JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 3

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3 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 1 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 1 The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, a Palestinian Jew and a member of Jesus' inner apostolic circle during his earthly ministry. John's original audience consisted of both Jews and Gentiles living in the larger Greco-Roman world in Ephesus and beyond toward the close of the first century A.D. He frequently explains Jewish customs and Palestinian geography and translates Aramaic terms into Greek (see note on 1:38), thus showing awareness of non-jewish readers. He also presents Jesus as the Word become flesh against the backdrop of Greek thought that included Stoicism and early Gnosticism. But John also shows awareness of Jewish readers as he demonstrates Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah, the fulfillment of many OT themes, and the Son of God who was sent by God the Father to reveal the only true God and to provide redemption for humanity. The purpose statement in 20:30 31 makes it appear that John wrote with an evangelistic intent. However, his depth of teaching shows that he wanted readers not only to come to initial saving faith in Jesus but also to grow into a rich, well-informed faith. John's central contention is that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and Son of God, and that by believing in him people may have eternal life. To this end, he marshals the evidence of several selected messianic signs performed by Jesus and of a series of witnesses to Jesus including the Scriptures, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, God the Father, Jesus' works, the Spirit, and John himself. It is also likely that John sought to present Jesus as the new temple and center of worship for God's people, a concept that would be especially forceful if the date of composition (as seems likely) was subsequent to A.D. 70 (the time of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple). 1 vv Prologue: The Incarnate Word. In the prologue John presents Jesus as the eternal, preexistent, now incarnate Word (vv. 1, 14) and as the one-of-a-kind Son of the Father who is himself God (vv. 1, 18). God's revelation and redemption in and through Jesus are shown to form the culmination of the history of salvation, which previously included God's giving of the law through Moses (v. 17), his dwelling among his people in the tabernacle and the temple (v. 14), and the sending of the forerunner, John the Baptist (vv. 6 8, 15). The prologue also introduces many of the major themes developed later in the Gospel, such as Jesus as the life (v. 4), the light (vv. 5 9), and the truth (vv. 14, 16 17); believers as God's children (vv ); and the world's rejection of Jesus (vv ). 2 v. 1 In the beginning was the Word echoes the opening phrase of the book of Genesis, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. John will soon identify this Word as Jesus (v. 14), but here he locates Jesus' existence in eternity past with God. The term the Word (Gk. Logos) conveys the notion of divine selfexpression or speech and has a rich OT background. God's Word is effective: God speaks, and things come into being (Gen. 1:3, 9; Ps. 33:6; 107:20; Isa. 55:10 11), and by speech he relates personally to his people (e.g., Gen. 15:1). John also shows how this concept of the Word is superior to a Greek philosophical concept of Word (logos) as an impersonal principle of Reason that gave order to the universe. And the Word was with God indicates interpersonal relationship with God, but then and the Word was God affirms that this Word was also the same God who created the universe in the beginning. Here are the building blocks that go into the doctrine of the Trinity: the one true God consists of more than one person, they relate to each other, and they have always existed. 3 1 ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 3

4 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 1 COMMENTARY v. 4 What then does John mean by life? Quite simply he means that life is the opposite of destruction, condemnation and death. God sent his Son that the man who believes should not perish but have eternal life (3:16). [ ] Those to whom Jesus gives life will never perish (10:28). There is in Jesus that which gives a man security in this life and in the life to come. Until we accept Jesus and take him as our savior and enthrone him as our king we cannot be said to live at all. The man who lives a Christless life exists, but he does not know what life is. Jesus is the one person who can make life worth living, and in whose company death is only the prelude to fuller life. [ ] The word John uses for eternal is aiōnios. Clearly whatever else eternal life is, it is not simply life which lasts forever. A life which lasted for ever could be a terrible curse; often the thing for which men long is release from life. In eternal life there must be more than duration of life; there must be a certain quality of life. Life is not desirable unless it is a certain kind of life. Here we have the clue. Aiōnios is the adjective which is repeatedly used to describe God. In the true sense of the word only God is aiōnios, eternal; therefore eternal life is that life which God lives. What Jesus offers us from God is God s own life. Eternal life is life which knows something of the serenity and power of the life of God himself. When Jesus came offering men eternal life, he was inviting them to enter into the very life of God. 4 The light which Jesus brings is a revealing light. It is the condemnation of men that they loved the darkness rather than the light; and they did so because their deeds were evil; and they hated the light lest their deeds should be exposed (3:19, 20). The light which Jesus brings is something which shows things as they are. It strips away the disguises and the concealments; it shows things in all their nakedness; it shows them in their true character and their true values. 5 v. 14 [ ] Became flesh does not mean the Word ceased being God; rather, the Word, who was God, also took on humanity (cf. Phil. 2:6 7). This is the most amazing event in all of history: the eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinitely holy Son of God took on a human nature and lived among humanity as one who was both God and man at the same time, in one person. Dwelt among us means more literally pitched his tent (Gk. skēnoō), an allusion to God's dwelling among the Israelites in the tabernacle (cf. Ex. 25:8 9; 33:7). In the past, God had manifested his presence to his people in the tabernacle and the temple. Now God takes up residence among his people in the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ (cf. John 1:17). Thus, the coming of Christ fulfills the OT symbolism for God's dwelling with man in the tabernacle and the temple. Later, through the Holy Spirit, Christ will make into a temple both the church (1 Cor. 3:16) and a Christian's body (1 Cor. 6:19). The references to God's glory refer back to OT passages narrating the manifestation of the presence and glory of God in theophanies (appearances of God), the tabernacle, or the temple (e.g., Ex. 33:22; Num. 14:10; Deut. 5:22). the only Son from the Father. Jesus is the Son of God, not in the sense of being 6 created or born (see John 1:3), but in the sense of being a Son who is exactly like his Father in all attributes, and in the sense of having a Father-Son relationship with God the Father. 76 v. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you is a solemn affirmation stressing the authoritative 4 William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

5 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 1 COMMENTARY nature and importance of Jesus' pronouncements. The expression is found 25 times in this Gospel. The two references to you here are plural. See heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending recalls the story of Jacob in Genesis 28 (see esp. v. 12). Jesus will be a greater way of access to God than the heavenly ladder on which angels traveled between God and Jacob (Gen. 28:12; cf. Heb. 10:19 20), and wherever Jesus is, that place will become the New Bethel where God is revealed. Jesus is not merely a son of man (an ordinary male human being), but he repeatedly (over 80 times in the Gospels) calls himself the Son of Man, suggesting the greatest, most notable son of man of all time. The Son of Man is thus a messianic title that refers back to the mysterious, human-divine figure of one like a son of man in Dan. 7:13 14, one who would be given rule over all the nations of the earth forever (cf. Matt. 26:64). The Son of Man will be lifted up by being crucified (see note on John 3:14), will provide divine revelation (6:27), and will act with endtime authority (5:27; 9:39). 8 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 5

6 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 THE WORD BECAME FLESH 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was JOHN 1:1-18 in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me. ) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. 6 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

7 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 JOHN 1:1-18 John 1:1-5, 14 The term the Word (Gk. Logos) conveys the notion of divine self-expression or speech, and has a rich Old Testament background. God's Word is effective: God speaks, and things come into being (Gen. 1:3, 9; Ps. 33:6; 107:20; Isa. 55:10 11), and by speech he relates personally to his people (e.g., Gen. 15:1). Who is the Word? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Reflect on the words describing the true nature of Jesus ( the Word ) in this passage, as well as on the fact that he came and made his dwelling among us. What can I learn about God s heart from the fact that the Word "became flesh and dwelt among us"? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 7

8 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 John 1:10-11, Note the two responses described in these passages. Reflect on the incarnation as the way God chose to reveal himself. What are the vulnerabilities and wisdom of this choice? 8 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

9 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 John 1:16-18 Meditate on the ways in which Jesus life and ministry revealed grace and truth. How have I received grace upon grace? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 9

10 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to JOHN 1:19-28 ask him, Who are you? 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the Prophet? And he answered, No. 22 So they said to him, Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. 24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? 26 John answered them, I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie. 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 10 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

11 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 JOHN 1:19-28 John 1:19-23 What is remarkable about John s threefold response to the delegation from Jerusalem? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John was clear about who he was not. What may have caused this kind of freedom regarding what he was not? Have I experienced this kind of freedom regarding all the things that I am not? What is my response to Who are you? or What do you say about yourself? How much does my answer have to do with Christ? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 11

12 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 John 1:23-27 List the different ways that John describes his view of what his life is about. Consider how John the Baptist viewed Jesus (v. 27). How would this have affected his view of his own purpose and mission for his life? What is my view of Jesus, and of my life purpose? 12 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

13 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who JOHN 1:29-34 takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me. 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel. 32 And John bore witness: I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 13

