Walnut Grove

The Weekly Show: Episode 43 - John 7:53–8:11

Join Tim and John as they serve up an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 7 verse 53 and Chapter 8 verses 1-11.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 7:53–8:11
This passage contains one of the most well-known encounters in Jesus’ ministry—the story of the woman caught in adultery. It presents a powerful lesson on grace, mercy, justice, and true righteousness.
Context and Background:
Textual Note: Many ancient manuscripts do not include John 7:53–8:11, leading scholars to debate its original placement. However, this passage aligns with Jesus’ character and teachings, making it valuable for understanding His ministry.
Setting: Jesus is in the Temple courts, teaching the people early in the morning. The religious leaders attempt to trap Him with a moral and legal dilemma regarding a woman caught in adultery.
Cultural and Legal Issues: According to Mosaic Law (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22), adultery was punishable by death, typically by stoning. However, the Roman authorities had restricted the Jewish leaders’ power to carry out capital punishment, adding to the complexity of their trap.
Key Themes Introduced:
Hypocrisy vs. True Righteousness – The religious leaders use the woman as a tool to trap Jesus, exposing their legalism and lack of compassion.
Jesus’ Wisdom and Authority – He neither disregards the Law nor falls into their trap but responds with divine wisdom and justice.
Grace and Redemption – Jesus does not condemn the woman but offers forgiveness and a call to transformation.
This passage beautifully highlights Jesus’ balance of justice and mercy, showing that He did not come to condemn sinners but to call them to repentance and new life.
Key Theme One: Hypocrisy vs. True Righteousness (John 7:53–8:6)
They went each to his own house,
 
1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 
In this passage, the religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, attempting to trap Him in a legal and moral dilemma. Their actions expose their hypocrisy and contrast sharply with Jesus’ true righteousness.
Key Takeaway:
The Pharisees weaponized the Law for their own agenda rather than seeking genuine justice.
True righteousness is not about outward legalism but about the condition of the heart—something Jesus repeatedly emphasized (Matthew 23:27-28).
This theme sets the stage for Jesus’ powerful challenge: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)
Key Theme Two: Jesus’ Wisdom and Authority (John 8:7-9)
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.
In response to the Pharisees’ attempt to trap Him, Jesus displays divine wisdom and authority that completely dismantles their hypocrisy without violating the Law of Moses.
Key Takeaway:
Jesus’ wisdom reveals that true authority comes from God, not from human legalism or manipulation.
He does not dismiss sin, but He also does not allow hypocrites to use the Law for personal gain.
His response highlights the difference between man’s judgment, which is often biased, and God’s judgment, which is perfect and just.
Key Theme Three: Grace and Redemption (John 8:10-11)
10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
After the accusers leave, Jesus is left alone with the woman, and His response highlights God’s grace and the call to repentance.
Key Takeaway:
Jesus embodies both justice and mercy, offering redemption rather than destruction.
True grace leads to transformation, not just forgiveness.
Jesus' response invites all sinners to experience forgiveness and a new life in Him.
Conclusion to John 7:53–8:11
The account of the woman caught in adultery powerfully illustrates Jesus’ wisdom, grace, and authority in dealing with sin and hypocrisy.
1. Jesus Exposes Hypocrisy
The religious leaders misused the Law to trap Jesus, but He turned their scheme against them.
His statement, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7), revealed their own guilt and forced them to leave in shame.
2. Jesus Extends Grace and Calls for Repentance
Jesus did not condemn the woman, showing His mission of redemption rather than judgment (John 3:17).
However, He also commanded, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11), highlighting that grace calls for a transformed life.
3. The Balance of Justice and Mercy
Jesus upholds the holiness of God by not ignoring sin, yet He extends mercy by offering the woman a second chance.
This moment reflects God’s heart for sinners—not to destroy, but to redeem.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus sees beyond legalism and calls people to true righteousness from the heart.
Salvation is not just about escaping punishment but about entering a new life.
This passage encourages us to approach others with both truth and grace, just as Jesus does.
Through this account, we see that Jesus is the perfect embodiment of God’s mercy and justice, offering forgiveness while calling sinners to live in holiness.

