is the Son of God.
Why This Section Matters:
It challenges people to trust in Jesus’ word rather than demanding signs.
It reveals Jesus’ authority over illness, the Sabbath, and even life and judgment itself.
It exposes the hardness of heart among those who refuse to believe, despite clear evidence.
As we explore this passage, we will see how Jesus calls people to faith, confronts opposition, and reveals His divine mission.
Key Theme One: Healing by Faith (John 4:43-54)
Lessons from This Passage:
Faith is trusting in Jesus’ word even when we don’t see immediate results.
Jesus’ power is not limited by distance, time, or circumstances.
Genuine faith leads to transformation, as seen in the official’s entire household believing.
This miracle sets the stage for the next account, where Jesus heals another man—but this time, it leads to controversy with the Jewish leaders.
Key Theme Two: Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
Key Lessons from This Passage:
Jesus seeks out the broken and offers healing beyond physical restoration.
God’s power is not limited by human effort or traditions.
Legalism can blind people to God’s work—rules should never replace compassion.
Spiritual transformation is just as important as physical healing.
This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus’ authority over sickness but also sets the stage for His deeper conflict with the religious leaders over His identity and mission.
Key Theme Three: Jesus’ Authority & Equality with God (John 5:16-29)
Key Lessons from This Passage:
Jesus is fully equal with God the Father—He shares in His work, gives life, and judges.
Faith in Jesus leads to eternal life—those who reject Him face judgment.
Jesus’ authority over life and judgment proves His divine identity.
The resurrection is real—every person will face either eternal life or judgment.
This passage is one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divinity and ultimate authority—a truth that fuels both faith in believers and opposition from His enemies.
Key Theme Four: Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity (John 5:30-47)
Key Lessons from This Passage:
Jesus provides overwhelming evidence of His identity through multiple witnesses.
The religious leaders rejected Him because of their spiritual blindness and pride.
Scripture testifies about Jesus, but knowledge alone is not enough—faith is required.
True faith seeks the glory of God, not human approval.
This passage challenges us to examine our hearts: Do we truly believe in Jesus, or are we blinded by pride, tradition, or worldly recognition?
Conclusion to John 4:43–5:47
In this section of John’s Gospel, we see Jesus revealing more of His divine authority through miraculous healings and His bold claims of equality with God. The passage emphasizes the power of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the necessity of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture.
Key Takeaways:
Faith in Jesus Brings Healing (John 4:43-54)
The royal official trusted in Jesus' word without seeing immediate evidence.
True faith relies on Jesus' promises, not just miracles.
Jesus Shows Compassion to the Broken (John 5:1-15)
The healing at the Pool of Bethesda demonstrates Jesus’ power and mercy.
Physical healing is important, but spiritual restoration is the greater need.
Jesus Claims Divine Authority (John 5:16-30)
Jesus clearly states that He is equal to God the Father.
He has the power to judge and give eternal life.
Multiple Witnesses Testify to Jesus (John 5:31-47)
John the Baptist, Jesus’ miracles, God the Father, the Scriptures, and Moses all confirm Jesus' identity.
The religious leaders refused to believe, showing that knowledge alone is not enough—faith is required.
Final Thoughts:
This passage forces us to ask:🔹 Do we trust in Jesus’ word, even when we don’t see immediate results?🔹 Are we seeking Jesus for who He truly is, or just for what He can do for us?🔹 Do we truly believe in Him, or are we blinded by pride, tradition, or worldly concerns?
Ultimately, Jesus calls us to faith in Him as the Son of God, the source of eternal life. The choice is ours—will we believe and follow, or will we reject the truth as the religious leaders did?

The Weekly Show: Episode 39 - John 4:1-42

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 4 Verses 1-42.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 4:1-38
John 4:1-38 records one of the most profound and personal encounters in Jesus’ ministry—the conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. This passage not only highlights Jesus’ compassion and willingness to break social and cultural barriers but also reveals deep theological truths about living water, true worship, and the mission of evangelism.
Context & Background:
Jesus’ Growing Influence (v. 1-3) – As Jesus’ ministry gains attention, particularly among the Pharisees, He leaves Judea and travels toward Galilee, passing through Samaria.
Cultural Tensions – Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing hostility due to historical, religious, and ethnic differences. Jews typically avoided traveling through Samaria, but Jesus intentionally goes there.
Setting at Jacob’s Well – Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well around noon, an unusual time for a woman to draw water, suggesting she may be an outcast.
Key Themes:
Jesus Breaks Barriers (v. 1-9) – He defies social norms by speaking with a Samaritan woman, showing that His mission includes all people.
Living Water (v. 10-15) – Jesus offers spiritual refreshment that satisfies far beyond physical needs.
True Worship (v. 16-26) – Jesus explains that worship is not about a location but spirit and truth.
Evangelism & Mission (v. 27-38) – The Samaritan woman becomes an unlikely witness, and Jesus teaches His disciples about the urgency of spiritual harvest.
Why This Passage Matters:
It reveals Jesus’ heart for the outcast and His willingness to engage with the broken.
It teaches that salvation is available to all—regardless of gender, race, or past mistakes.
It challenges believers to embrace true worship and actively participate in God’s mission to bring others to Christ.
This passage invites us to ask: Are we seeking the temporary water of the world or the eternal living water Jesus offers?
Key Theme One: Jesus Breaks Barriers (John 4:1-9)
One of the most striking aspects of John 4:1-9 is how Jesus intentionally crosses social, cultural, and religious barriers to reach an outsider. His interaction with the Samaritan woman reveals that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or status.
Key Theme Two: Living Water (John 4:10-15)
In this passage, Jesus introduces the concept of “living water,” a profound metaphor for eternal life and spiritual satisfaction. This conversation shifts the focus from physical needs to the deeper spiritual thirst that only Christ can quench.
Key Theme Three: True Worship (John 4:16-26)
In this passage, Jesus moves the conversation from physical water to spiritual transformation, ultimately revealing what true worship is and who He is as the Messiah.
Key Theme Four: Evangelism & Mission (John 4:27-42)
This passage highlights the power of personal testimony, the urgency of evangelism, and the mission Jesus calls His followers to participate in.
 