14 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 What does John call Jesus and identify as Jesus purpose for coming to earth? JOHN 1:29-34 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Who would find this description of Jesus appealing? How does this compare with people s typical concept of Jesus? 14 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

15 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 What is the most significant need of mankind from God s perspective? What connects us to Jesus? From this passage, what can I learn about what it takes for someone to come to witness that Jesus is the Son of God? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 15

16 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 JESUS CALLS THE FIRST DISCIPLES 35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he JOHN 1:35-42 walked by and said, Behold, the Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, What are you seeking? And they said to him, Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying? 39 He said to them, Come and you will see. So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, We have found the Messiah (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas (which means Peter). 16 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

17 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 John 1:38-39 What caused John s two disciples to start following Jesus? JOHN 1:35-42 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Reflect on the role of bearing witness (v. 34) in the process by which someone comes to Jesus. How has this played out in my life? What does the disciples response to Jesus question, What are you seeking? show about what they valued? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 17

18 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 If Jesus asked me the same question today, what would be my response? What is the significance of Jesus response, Come and you will see? Reflect on how you get to know people through "staying" with them. How has this played out in my life, in respect to how I came to know Jesus? 18 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

19 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 John 1:40-42 What does Andrew do? How does this relate to what John did in the previous passages? What does Jesus do when he sees Simon? Who has the power to name, and what does this show about how Jesus views his relationship with Simon? What can I learn about the fact that Jesus gave Simon a flattering name like Cephas (meaning Rock ) before he could ever do anything to merit such a name? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 19

20 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 What names have I taken for myself, and who gave me those names? What is my vision for my life and where did I get this vision from? What kind of name does Jesus want to give me? What kind of vision does he have for me? 20 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

21 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 JESUS CALLS PHILIP AND NATHANAEL 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and JOHN 1:43-46 said to him, We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 Nathanael said to him, Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, Come and see. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 21

22 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 John 1:43-45 What is the significance of Jesus invitation, Follow me? JOHN 1:43-46 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Having been found by Jesus, Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus. Who are the Philips in my life whom God used to find me, and who are the Nathanaels whom I need to find? John 1:46 How does Philip introduce Jesus to Nathanael? 22 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

23 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 What is Nathanael s objection to Jesus? What prejudices does Nathanael have to set aside in order to meet Jesus? What are some prejudices that people have against coming to Jesus? What does Philip s answer to Nathanael teach me about evangelism? What does it mean for a person to come and see Jesus? Do I have confidence to invite people to come and see Jesus through my life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 23

24 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 JESUS CALLS PHILIP AND NATHANAEL 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and JOHN 1:43-51 said to him, We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 Nathanael said to him, Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit! 48 Nathanael said to him, How do you know me? Jesus answered him, Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. 49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! 50 Jesus answered him, Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these. 51 And he said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. 24 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

25 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 JOHN 1:43-51 John 1:47-49 How does Jesus refer to Nathanael, and what is the significance of this? What is surprising about Nathanael s response to this? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Think about all the times I felt known by God. What has been my response? How does Nathanael come to his confession about Jesus in v. 49? What is the implication of Nathaniel's confession on his life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 25

26 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 John 1:50-51 Given the Old Testament background to this passage in Genesis 28, what is the claim that Jesus is making about himself? Genesis 28:10 13 (ESV) 10 Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Note all the ways that the first followers of Jesus bear witness to Jesus in 1: JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

27 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 2 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 2 v. 4 Jesus' address for his mother, Woman, is an expression of polite distance, as is his question to her. My hour has not yet come. In John, Jesus' hour is the time of his crucifixion, at which time his saving work is accomplished in his atoning death (see 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1; also note on 7:30). At this point in his ministry, because of people's misconceptions about the coming Messiah, Jesus chooses not to reveal himself openly to Israel (though he does perform numerous messianic signs ; see note on 2:11). Even this miracle is done quietly. Compared to the other Gospels, John places less emphasis on Jesus' public ministry and more emphasis on his private ministry to specific individuals. 9 v. 9 Every story tells us not of something Jesus did once and never again, but of something which he is forever doing. John tells us not of things that Jesus once did in Palestine, but of things that he still does today. And what John wants us to see here is not that Jesus once on a day turned some water pots of water into wine; he wants us to see that whenever Jesus comes into a man s life, there comes a new quality which is like turning water into wine. Without Jesus, life is dull and stale and flat; when Jesus comes into it, life becomes vivid and sparkling and exciting. Without Jesus, life is drab and uninteresting; with him it is thrilling and exhilarating. 10 v. 11 signs. Miracles that attest to Jesus' identity as Messiah and Son of God and lead unbelievers to faith. John specifies that after this sign, Jesus' disciples believed in him (cf. v. 23) [ ] In each of the signs that John includes, the emphasis is on the way in which the sign reveals Jesus' messianic character (cf. 12:37 40; 20:30 31) and on the exceptional and striking nature of the feat accomplished by Jesus such as the large quantity and high quality of wine (2:6, 10), the fact that the official's son is healed a long distance away by the sheer power of Jesus' word (4:47, 49 50), the invalid's recovery from a 38-year-long ordeal (5:5), the large quantity of food produced by Jesus (6:13), the man's recovery from lifelong blindness (9:1 2), and the raising of Lazarus after four days in the tomb (11:17, 39). 11 vv (Jesus) acted as he did because God s house was being desecrated. In the Temple there was worship without reverence [ ] Worship without reverence can be a terrible thing. It may be worship which is formalized and pushed through anyhow; the most dignified prayers on earth can be read like a passage from an auctioneer s catalogue. It may be worship which does not realize the holiness of God [ ] It may be the use of the house of God for purposes and in a way where reverence and the true function of God s house are forgotten. In that court of God s house at Jerusalem there would be arguments about prices, disputes about coins that were worn and thin, the clatter of the market place. That particular form of irreverence may not be common now, but there are other ways of offering an irreverent worship to God. [ ] The Temple consisted of a series of courts leading into the Temple proper and to the Holy Place. There was first the Court of the Gentiles, then the Court of the Women, then the Court of the Israelites, then the Court of the Priests. All this buying and selling was going on in the Court of the Gentiles which was the only place into which a Gentile might come. Beyond that point, access to him was barred. So then if there 9 ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 27

28 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 2 COMMENTARY was a Gentile whose heart God had touched, he might come into the Court of the Gentiles to mediate and pray and distantly touch God. The Court of the Gentiles was the only place of prayer he knew. The Temple authorities and the Jewish traders were making the Court of the Gentiles into an uproar and a rabble where no man could pray [ ] Is there anything in our church life a snobbishness, an exclusiveness, a coldness, a lack of welcome, a tendency to make the congregation into a closed club, an arrogance, a fastidiousness which keeps the seeking stranger out? Let us remember the wrath of Jesus against those who made it difficult and even impossible for the seeking stranger to make contact with God. 12 vv [ ] Jesus certainly never said he would destroy the material Temple and then rebuild it. Jesus in fact looked for the end of the Temple. He said to the woman of Samaria that the day was coming when men would worship God neither in Mount Gerizim, nor in Jerusalem, but in spirit and in truth (John 4:21). Second, the cleansing of the Temple, as we have seen, was a dramatic way of showing that the whole Temple worship with its ritual and its sacrifice was irrelevant and could do nothing to lead men to God. It is clear that Jesus did expect that the Temple would pass away; that he had come to render its worship unnecessary and obsolete; and that therefore he would never suggest that he would rebuild it. [ ] As Mark relates the charge against Jesus, it ran: I will destroy this Temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another not made with hands (Mark 14:58). What Jesus really meant was that his coming had put an end to all this man-made, man-arranged way of worshipping God and put in its place a spiritual worship; that he put an end to all this business of animal sacrifice and priestly ritual and put in its place a direct approach to the Spirit of God which did not need an elaborate man-made Temple and a ritual of incense and sacrifice offered by the hands of men. The threat of Jesus was: Your Temple worship, your elaborate ritual, your lavish animal sacrifices are at an end, because I have come. The promise of Jesus was: I will give you a way to come to God without all this human elaboration and human ritual. I have come to destroy this Temple in Jerusalem and to make the whole earth the Temple where men can know the presence of the living God William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

29 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 THE WEDDING AT CANA 1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of JOHN 2:1-12 Jesus said to him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus said to her, Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come. 5 His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. 6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast. So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now. 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 29

30 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 JOHN 2:1-12 John 2:1-5 Consider the irony of wine running out on the wedding day the most well-prepared and supposedly happiest day of one s life. What truth about life and the limits of human abilities does this scene depict? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What did Mary do about this problem? John 2:7-8 What can I learn about what it means to trust and obey through Jesus instructions and the servants response? 30 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