Sermon: What Jesus Sees

Sermon Date: 3/30/2025
Bible Verses: Matthew 9
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Introduction:One of the most remarkable things about Jesus is the way He sees people. In Matthew 9, we find seven instances where Jesus "saw" something or someone. His vision was not just physical—He saw with divine insight, compassion, and purpose. Where others saw obstacles, Jesus saw opportunities for healing, restoration, and calling.
As we walk through this chapter, let’s ask ourselves:
What does Jesus see in us?
How can we learn to see the world as He does?
Jesus Sees Faith (Matthew 9:2)
"Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’”
The first thing Jesus sees in this chapter is faith. The friends of the paralyzed man brought him to Jesus, believing that He could heal. Their faith was visible.
Faith is not just internal—it moves us to action.
Jesus not only healed the man physically but first forgave his sins, addressing his greatest need.
What does Jesus see when He looks at your faith? Does your faith move you to action?
Jesus Sees a Sinner in Need of a Savior (Matthew 9:9)
"As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him."
To society, Matthew was a despised tax collector. To Jesus, he was a future disciple.
Others saw a traitor; Jesus saw a disciple.
Jesus does not see us as we are—He sees what we can become in Him.
Are there people in your life you have written off? Jesus may see something greater in them.
Jesus Sees the Despised and Dines with Them (Matthew 9:10-13)
"Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’"
Jesus not only called Matthew, but He ate with sinners. He saw them not as outcasts but as people in need of grace.
The religious leaders saw a scandal, but Jesus saw a mission field.
He reminds them: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" (v. 13).
Are we willing to see people as Jesus sees them? Or do we judge based on appearances?
Jesus Sees Desperate Faith (Matthew 9:20-22)
"And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’"
This woman had been suffering for twelve years. She was considered unclean, yet she reached out in faith.
Society ignored her, but Jesus saw her.
He not only healed her but called her daughter—restoring her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Do we believe Jesus sees our deepest needs?
Jesus Sees the Grieving and Brings Hope (Matthew 9:23-26)
"When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, ‘Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed Him."
Jairus, a synagogue leader, had just lost his daughter. The people saw death and despair. Jesus saw hope.
He told them she was "sleeping," because He saw beyond death.
The people mocked Him, but He brought resurrection.
What if we trusted Jesus' vision more than our circumstances?
Jesus Sees the Blind and Gives Sight (Matthew 9:27-31)
"And when Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!’ ... Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’ And their eyes were opened."
Jesus saw their physical and spiritual blindness. They called Him "Son of David," recognizing Him as the Messiah.
Many had eyes but did not see who Jesus was, yet these blind men had faith.
Jesus sees our spiritual blindness and wants to open our eyes to truth.
Are there areas in your life where you need Jesus to give you clearer vision?
Jesus Sees the Lost and Feels Compassion (Matthew 9:35-38)
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."
The final thing Jesus sees is the lostness of the crowd. They were wandering without direction, without leadership, without hope.
Jesus did not just see a crowd—He saw individuals in need of a shepherd.
His response? "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers" (v. 38).
Do we see people with the same compassion Jesus does?
Conclusion: Seeing Through the Eyes of Jesus
Matthew 9 reveals how Jesus sees:
He sees faith. Do we live out a faith that is visible?
He sees beyond our past. Do we believe He can transform us?
He sees the outcasts. Are we willing to welcome them?
He sees desperate hearts. Do we trust Him with our needs?
He sees beyond death. Do we have faith in His resurrection power?
He sees spiritual blindness. Are we willing to let Him open our eyes?
He sees the lost with compassion. Do we share His burden for the world?
Challenge:
This week, pray and ask God to help you see as Jesus sees. Look for opportunities to show faith, grace, compassion, and hope to those around you.
Because when we see through His eyes, we don’t just see problems—we see people in need of a Savior.
 

