Pathways to Discipleship
The Emotional Life of Jesus: The gospel stories provide a fascinating glimpse into Jesus, a fully human person, and the wide range of emotions he experienced. Exploring these stories, we’ll ask questions like: Does Jesus get the blues? How do feelings affect how Jesus treats people? If God truly understands and welcomes our emotions, how does that change our Christian life?
led by Rev. C. Nolan Huizenga, Transitional Pastor, Highland Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY
SEPTEMBER 18 - Jesus Has Feelings
Read
Watch
Jesus Has Feelings - Rev. Nolan Huizenga - Recording of Class
Listen
“Soul of a Man,” (4:22) a gospel blues tune by Texas guitarist and singer Blind Willie Johnson, sung by Bruce Cockburn
Do
Look at the following two images. Which more closely portrays the Jesus you know? Why? In what ways does your view of Jesus shape the way you understand yourself as a human?
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Alex Grey’s “Cosmic Christ” painting (2000)
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Willem Dafoe as a very human Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
SEPTEMBER 25 - Paying Attention to the Stories
Listen
“Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues” - Buddy Guy
Do
Look at El Greco’s painting of Christ Cleansing the Temple in as described in John 2:13-14. What emotion do you see in Jesus’ face? Does it surprise you? Can you think of other instances in which Jesus showed similar emotion? What does it tell you about Jesus?
OCTOBER 2 - The Compassion of Christ…and of Us his Body
Read
Definitions of Compassion - Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
A letter to white Christians on the anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death - Rev. Jennifer Butler
Watch
The Compassion of Christ…and of Us His Body - Rev. Nolan Huizenga - Recording of class
Sitting in the Dark with a Friend - Hugh Hollowell
Seeing Jesus - meditation with Rev. Aimee Moiso; set to “Peace” by Rich Mullins
Listen
Your Emotions are Not Your Spiritual Enemy (48:00) - The Bible For Normal People podcast with Counselor Alison Cook
Do
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OCTOBER 9 - Meet Sun Counseling and Wellness
Read
Link to Sun Counseling and Wellness Website
How to talk to loved ones when you’re worried about their mental health
Listen
Do
When talking to someone whom you think might benefit from therapy, Juliet Kuehnle suggests using phrases such as “I’ve noticed”, I wonder”, and “would you consider?"
Look at this list of emotions. What are you feeling? “If you can name it, you can tame it."