31 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Identify all the characters in this story. What role did each character have in this story with respect to the problem of wine running out? Who are the people who witnessed Jesus transforming water to wine? Who are the people who remained clueless? What was the difference between those who knew vs. those who remained clueless? With which of the characters can I most relate? Which of the characters do I want to emulate? What concrete steps do I need to take accordingly? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 31

32 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 THE WEDDING AT CANA 1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of JOHN 2:1-12 Jesus said to him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus said to her, Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come. 5 His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. 6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast. So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now. 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. 32 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

33 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 JOHN 2:1-12 John 2:6 Given that wine is often used as a symbol for Jesus blood, what might be the significance of Jesus transforming the water used for the Jewish rites of purification into wine? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 2:10 How does the statement everyone serves the good wine first and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine aptly describe how the world works? Why was this not a good description of what occurred in this situation? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 33

34 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 John 2:9-11 Jesus solved the problem at the wedding by changing water into wine. Compare and contrast wine and water. Have I experienced this kind of fundamental change through Jesus? John 2:1-11 Contrast various people s responses servants, master of the banquet, disciples. Who benefited the most from Jesus miracle? What has been my response to God s revelation through Jesus? 34 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

35 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 JOHN 2:13-25 JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade. 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for your house will consume me. 18 So the Jews said to him, What sign do you show us for doing these things? 19 Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 The Jews then said, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days? 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IS IN MAN 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 35

36 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 John 2:13-17 What did Jesus find in the temple? JOHN 2:13-25 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] How did Jesus respond? What was the reason for his harsh response? 36 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

37 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Given that our bodies are to be considered the temple of God (1 Cor 6:19), what are some areas of my life that need this kind of cleansing by Jesus? What are the values of a house of trade? I.e., what are the values of the marketplace, and why do these values not belong in the house of God? What are some ways that people can turn the church into a house of trade? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 37

38 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 JOHN 2:13-25 JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade. 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for your house will consume me. 18 So the Jews said to him, What sign do you show us for doing these things? 19 Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 The Jews then said, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days? 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IS IN MAN 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. 38 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

39 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 John 2:17-22 How did the disciples respond to what Jesus did in the temple? JOHN 2:13-25 How did the Jews respond? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What was the reason for their differing responses? What lesson does this have for me? When Jesus said destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up, he was speaking about the temple of his body. Consider the sacrifice that occurred in the temple and its role as the place of meeting with God. How did Jesus once and for all fulfill the true purpose of the temple? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 39

40 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 What helped the disciples to believe the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken? What can I learn about how belief in God s word happens? John 2:22-24 What s the danger of believing based on signs? Why does it follow that Jesus did not entrust himself to those who believed in his name based on the signs he was doing? 40 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

41 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 3 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 3 v. 1 Nicodemus is introduced as a man of the upper class, conservative in his beliefs, and definitely interested in Jesus' teaching. As a Pharisee he belonged to the strict religious sect of Judaism in contrast to the Sadducees, who were less rigid in their beliefs and were more politically minded. As a member of the ruling council or Sanhedrin, he was sensitive to the prevailing doctrinal trends of the time. His interest in Jesus had been prompted by the miracles he had witnessed, and he came for an interview to obtain more information. His approach shows that he was cautious, open-minded, and ready to receive a new revelation from God if he was sure of its genuineness. 14 v. 3 Jesus' reply was cryptic and abrupt. He informed Nicodemus that no man could even see the kingdom of God without a spiritual rebirth. Birth is our mode of entrance into the world and brings with it the potential equipment for adjustment to the world. To be born again, or born from above, means a transformation of a person so that he is able to enter another world and adapt to its conditions. Anothen, which NIV and many others translate as again, in the Johannine writings normally means from above, and it should be rendered thus here. To belong to the heavenly kingdom, one must be born into it. 15 vv. 3-6 This discussion of the need for spiritual rebirth further develops the earlier reference to the children of God who are born of God (1:12 13; cf. 8:39 58; 11:51 52). The phrase born of water and the Spirit in 3:5 refers to spiritual birth, which cleanses from sin and brings spiritual transformation and renewal. Water here does not refer to the water of physical birth, nor is it likely that it refers to baptism. The background is probably Ezek. 36:25 27, where God promises, I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean.... And I will give you a new heart.... And I will put my Spirit within you. 16 vv. 7-8 Nicodemus was driven back on another defense. In effect he said: This rebirth about which you talk may be possible; but I can t understand how it works. The answer of Jesus depends for its point on the fact that the Greek word for spirit, pneuma, has two meanings. It is the word for spirit, but it is also the regular word for wind. The same is true of the Hebrew word ruach; it too means both spirit and wind. So Jesus said to Nicodemus: You can hear and see and feel the wind (pneuma); but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going to. You may not understand how and why the wind blows; but you can see what it does. You may not understand where a gale came from or where it is going to, but you can see the trail of flattened fields and uprooted trees that it leaves behind it. There are many things about the wind you may not understand; but its effect is plain for all to see. He went on, the Spirit (pneuma) is exactly the same. You may not know how the Spirit works; but you can see the effect of the Spirit in human lives. 17 v. 14 The reference to the Son of Man being lifted up is the first of three lifted up sayings in John's Gospel (cf. 8:28; 12:32). All three sayings speak of the future lifting up of the Son of Man in a typical Johannine double meaning (see notes on 4:10; 8:24; 14 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 41

42 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 3 COMMENTARY 11:50 51; 19:19; cf. also 3:7 8), so that it refers to both Jesus' death and his resurrection and exaltation to glory in heaven (cf. Acts 2:33; 5:31). v. 16 Here is the most famous summary of the gospel in the entire Bible. For connects to v. 15 and explains what happened to make it possible that someone can have eternal life (v. 15), that is, through believing in Christ. God so loved the world was an astounding statement in that context because the OT and other Jewish writings had spoken only of God's love for his people Israel. God's love for the world made it possible for whoever (v. 15) believes in Christ, not Jews alone, to have eternal life. God's love for the world was not mere sentiment but led to a specific action: he gave his only Son, which John elsewhere explains as sending him to earth as a man (v. 17) to suffer and die and thereby to bear the penalty for sins (see note on 1 John 2:2; cf. Rom. 3:25). On only Son, see note on John 1:14, which contains the same Greek phrase. The purpose of giving his Son was to make God's great gift of eternal life available to anyone to whoever believes in him, that is, whoever personally trusts in him (see note on 11:25). Not perish means not perish in eternal judgment, in contrast to having eternal life, the life of abundant joy and immeasurable blessing in the presence of God forever. Those who believe in Christ have that eternal life and already experience its blessings in this present time, not yet fully, but in some significant measure. 18 v. 17 send his Son. John's favorite designation of Jesus is that of the Son sent by the Father (see also vv ; 5:19 26; 6:40; 8:35 36; 14:13; 17:1). There was a familiar concept in Jewish life that the messenger is like the sender himself (Mishnah, Berakoth 5.5; cf. John 13:16, 20). Jesus is that Sent One par excellence (cf. 9:7), and in 20:21 22 he in turn sends his disciples (see note there). Being sent (in the case of both Jesus and his followers) implies that the commission, charge, and message are issued by the sender rather than originating with the one who is sent. This verse refers to Christ's first coming. He will return to judge the world at his second coming (5:27 29). 19 v. 18 Those who do not believe and trust in Christ have neither a positive nor a neutral standing before God. They stand condemned already before God for their sins because they have not trusted God's solution for guilt, the only Son of God. This verse also refutes the assertion that a sincere person following any religion can have eternal life with God (cf. 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 10:13 17; 1 Tim. 2:5 6; regarding OT believers who looked forward to Christ, see John 8:56; Rom. 4:1 24; Heb. 11:13, 26). 20 v. 29 John used a very vivid picture which every Jew would recognize, for it was part of the heritage of Jewish thought. He called Jesus the bridegroom and himself the friend of the bridegroom. One of the great pictures of the Old Testament is of Israel as the bride of God and God as the bridegroom of Israel. The union between God and Israel was so close that it could be likened only to a wedding. When Israel went after strange gods it was as if she were guilty of infidelity to the marriage bond. The New Testament took this picture over and spoke of the church as the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:22 32). It was this picture that was in John s 18 ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) ESV Study Bible, Notes for Galatians (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

43 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 3 COMMENTARY mind. Jesus had come from God; he was the Son of God, Israel was his rightful bride and he was Israel s bridegroom. But one place John did claim for himself, that of the friend of the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, the shoshben, had a unique place at a Jewish wedding. [ ] And he had one special duty. It was his duty to guard the bridal chamber and to let no false lover in. [ ] He did not grudge the bridegroom the bride. He knew that his only task had been to bring bride and bridegroom together. And when that task was done he willingly and gladly faded out of the centre of the picture. John s task had been to bring Israel and Jesus together; to arrange the marriage between Christ the bridegroom and Israel the bride. That task completed he was happy to fade into obscurity for his work was done. It was not with envy that he said that Jesus must increase and he must decrease; it was with joy. It may be that sometimes we would do well to remember that it is not to ourselves we must try to attach people; it is to Jesus Christ. It is not for ourselves we seek the loyalty of men; it is for him William Barclay, The Gospel of John, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 43