The Weekly Show: Episode 42 - John 7:1-52

Join Tim and John as they serve up an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 7 verses 1-52
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 7:1-52
John 7 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John that marks a significant moment in Jesus' ministry. In this passage, Jesus faces increasing opposition from both the religious leaders and the crowds, yet He continues to boldly reveal His identity and divine mission. The chapter is set against the backdrop of the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths), one of the most important Jewish festivals, during which Jews gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate God's provision and their wilderness journey after the Exodus.
In the beginning of the chapter, we see the tension between Jesus and His family, as they encourage Him to publicly display His miracles in Jerusalem. However, Jesus' response reveals His understanding of God’s timing and His divine mission, as He avoids going to the festival publicly at first.
When Jesus does go to the feast, He teaches in the temple courts, causing divisions among the people. Some believe He is the Messiah, while others dismiss Him as a deceiver. The Jewish authorities seek to arrest Him, but God's plan prevents this from happening until the appointed time.
The passage also highlights the misunderstandings people have about Jesus' true nature, such as their confusion about His origins and His authority. Jesus uses the opportunity to clarify His mission and to call people to believe in Him as the source of living water—a reference to the Holy Spirit and the spiritual satisfaction He offers.
In summary, John 7:1-52 presents a mixture of public curiosity, religious opposition, and divine revelation, all pointing to the climactic unfolding of Jesus' ministry and His growing role as the Messiah. This passage invites readers to reflect on how they respond to Jesus' identity and message, especially as it challenges cultural and religious expectations. The chapter also underscores the sovereignty of God in the unfolding events of Jesus' life and mission.
Key Theme One: Jesus at the Feast of Booths (John 7:1-24)
Key Takeaways:
God’s Timing vs. Human Timing – Jesus operates on God’s timeline, not human expectations.
True Understanding Comes from God – Those who seek God’s will will recognize Jesus’ authority.
Superficial vs. Righteous Judgment – Jesus challenges the religious leaders and the people to judge rightly, looking beyond appearances to understand spiritual truth.
Jesus’ Growing Opposition – The conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders intensifies, foreshadowing His eventual arrest and crucifixion.
Key Theme Two: Can This Be the Christ? (John 7:25-36)
Key Takeaways:
Misconceptions About the Messiah – The people assume they know where the Messiah should come from, but they fail to see Jesus’ divine origin.
Jesus’ Bold Declaration – Jesus proclaims that He is sent by God, a claim that escalates the conflict with the religious leaders.
Opposition vs. Belief – While some reject Jesus, others begin to believe based on His miracles, showing the growing divide in opinions.
Limited Time to Respond – Jesus warns that there will come a time when people will seek Him but will not find Him, emphasizing the urgency of faith.
 Key Theme Three: Rivers of Living Water and Division Among the People (John 7:37-52)
Key Takeaways:
Jesus’ Invitation to Spiritual Renewal – He offers living water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and the new life He brings to believers.
The Division Over Jesus – Some believe, others doubt, and some reject Him outright, illustrating how Jesus' message forces people to make a choice.
Religious Pride & Blindness – The Pharisees refuse to believe because of their own arrogance, rejecting Jesus despite the evidence.
Nicodemus’ Growing Faith – Though not fully committed yet, he takes a step toward defending Jesus, foreshadowing his later faith.
Conclusion to John 7:1-52
John 7 presents a powerful contrast between faith and unbelief, spiritual thirst and rejection, humility and pride. Throughout the chapter, we see how people respond differently to Jesus—some are intrigued, some believe, and others fiercely oppose Him.
Key Takeaways from John 7:
Jesus’ Obedience to the Father’s Timing – He does not act according to human expectations but follows God’s perfect plan (John 7:1-10).
Jesus’ Teaching with Authority – His words reveal divine truth, challenging people to judge rightly rather than by appearances (John 7:14-24).
Division Over Jesus – Some recognize Him as the Messiah, while others reject Him based on misconceptions and pride (John 7:25-44).
The Pharisees’ Hardness of Heart – Despite hearing Jesus and witnessing His works, they refuse to believe, clinging to religious pride and traditions (John 7:45-49).
Nicodemus’ Quiet Defense – A small but significant moment where a religious leader shows a willingness to consider Jesus’ message (John 7:50-52).
At the heart of this chapter is Jesus’ invitation:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)
This is a call to faith, offering spiritual life and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, just as in Jesus’ time, people must choose—will they come to Him in faith, or will they reject Him in unbelief?

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