 Conclusion to John 4:1-42
The account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is a powerful demonstration of His mission to seek and save the lost, break societal barriers, and call people to true worship and evangelism.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus Breaks Barriers (v. 1-9) – He intentionally reaches out to a social outcast, showing that salvation is for all people, regardless of gender, race, or past mistakes.
Jesus Offers Living Water (v. 10-15) – He shifts the conversation from physical needs to spiritual fulfillment, revealing Himself as the only source of eternal life.
True Worship (v. 16-26) – Worship is not about location or rituals but about a genuine relationship with God, through Spirit and truth.
Evangelism & Mission (v. 27-38) – The Samaritan woman immediately shares her testimony, and Jesus reminds His disciples of the urgency of the spiritual harvest.
Many Come to Faith (v. 39-42) – The woman’s testimony leads others to Jesus, and they come to believe in Him as the Savior of the world.
Final Reflection:
This passage challenges us to:
Follow Jesus’ example in breaking cultural and social barriers for the sake of the gospel.
Seek true spiritual satisfaction in Christ, rather than temporary fulfillment in earthly things.
Worship God authentically, in Spirit and truth.
Recognize the urgency of sharing the gospel, as people are ready to hear and believe.
Ultimately, Jesus is the Living Water that satisfies our deepest thirst, and He calls us to share that life-giving truth with the world.
 
 
 

The Weekly Show: Episode 38 - John 3:22–36

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 3 Verses 22-36.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 3:22–36
This passage marks the transition from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus to a scene involving John the Baptist and his disciples. Here, John the Baptist reaffirms Jesus’ supremacy and the necessity of believing in Him for eternal life. The focus shifts to the growing ministry of Jesus, while John humbly acknowledges that his own role is decreasing as Christ’s influence increases.
Key Themes:
Jesus' Growing Ministry (John 3:22-26) – Jesus and His disciples begin baptizing, which leads to concerns among John the Baptist’s followers.
John’s Declaration of Jesus’ Supremacy (John 3:27-30) – John emphasizes that his role was to prepare the way for Christ, not to compete with Him.
Jesus’ Divine Authority and the Call to Faith (John 3:31-36) – John proclaims that Jesus, as the One from heaven, speaks God’s words and offers eternal life to those who believe.
Why This Passage Matters:
It highlights the humility of John the Baptist, who willingly steps aside so that Jesus may be glorified.
It reinforces the truth that Jesus has divine authority because He comes from heaven.
It presents a clear contrast between belief and unbelief, emphasizing that rejecting Christ leads to judgment.
This passage challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus: Do we acknowledge His supremacy, or do we let pride, competition, or doubt hinder our faith?
Jesus' Growing Ministry (John 3:22-26)
22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
John’s Declaration of Jesus’ Supremacy (John 3:27-30)
27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Jesus’ Divine Authority and the Call to Faith (John 3:31-36)
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
 Conclusion to John 3:22–36
This passage highlights the transition from John the Baptist’s ministry to the rise of Jesus’ public influence, while also reinforcing key theological truths about Jesus’ divine authority and the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus’ Ministry is Expanding (v. 22-26) – His influence is growing, and people are flocking to Him, which causes concern among John the Baptist’s followers.
John’s Humility and Joy (v. 27-30) – John models the right response to Jesus’ increasing prominence: joyful humility and a willingness to step aside for Christ’s glory.
Jesus’ Divine Authority (v. 31-36) – Jesus is from heaven, speaks God’s truth, and offers eternal life to those who believe, while those who reject Him remain under judgment.
Final Reflection:
Do we, like John, joyfully point others to Jesus, or do we seek our own glory?
Have we fully embraced Christ’s authority, recognizing that He alone grants eternal life?
Will we choose faith in Jesus or remain under judgment?
Ultimately, Jesus must increase, and we must decrease. True life is found in surrendering to Him, trusting in His supremacy, and believing in His promise of eternal life.