44 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came JOHN 3:1-15 to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered him, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus said to him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered him, Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 44 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

45 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 John 3:1-2 What is the significance of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night? JOHN 3:1-15 What did Nicodemus have to overcome in order to come to Jesus? What does this reveal about him, and why is this kind of person rare? Jesus called Nicodemus, the teacher of Israel, in v. 10. What is the implication of Nicodemus calling Jesus a teacher come from God? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 45

46 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 John 3:3-7 Why is it that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God? Why is being born again an apt metaphor for becoming a Christian? What kind of people would welcome the invitation to be born again? What kind of people would not? 46 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

47 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 What is behind Nicodemus response in v. 4 and the response of many to the invitation to be born again? John 3:8 How is the metaphor of the wind accurate in describing how the Spirit moves and works? How have I experienced this kind of working of the Spirit in my life and in others lives? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 47

48 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came JOHN 3:1-15 to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered him, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus said to him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered him, Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 48 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

49 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 JOHN 3:1-15 John 3:9-13 Nicodemus was a Pharisee a religious sect that held to the highest standards of obedience to the law and whose members regarded themselves as the spiritually elite by virtue of their spiritual achievements. How must Nicodemus have felt upon hearing that he must put aside all his past religious accomplishments and start over (be born again )? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Why did he have trouble understanding this? How does v. 13 address the Pharisees approach to ascending to heaven? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 49

50 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Are there ways in which I share the Pharisees view of attaining some status before God through religious accomplishments? John 3:14-15 When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God sent a plague of snakes to punish the people for their rebellious attitudes. Those doomed to die from the snakebite could be healed by obeying God s command to look up a the elevated bronze snake and by believing that God would heal them if they did (see Numbers 21:8,9). Similarly, our salvation happens when we look up to Jesus, believing he will save us. God has provided this way for us to be healed of sin s deadly bite. 22 How is the plague of snakes parallel to the human predicament? 22 Life Application Study Bible, study notes (co-published by Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1991) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

51 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 The meaning of lifted up is illuminated by a specific reference to the cross in the gospel of John. John 12:23-24, 27-28, (ESV) 23 And Jesus answered them, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. [ ] 27 Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name. [ ] 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. How is Jesus being lifted up the only solution for sin? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 51

52 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should JOHN 3:16-21 not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. 52 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

53 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 JOHN 3:16-21 John 3:16 Meditate on the impact that this verse should have on a person s life. What impact has it had on my life? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What is God s greatest act of love towards me according to this verse? How does this compare with my view of love? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 53

54 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 John 3:17-19 What is the state of those who do not believe? What is tragic about those who refuse the light? John 3:19-21 According to vv , what is the main difference between those who believe and those who do not, in terms of their relationship with the light? 54 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

55 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Is there some way in which I avoid the light because of some deeds I do not want to give up or deal with? What has been my relationship with the light? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 55

56 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 JOHN THE BAPTIST EXALTS CHRIST 22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with JOHN 3:22-36 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. 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. 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. 56 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

57 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 JOHN 3:22-36 John 3:22-31 Contrast the response of John the Baptist to Jesus ministry with the response of his disciples. What might have been the reason for such a discrepancy in their responses? How do my own motives affect the way I respond to God s work taking place around me? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] How is v. 30 contrary to the value system of this world? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 57

58 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Reflect on v. 30 as the basic posture of all disciples of Jesus. Are there ways in which I have sought to increase, and in the process decreased Jesus? In what ways can I live out this verse in my life? John 3:28-30 What is John s view of his position in Jesus ministry and how does he feel about his own role? How does this relate to his joy? 58 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

59 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 John 3:32-36 What happens to those who reject Jesus? How does v. 36 affect my view of those who do not believe in the Son? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 59

60 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 4 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 4 v. 4 The shortest route from Jerusalem to Galilee lay on the high road straight through Samaritan territory. Many Jews would not travel by that road, for they regarded any contact with Samaritans as defiling. Immediately after the fall of the northern kingdom in 722 B.C., the Assyrians had deported the Israelites from their land and had resettled it with captives from other countries. These60 had brought with them their own gods, whose worship they had combined with remnants of the worship of Jehovah and Baal in a mongrel type of religion. When the descendants of the southern captivity returned from Babylon in 539 B.C. to renew their worship under the Law, they found a complete rift between themselves and the inhabitants of Samaria, both religiously and politically. In the time of Nehemiah, the Samaritans opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh 4:1-2); and later, in Maccabean times, they accepted the Hellenization of their religion when they dedicated their temple on Mount Gerizim to Zeus Xenios. By the time of Jesus a strong rivalry and hatred prevailed. 23 v. 6 The well of Jacob lies at the foot of Mount Gerizim, the center of Samaritan worship. It is one of the historic sites in Palestine that we are reasonably certain of. The sixth hour would probably have been about noon, reckoning from daybreak. It was an unusual time for women to come to a village well for water. Perhaps the Samaritan woman had a sudden need, or perhaps she did not care to meet the other women of the community. In consideration of her general character, the other women may have shunned her. 24 v. 9 To a Jew this was an amazing story. Here was the Son of God, tired and weary and thirsty. Here was the holiest of men, listening with understanding to a sorry story. Here was Jesus breaking through the barriers of nationality and orthodox Jewish custom. Here is the beginning of the universality of the gospel; here is God so loving the world, not in theory, but in action. 25 v. 11 It was living water of which Jesus spoke. In ordinary language to the Jew living water was running water. It was the water of the running stream in contradistinction to the water of the stagnant cistern or pool. This well, as we have seen, was not a springing well, but a well into which the water percolated from the subsoil. To the Jew, running, living water from the stream was always better. So the woman is saying: You are offering me pure stream water. Where are you going to get it? She goes on to speak of our father Jacob. The Jews would, of course, have strenuously denied that Jacob was the father of the Samaritans, but it was part of the Samaritan claim that they were descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob, by way of Ephraim and Manasseh. The woman is in effect saying to Jesus: This is blasphemous talk. Jacob, our great ancestor, when he came here, had to dig this well to gain water for his family and his cattle. Are you claiming to be able to get fresh, running stream water? If you are, you are claiming to be wiser and more powerful than Jacob. That is a claim that no one has any right to make. 26 vv Jesus went on to make a still more startling statement that he could give 23 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 4:10). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 26 The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 4:16). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 60 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

61 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 4 COMMENTARY her living water which would banish her thirst for ever. The point is that again the woman took this literally; but in point of fact it was nothing less than a Messianic claim. In the prophetic vision of the age to come, the age of God, the promise was: They shall not hunger or thirst (Isaiah 49:10). It was with God and none other that the living fountain of the all-quenching water existed. 27 vv Suddenly and stabbingly Jesus brought her to her senses. The time for verbal by-play was past; the time for jesting was over. Go, said Jesus, and fetch your husband and come back with him. The woman stiffened as if a sudden pain had caught her; she recoiled as if hit by a sudden shock; she grew white as one who had seen a sudden apparition; and so indeed she had, for she had suddenly caught sight of herself. She was suddenly compelled to face herself and the looseness and immorality and total inadequacy of her life. There are two revelations in Christianity: the revelation of God and the revelation of ourselves. No man ever really sees himself until he sees himself in the presence of Christ; and then he is appalled at the sight. There is another way of putting it Christianity begins with a sense of sin. It begins with the sudden realization that life as we are living it will not do. We awake to ourselves and we awake to our need of God. 28 vv Jesus pointed to the true worship. God, he said, is spirit. Immediately a man grasps that, a new flood-light breaks over him. If God is spirit, God is not confined to things; and therefore idol worship is not only an irrelevancy, it is an insult to the very nature of God. If God is spirit, God is not confined to places; and therefore to limit the worship of God to Jerusalem or to any other spot is to set a limit to that which by its nature overpasses all limits. If God is spirit, a man s gifts to God must be gifts of the spirit. Animal sacrifices and all man-made things become inadequate. The only gifts that befit the nature of God are the gifts of the spirit love, loyalty, obedience, devotion. 29 v. 26 This is the one occasion when Jesus voluntarily declared his messiahship. The synoptic Gospels show that normally he did not make such a public claim; on the contrary, he urged his disciples to say nothing about it (Matt 16:20; Mark 8:29-30; Luke 9:20-21). In Galilee, where there were many would-be Messiahs and a constant unrest based on the messianic hope, such a claim would have been dangerous. In Samaria the concept would probably have been regarded more as religious than political and would have elicited a ready hearing for his teaching rather than a subversive revolt. 30 vv There could be no more improbable scene in the world than an important court official hastening twenty miles to beg a favour from a village carpenter. First and foremost, this courtier swallowed his pride. He was in need, and neither convention nor custom stopped him from bringing his need to Christ. His action would cause a sensation but he did not care what people said so long as he obtained the help he so much wanted. If we want the help which Christ can give we must be humble enough to swallow our pride and not care what any man may say. 27 The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 4:16). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 28 The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 4:21). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 29 The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 4:27). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 30 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter 4. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 61

62 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 4 COMMENTARY [ ] Here was a courtier who had faith. It must have been hard for him to turn away and go home with Jesus assurance that his little lad would live. [ ] Yet he had faith enough to turn and walk back that twenty mile road with nothing but Jesus assurance to comfort his heart The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 5:1). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 62 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

63 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA 1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing JOHN 4:1-18 more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, Give me a drink. 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water. 11 The woman said to him, Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock. 13 Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. 15 The woman said to him, Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water. 16 Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband, and come here. 17 The woman answered him, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You are right in saying, I have no husband ; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 63

64 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 JOHN 4:1-18 John 4:1-10 What obstacles did Jesus have to overcome in order to initiate the conversation with the Samaritan woman? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] How were Jesus approach and attitude different from what the woman must have expected? What can I learn about the woman from her caustic response to Jesus request for a drink? 64 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

65 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 What can I learn about Jesus heart for the woman from v. 10? Place yourself into this story. What aspects of your own testimony can be framed by this story? John 4:13-15 The word water takes on deeper meaning in this conversation. What was the water in this woman s life that she sought after, which continued to make her thirsty (cf. 4:18)? What is the water that I have sought after in my life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 65

66 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 What does it take for people to get to a point where they are ready to say give me this water so that I will not be thirsty any more? How have I experienced the spring of water welling up to eternal life in the person of Jesus? 66 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

67 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband, and come here. 17 The woman answered him, I JOHN 4:16-26 have no husband. Jesus said to her, You are right in saying, I have no husband ; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true. 19 The woman said to him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship. 21 Jesus said to her, Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 25 The woman said to him, I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am he. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 67

68 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 JOHN 4:16-26 John 4:16-18 How would the woman have felt upon hearing Jesus telling her to bring her husband? What must people face in order to relate with God? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What would have led this woman to go for five husbands and then live with a sixth man to whom she was not married? What are some failed life strategies that people keep repeating? Why do they do this? 68 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

69 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 What is amazing about the woman s response to Jesus telling her to bring her husband? John 4:19-26 Why would this woman turn the conversation to the topic of worship? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 69

70 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 What misconception about worship did Jesus clarify for the Samaritan woman? What are the ways in which modern people try to localize and confine God to limited spheres? What does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth? What is the truth that I need to acknowledge? 70 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

71 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 What is the relationship between the woman s thirst, worship, and her longing for the Messiah? What can I learn about God s heart from the fact that Jesus revealed his identity to this woman? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 71

72 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, What do you seek? or, Why are you talking with her? 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ? 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him. JOHN 4: Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, Rabbi, eat. 32 But he said to them, I have food to eat that you do not know about. 33 So the disciples said to one another, Has anyone brought him something to eat? 34 Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, There are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, One sows and another reaps. 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor. 72 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

73 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 JOHN 4:27-38 John 4:28-30 What is the significance of this woman leaving her water jar and going into the town to invite people to come to see Jesus? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Considering the likelihood that the woman went to the well at this uncommon hour in order to avoid people, what is surprising about how she is relating to the townspeople now? What are the fears and shame that she has been freed from? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 73

74 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Reflect on the woman s testimony to the townspeople in v. 29. Can I say a similar thing to people who do not know Jesus? John 4:31-35 What was Jesus food? What will it mean for me to share this sentiment? What is the harvest and fruit for eternal life that Jesus tells his disciples to open their eyes and see? 74 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

75 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, He told JOHN 4:39-54 me all that I ever did. 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world. 43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. JESUS HEALS AN OFFICIAL'S SON 46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe. 49 The official said to him, Sir, come down before my child dies. 50 Jesus said to him, Go; your son will live. The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, Your son will live. And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 75

76 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 JOHN 4:39-54 John 4:39-42 What is the significance of the woman s testimony boiling down to He told me all that I ever did? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] How did the Samaritans come to believe in Jesus? What lessons can I learn about the role of the word of God? John 4:43-48 Contrast the royal official and the Galileans basis for relating with Jesus with the Samaritans basis for believing in Jesus described in vv JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

77 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 What is the basis for my response to Jesus? John 4:46-53 What did the royal official think was required in order for his son to be healed? In what ways do people similarly have pre-conceived notions on how God should work? What is surprising about the royal official s response to Jesus reply in v. 50? When was the last time I believed the word that Jesus spoke to me and put my feet into obedient action? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 77

78 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Why does the royal official ask about the time when his son began to get better if he already believed the word? What were the steps between being told to go, and the point when he himself believed, and all his household? What can I learn about how faith grows? What practical steps do I need to take to develop my faith in light of this passage? 78 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

79 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 5 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 5 v. 2 There have been excavations of a double pool in the north-east quarter of the city which is thought to be the pool described here as being near the Sheep Gate. There are variations of the name, but Bethesda is the best attested. The most important detail is the number of the five colonnades, whose existence archaeology has confirmed. 32 v. 6 Jesus began by asking the man if he wanted to be cured. It was not so foolish a question as it may sound. The man had waited for thirty-eight years and it might well have been that hope had died and left behind a passive and dull despair. In his heart of hearts the man might be well content to remain an invalid for, if he was cured, he would have to shoulder all the burden of making a living. [ ] The first essential towards receiving the power of Jesus is to have intense desire for it. Jesus says: Do you really want to be changed? If in our inmost hearts we are well content to stay as we are, there can be no change for us. 33 v. 14 Do the words of Jesus suggest that the man s illness was the result of a specific sin? Even if the answer is Yes, this would not imply that all physical illness has a specific moral cause. However, it may be that Jesus was warning about a moral lameness which would be worse than the physical lameness from which the man had just been delivered. 34 vv The scribes and Pharisees desired the praise of men. They dressed in such a way that everyone would recognize them. They prayed in such a way that everyone would see. They loved the front seats in the Synagogue. They loved the deferential greetings of men on the street. And just because of that they could not hear the voice of God. Why? So long as a man measures himself against his fellow men he will be well content. But the point is not: Am I as good as my neighbour? The point is: Am I as good as God? What do I look like to him? So long as we judge ourselves by human comparisons there is plenty of room for self-satisfaction, and that kills faith, for faith is born of the sense of need. But when we compare ourselves with Jesus Christ, we are humbled to the dust, and then faith is born, for there is nothing left to do but trust to the mercy of God Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition (4th ed.) (Jn 5:1). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press. 33 The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 5:10). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. 34 Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition (4th ed.) (Jn 5:1). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press. 35 The Gospel of John : Volume , c1975 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Jn 6:1). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 79

80 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 THE HEALING AT THE POOL ON THE SABBATH 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five JOHN 5:1-9 roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, Do you want to be healed? 7 The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me. 8 Jesus said to him, Get up, take up your bed, and walk. 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. 80 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

81 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 JOHN 5:1-9 John 5:2-4 What would have been the relationships among the multitude of invalids that lay there, each believing that the first one into the pool would be healed? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What aspects of today s world are captured by this picture? What are the mythical pools that people believe will heal them and make them happy if they are the first one in? How has my desire to be the first one in turned people around me into competitors? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 81

82 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 John 5:5-8 Cure has its implications, particularly when the need is so long-standing that a whole way of life has been built up around it. Jesus question needs to be faced by all who would be delivered. 36 Why does Jesus ask this seemingly odd question, Do you want to be healed? to this man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years and would obviously want to be healed? Are there broken aspects of my life from which I am reluctant to be healed? 36 Bruce Milne, The Message of John, The Bible Speaks Today Series (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity, 1993), p JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

83 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 What two groups of people does the invalid blame for his condition? Are there people I blame (or I have blamed) for issues in my life? What might be the relationship between blaming others and true healing? What is my response to Jesus question: Do you want to be healed? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 83

84 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. JOHN 5:9-18 Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed. 11 But he answered them, The man who healed me, that man said to me, Take up your bed, and walk. 12 They asked him, Who is the man who said to you, Take up your bed and walk? 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you. 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father is working until now, and I am working. JESUS IS EQUAL WITH GOD 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 84 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

85 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 JOHN 5:9-18 John 5:9-16 What does the paralytic say when the Pharisees cite him for violation of Sabbath? How does his response resemble his response to Jesus when he asks Do you want to be healed? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What can I conclude about this man who did not know who it was that healed him? What does the paralytic do when he finds out that it was Jesus who healed him? What does this lead to for Jesus? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 85

86 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 What do the paralytic s words and actions after he is say about the limitation of physical healing? John 5:16-18 The Jews were angry because of Jesus' violation of the Sabbath, but they were furious when he was so presumptuous as to claim equality with the Father. 37 Why were the Jews... seeking all the more to kill [Jesus]? What was the truth about Jesus? 37 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for John 5: JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

87 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 The Jews dismissed the claims of Jesus even in the face of the remarkable healing. What are some prejudices that prevent people from considering the claims of Jesus today? How does the fact that God is working until now encourage me to serve God? How does this encourage me in my personal struggles today? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 87

88 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 THE AUTHORITY OF THE SON 19 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works JOHN 5:19-29 than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. 88 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

89 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 John 5:19-23 What claims does Jesus make about who he is in this passage? JOHN 5:19-29 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Reflect on the fact that Jesus does what the Father does. How do Jesus encounters with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the paralytic, etc., answer the question of what God is like? John 5:24-26 What is the default human condition presumed by these verses? What would characterize someone who has passed from death to life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 89

90 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Think about how the Samaritan woman started to live when she heard the voice of the Son of God (v. 17). How have I experienced the word of God to reviving my soul in a similar way? John 5:19-29 What words highlight the urgency in this passage? What is the only relevant thing on the day of judgment? What is my response to the awesome authority of Jesus? 90 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

91 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 WITNESSES TO JESUS 30 I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not JOHN 5:30-47 my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 91

92 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 JOHN 5:30-47 John 5:30 Reflect on the statement of Jesus about his life: I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. To what extent can it be said of me that I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 5:33-35 Why did Jesus mention John s testimony? What does this reveal about Jesus heart towards those who persecuted and even wanted to kill him (cf. 5:16-18)? 92 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

93 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 John 5:39-40 How was it possible for people to diligently search the Scripture... yet... refuse to come to [Jesus] that [they] may have life? In what ways does this capture the approach of religious people today? What warning does this provide for me? John 5:41-44 What was Jesus diagnosis regarding the reason for their unbelief? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 93

94 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 What is the relationship between not hav[ing] the love of God within you and receiv[ing] glory from one another? Are there ways in which I am more focused on human praise than on pleasing God? How can I guard my heart against this? 94 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

95 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 6 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 6 Background [ ] we must also keep in mind that this is a poor society. Galilee was a peasant agrarian society, where farmers were taxed heavily and frequently lost their land to a wealthier elite, who ruled either through the Herodian dynasty or who collected tax revenue for Rome. Jesus interest in these people and his sympathy for their needs inspired widespread support for his message. 38 vv The feeding miracle can be viewed as a commonplace act of compassion by Jesus and indeed it was. The crowds are hungry, they need food, and as we have seen in other times, Jesus responds to people s needs. 39 v. 9 This boy is carrying five barley loaves and two salted fish. Only John mentions that the bread is barley, which is a signal of the poverty of this crowd. Barley was considered the bread of the poor and this lad has five pieces of it much like five round loaves of today s pita bread. Luke 11:5 implies that three such pieces might make a meal for one person. 40 vv The crowd fits Jesus into their religious categories ( This is the prophet! ) and decide that they can control, promote, and fashion something religiously constructive out of this event. They want Jesus for their own ends; they want to pursue a political agenda (revolution? social upheaval? dissent?), and Jesus must flee. 41 v. 14 The crowd interprets Jesus miracle as messianic. He has just recreated the miracle of Moses! To identify him as the Prophet who is to come into the world is no doubt a reference to Deuteronomy 18:15 19, which prophesies that a prophet like Moses will some day return. 42 v. 14 The crowd interprets Jesus miracle as messianic. He has just recreated the miracle of Moses! To identify him as the Prophet who is to come into the world is no doubt a reference to Deuteronomy 18:15 19, which prophesies that a prophet like Moses will some day return. 43 v. 20 When Jesus arrives at the boat, he identifies himself with a term that was sure to evoke further images of the Exodus story: It is I (Gk. ego eimi) [ ] This may be a mere form of self-identification. But it may imply more. The verb to be (eimi) [ ] reflects God s divine name given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex. 3:14). Even Jesus call not to fear echoes Moses response on the mountain when he learned God s name and saw the burning bush: At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God (Ex. 3:6). Jesus approaches and even though he is now providing an awesome and overwhelming presentation of his powers, they need not fear. 44 vv The determinism of these verses is sometimes softened by 6:37b: 38 Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 95

96 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN- JOHN 6 COMMENTARY Whoever comes to me I will never drive away. But it is a mistake to view this as a promise that points to Jesus reception of anyone who comes to him confessing belief. The verb here is cast out (Gk. ekballo), and it refers regularly to something that is already in. Therefore the idea is not about Jesus welcoming people, but about Jesus keeping people whom the Father has given into his care. John 6:37b is about the protecting, nurturing capacity of Jesus. This interpretation is confirmed by 6:38: Jesus will not lose a single one of those who have come to him. 45 vv John affirms with ease both God s sovereign control and the responsibility of individuals. Note the balance found in 6:40: The Father s will is that everyone will look upon the Son, believe, and have life eternal. But the stress here is that God s will cannot be frustrated despite the darkness of the world, which cannot defeat him (1:5). Above all, those who have come into Jesus and believe will never be lost. 46 VV The first two thoughts of 6:51 repeat what we have already seen: Jesus is the living bread that came down, referring to his incarnation, and one must eat this bread, referring to the decisive moment when one believes. But it is in the third sentence of the verse where Jesus makes a pivotal statement, This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. When Jesus refers to his flesh (Gk. sarx), we are at once reminded of 1:14, where sarx was used to describe the comprehensive life of the Son. 47 Certainly as Jesus speaks these words, their graphic and shocking character stun the audience. Regardless of their theological meaning, they are graphic, compelling, and confusing. This eating and drinking give eternal life and form the basis of the interior, intimate experience one may have with Christ (6:56). Nothing in Old Testament history compares, not even the experience with Moses and manna (6:59). Other religious bread does not address mortality; only this bread, this flesh and blood, this sacrifice, can give eternal life. 48 vv This difficult teaching sifts Jesus followers: Some of them fall away and refuse to follow him any longer (6:66) while one other disciple likely finds in this a catalyst for his own personal rebellion and betrayal (6:70 71). 49 v. 62 The Son of Man will be lifted up to the cross, and the Son of Man will be lifted up into heaven. For John, Jesus movement toward the cross is also his movement heavenward, returning to the glory he enjoyed from the beginning. This full glorification is thus the complete picture of Jesus death (cross, resurrection, ascension) that the disciples must now understand. Not only will he die, but he will return to heaven. It is through this complete work of Christ that life can be given to the world. 50 vv For Peter this difficult exchange provides an opportunity to give a 45 Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

97 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 6 COMMENTARY courageous confession: Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. [ This] is a potent and unusual title one used throughout the Old Testament (thirty times in Isaiah) for God ( the Holy One of Israel ), who defends his people and redeems them Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 204. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 97

98 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND 1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, JOHN 6:1-15 the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? 10 Jesus said, Have the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost. 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world! 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 98 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

99 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 JOHN 6:1-15 John 6:1-13 What can I learn about Jesus from the fact that he was concerned about feeding the crowd? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Contrast the responses of Philip and Andrew. What was the difference? What do I do when my resources seem inadequate for the task that God sets before me? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 99

100 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 Have I experienced this kind of multiplying effect in my life? How do Philip-like calculations prevent my life from being used in this way? What was problematic with Philip s calculation? What would have happened if the five barley loaves and two fish stayed in the boy s hands? Are there resources in my life that I am reluctant to bring before God? 100 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

101 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world! 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. JOHN 6:14-21 JESUS WALKS ON WATER 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, It is I; do not be afraid. 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 101

102 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 JOHN 6:14-21 John 6:14-15 Why did the crowd want to make Jesus king? What does this reveal about their thinking? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 6:16-21 What was the disciples' first reaction to Jesus approaching them on the water? 102 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

103 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 Reflect on Jesus words to his frightened disciples: It is I; do not be afraid. What lessons about fearful situations can I learn from this? What are the fears in my life into which I need to invite the presence of Jesus? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 103

104 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE 22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been JOHN 6:22-40 only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, Rabbi, when did you come here? 26 Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. 28 Then they said to him, What must we do, to be doing the works of God? 29 Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. 30 So they said to him, Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Jesus then said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 34 They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always. 35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 104 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

105 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 JOHN 6:22-40 John 6:22-40 The crowd had just seen the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, but they wanted more not just one day s supply of bread, but a guarantee of continuous supply. 52 According to v.26, what was the crowd s reason for seeking Jesus? Note how the crowd s obsession with bread plays out in this conversation (vv , 34). [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] In what ways am I satisfied with the benefits of following Jesus rather than being interested in the person of Jesus? 52[1] Bruce B. Batron, et. Al. Life Application New Testament Commentary, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2001). Pg. 399 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 105

106 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 Note that several times Jesus tries to elevate the conversation beyond food that perishes. What words from the text capture the topics that are more urgent for Jesus? Why does the crowd continue to miss it? Are there some ways in which my practical concern for bread money, security, etc. makes me deaf to the absolute issues of food that endures to eternal life? 106 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

107 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, I am the bread that came down from JOHN 6:41-70 heaven. 42 They said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, I have come down from heaven? 43 Jesus answered them, Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, This is a hard saying; who can listen to it? 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe. (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father. 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, Do you want to go away as well? 68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God. 70 Jesus answered them, Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil. 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 107

108 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 JOHN 6:41-70 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 6:35-62 The last reaction of Jesus' opponents was prompted by the apparent impossibility of his statement. They took literally the figure of eating his flesh. Nicodemus could not comprehend the new birth; so, too, now the Jews considered the Lord's words to be utter nonsense. It hardly seems possible that they misunderstood what he said, for they responded, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 They insist on understanding everything from the physical perspective. They are unteachable because they think they know Jesus based on the bit of information they know about him, i.e. they know where he s from, who his parents are. They have partial knowledge of Jesus and mistake it for full knowledge. Why did the Jews begin to grumble? What information did they know about Jesus (v. 42) that prevented them from accepting what Jesus claimed about himself? What do I do when I am faced with teachings that are difficult to grasp/accept? 53 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

109 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 Think about the crowd s grumbling, their refusal to accept that Jesus came from heaven, and their continued bewilderment at his metaphor of heavenly bread. Is it likely that this really was an issue of misunderstanding, i.e. taking Jesus words literally? Is there a lesson here about how attitude affects comprehension? Have I ever resisted comprehension because I wanted to remain confused, and, if so, what were the mechanisms involved? How has my attitude helped or prevented me from comprehending areas of spiritual truths? Which truths have I wanted to avoid confronting? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 109

110 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 John 6:60-69 For what reason did many of the disciples leave Jesus? What does this reveal about their initial motives to follow Jesus? Is there something that I fundamentally desire more than spirit and life the hidden real issue which, if unattained, can quickly quench the desire to follow Jesus? What is the most basic difference between Peter and those who left? Do I agree fundamentally with the logic and values behind Peter s answer? 110 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

111 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 7 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 7 Background [...] this is Jesus last visit to Jerusalem; in the coming spring he will be crucified. Jesus never returns to Galilee following chapter 7. Much like the Synoptic story line (see Mark 9:30 33), Jesus moves from Galilee to enter Judea, only to face the threat of death. John 7 sets the same stage. Arrest and death are constant themes as he approaches and enters Jerusalem. 54 [The Feast of] Tabernacles was the third of three pilgrimage feasts anchored in the agricultural cycle of Judaism. The first was Passover, which recognized the beginning of the grain harvest in spring. Then came Pentecost, seven weeks later, celebrating the end of the grain harvest. The last one was Tabernacles (also called Booths or Ingathering), which celebrated the autumn harvest of tree and vine. Since the crop in autumn had to be protected, Israelite farmers built temporary shelters in the fields (Heb. sukkoth, hut, booth). Theologically this reminded them of the temporary shelters of the desert wandering; thus the feast was set not simply to praise God for the harvest, but to study the desert period and its meaning (Lev. 23; Deut. 16) [ ] The Festival of Tabernacles was observed for seven days and celebrated with numerous sacrifices of bulls, rams, and lambs, building to a climax on Day Seven, when special ceremonies were conducted. 55 vv When Jesus says that he will not go up at the festival, he explains that he cannot because it is not yet his time (7:8). Going up in Greek can mean both pilgrimage to Jerusalem (Mark 10:33; John 12:20) or ascension (John 20:17). For him, going up is symbolic of his hour of betrayal, death, resurrection, and ascension. [ ] Jesus knows that his departure from this world must await the coming Passover in the spring. Jesus brothers, however, take his words at face value. They see things from an earthly perspective and assume that Jesus is simply going to avoid the feast. Jesus intends no deception and attends the feast on his own. 56 vv Educational standards for rabbis were well established in the first century. Advanced study under a rabbinic scholar in a school was common. Jesus possessed no such credentials. The Jewish leaders, in effect, wish to see these, and Jesus complies by saying that his diplomas are divine. God has taught and commissioned him; God has given him the things he teaches. Moreover, Jesus explains that if their lives are in harmony with God, they will recognize the character and source of his teaching. 57 vv The Sabbath law permitted a ceremony of circumcision if a male child became eight days old on the Sabbath. If a boy can be partially healed on the Sabbath in this context, why should not a man be completely healed on the Sabbath? Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater, using circumcision as a precedent. Jesus sees himself not simply liberalizing the law but fulfilling what the law was meant to do: to bring renewal and redemption to God s people Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 224. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 111

112 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL - vv We possess evidence that many Jews expected the Messiah to appear suddenly, mysteriously, since he would be commissioned supernaturally by God. For these Jews, Jesus commonplace appearance at the feast disqualifies him completely. Jesus leaves the confusion unchallenged (7:28 29). If his origin is at issue, he does not deny that he has an identifiable human history or that he is from a place like Nazareth. He may well think that this speculation about the hidden Messiah is unfounded. But Jesus goes on to make his claim more astounding. He has come from God, whom he knows with unparalleled intimacy. This is paramount to a divine claim that breaks with all of the canons of Judaism. A Messiah might be powerfully sent by God, but Jesus is claiming to know God and be something of a personal liaison or confidant a Son! 59 vv The Jewish leadership cynically wonders where Jesus could be going. The only place they will never go is among the Gentiles (the Greeks), so they speculate that Jesus is simply leaving Israel. But Jesus is talking about where they cannot go: heaven. [ ] Up to this point, Jesus has been at work in the world, searching for those who believe. Once he departs, once God s revelation is withdrawn, they will do the searching (7:36), trying to find what they have tragically missed. 60 vv Each day of the feast witnessed a water ceremony in which a procession of priests [ ] a priest filled a golden pitcher as a choir chanted Isaiah 12:3: With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. [ ] Judaism saw this water ceremony on multiple levels. On the one hand, it was a plea to God for rain since the autumn is a time of threatened drought in Israel. On the other hand, it was a source of rich symbolism. In the desert, God brought water from a rock (Num. 20:8, 10), and here water was flowing from the sacrificial rock altar of the temple. Zechariah and Ezekiel had visions of rivers flowing from the temple in a miraculous display of God s blessing (Ezek. 47:1; Zech. 14:8). In a drought-stricken land, it was a spectacular vision of water, life-giving water flowing from God s life-giving temple. On this final day of celebration, Jesus steps into public view and makes his most stunning pronouncement of the feast. As seven water processions are climbing the steep hill of south Jerusalem, he proclaims, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. [ ] Needed rainfall and water ceremonies lead to memories of miraculous desert water, water given from heaven, which concludes with Jesus offering himself as the source of the water of life. 61 vv But Jesus primary opponents are those in political and religious leadership in Jerusalem s high council. Their contempt for the masses is wellestablished in Jewish sources where the peasantry, uneducated in the law, were not considered truly pious since through their ignorance, they could not possibly keep the law. The irony, of course, is that these are the very people who seem to have the 59 Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

113 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 7 COMMENTARY only hunch about Jesus true identity. 62 Conclusion At the beginning of the feast, some say that Jesus is a good man while others call him deceptive; at the middle of the feast, some put their faith in him while others try to seize him; and at the end of the feast, the crowds split into those who are receptive and those who are not, in the same way that the religious leaders experience a parallel division the guards and Nicodemus express interest and respect for Jesus while the Pharisees utter curses (7:49). [ ] Verse 13 says clearly that everyone is afraid of them, a fear that limits the public freedom to speak openly about Jesus. [ ] As it was in Jerusalem, so today audiences will be divided. Some appear open and receptive, others appear cynical and hostile. Moreover, there is also the specter of fear: Just as the earliest crowds around Jesus were alert to the judgments of those in power, so too audiences today assess the risks of publicly identifying with Jesus Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) Gary M. Burge, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) 231. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 113

114 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 JESUS AT THE FEAST OF BOOTHS 1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were JOHN 7:1-24 seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world. 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. 6 Jesus said to them, My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come. 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee. 10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, Where is he? 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, He is a good man, others said, No, he is leading the people astray. 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. 14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied? 16 So Jesus answered them, My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me? 20 The crowd answered, You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you? 21 Jesus answered them, I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. 114 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

115 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 John 7:3-8 What worldview is behind the advice of Jesus brothers? JOHN 7:1-24 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] The word works most often refers to miracles. If his brothers thought Jesus miraculous works should be more widely known, why does it say in v. 5 that they did not believe in Jesus? In contrast to the approach of his brothers, what does Jesus say regarding the nature of his mission in v. 7? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 115

116 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 In response to his brothers advice to show yourself to the world, Jesus says that his time has not yet come. What does the passage below say about when and how Jesus will reveal himself to the world? John 12:23-24, 27-28, (ESV) 23 And Jesus answered them, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. [ ] 27 Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name. [ ] 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. John 7:12-13 Why are people often sharply divided about the identity of Jesus? In what ways today is it true that open discussion of this question is often muted by various fears? 116 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

117 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 John 7:16-19 What relationship between obedience and understanding does v. 17 describe? How have I experienced the truth of God s word by choosing to do God s will? What are the truths of God that I have yet to experience because of my refusal to obey? How does seeking the glory of God lead a person to become a person of truth, while seeking his own glory would lead to falsehood? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 117

118 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 JOHN 7:25-36 CAN THIS BE THE CHRIST? 25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from. 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me. 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done? OFFICERS SENT TO ARREST JESUS 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come. 35 The Jews said to one another, Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, You will seek me and you will not find me, and, Where I am you cannot come? 118 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

119 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 JOHN 7:25-36 John 7:25-30 There was a popular tradition that the Messiah would simply appear. But those who believed this tradition were ignoring the Scriptures that clearly predicted the Messiah s birthplace (Micah 5:2). 64 Why did the people conclude that Jesus could not be the Christ? How does their conclusion reveal their ignorance of Scripture? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Are there popular notions about God or Christian life that people hold onto that contradict Scripture? In what ways do I ignore Scripture and come to my own conclusions about God? 64 Life Application Bible, study notes (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1991) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 119

120 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 John 7:25-36 What is Jesus message regarding where he is from (v. 29) and where he is going (v. 33), and the little longer that they have to discover who he really is? Given this message of urgency, what can we make of the debate and speculation about Jesus in this passage? 120 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

121 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 RIVERS OF LIVING WATER 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, If anyone thirsts, let JOHN 7:37-52 him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. DIVISION AMONG THE PEOPLE 40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, This really is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was? 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. 45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, Why did you not bring him? 46 The officers answered, No one ever spoke like this man! 47 The Pharisees answered them, Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed. 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does? 52 They replied, Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 121

122 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 JOHN 7:37-52 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 7:37-39 On the seventh day, the priest would climb the altar steps and pour the water onto the altar while the crowd circled him and continued to sing. On the seventh day of the festival, this procession took place seven times. Judaism saw this water ceremony on multiple levels... Needed rainfall and water ceremonies lead to memories of miraculous desert water, water given from heaven, which concludes with Jesus offering himself as the source of the water of life. 65 Notice that the invitation is to anyone who is thirsty. In what ways does thirst[y] accurately describe the heart of someone who accurately perceives life? What kinds of people do not thirst? John 7:40-44 Though there was lively discussion about the identity of Jesus, some hitting on exactly the right answer (v. 41), what is ultimately missing in their response? What does this show about the limitation of discussions? 65 Burge, Gary, John, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000) JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

123 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 John 7:45-47 What is remarkable about the guards response, given their station in life, and what they were told to do? Are there ways in which I blindly act out of my assigned role rather than think for myself, discern situations, and decide on a course of action? John 7:47-52 Think about the Pharisees reasons for rejecting Jesus. In their unreasoned prejudice, which groups or individuals do they revile? What does this show about the effects of pride? Is there some way in which my prejudice, pride or stubbornness has hardened me, causing me to revile or demonize others? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 123

124 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 What contradiction does Nicodemus point out? What should this have caused in the other Pharisees? Do I pause and allow myself to repent when my contradictions or pride are pointed out? 124 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

125 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 8 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 8 vv Numerous problems accompany their charge this day in the temple. (1) The law also expected that if a person witnessed another about to commit a sin, compassion required them to speak up. These witnesses stand silently, neglecting their moral obligation to give guidance to the woman. They want to catch her and use her. (2) We must ask if the woman is married or betrothed to another man. A woman who is sexually unfaithful to her fiancé was to be stoned to death along with her lover (John 8:5; cf. Deut. 22:23 24). [ ] In the present passage, the woman therefore must be engaged. But if so, where is her lover? If they were caught in the act, he was caught too. The accusers have permitted him to get away clean. (3) These witnesses bring the woman to Jesus before a crowd and heap public shame on her. They could have kept her to one side and brought her case to Jesus privately. But their approach to the problem indicates that they wish to trap Jesus, and her personal life is incidental (8:6). They have no interest in a trial. They are thinking about a public lynching, and they want Jesus to make a judgment. It is impossible to know what Jesus wrote in the dust (8:6). For some interpreters, Jesus was simply drawing to give himself added time. More likely, however, a detail like this had some importance. Most believe that he began to write in Hebrew some verse from the law that would shape his response to the dilemma. [ ] If his writing seemed to stall things, 8:7 indicates that these men persist to force the question of judgment on him before the crowd. Jesus responds with his oftenquoted statement, If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. This does not mean that this woman s accusers must be sinless or morally perfect in order to bring charges against the woman. In such a case, accusations would be impossible at any time. [ ] But then the accusers must engage in self-examination. The world of antiquity was little different from our own when it came to sexual sins. Women who transgressed social mores could find themselves in legal jeopardy much more quickly than their partners. Jesus may thus be cutting through the double standard in order to force the men to reflect on their own hypocrisy. 66 vv The opponents of Jesus now turn back accusations on him (8:48). If it is true that his opponents are children of the devil, then he must be a Samaritan and demon-possessed. This is a radical dishonoring. (1) Samaritan (see comments on John 4) refers to those people living north of Jerusalem near Shechem, who had compromised the purity of their faith. By Jesus day, the enmity between Jews and Samaritans was intense (Luke 10:29 37). This slur likely had become a curse, much like heretic or unbeliever, so Jesus does not even take the time to refute it. (2) The charge of demon-possession is far more serious (cf. also John 7:20; 8:52; 10:20). Rather than seeing God s work in Jesus, his opponents now point to Satan. Note that this charge appears in the Synoptic Gospels as well, where Jesus considers the glib confusing of God and Satan to be serious and unforgivable (Mark 3:22 27). The climax of the entire chapter arrives at 8:58: I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, before Abraham was born, I am! The seriousness of this statement is confirmed by Jesus preface (lit.): Truly, truly [Gk. amen, amen] I say to you, a phrase Jesus uses some twenty times in the Gospel (see comment on 1:51). This is an absolute claim to preexistence anchored in the absolute I am (Gk. ego eimi) 66 Burge, Gary M. John 7:53 8:11 In The NIV Application Commentary: John. By Gary M. Burge, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Burge, Gary M. John 7:53 8:11 In The NIV Application Commentary: John. By Gary M. Burge, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 125

126 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 8 COMMENTARY language we have already seen in this Gospel (cf. 4:26). I am possesses no predicate (as in I am the bread of life, 6:35) and so stands alone, no doubt echoing the Greek translation of God s divine name given in Exodus 3:14. To exist before the birth of Abraham and yet to stand here today is the boldest claim Jesus has yet made. This reflex that cannot see God in the prophetic voice of Jesus, that rebels and fights and attacks, is the work of Satan (8:45). It is Satan s work among religious people. It is a work that appeared within Judaism and that appears just as often within the Christian church. It is the work of darkness that is commonplace to the human heart. It is work that denies the true authority of the Son and robs him of his credentials to speak (8:13). It is work that puts Jesus before the bar of secular examination, when the examiners are discovered to be philosophers or theologians or historians (8:15). It is work that refuses to admit that his voice is not merely another human voice, but a divine voice sent by God (8:26 27, 40). It is work that distorts the truth, that lies about what it knows to be real, and that defends instead its own religious prerogatives (8:44). Above all, it is a voice that makes a human voice preeminent to the voice of God. 67 vv The opponents of Jesus now turn back accusations on him (8:48). If it is true that his opponents are children of the devil, then he must be a Samaritan and demon-possessed. This is a radical dishonoring. (1) Samaritan (see comments on John 4) refers to those people living north of Jerusalem near Shechem, who had compromised the purity of their faith. By Jesus day, the enmity between Jews and Samaritans was intense (Luke 10:29 37). This slur likely had become a curse, much like heretic or unbeliever, so Jesus does not even take the time to refute it. (2) The charge of demon-possession is far more serious (cf. also John 7:20; 8:52; 10:20). Rather than seeing God s work in Jesus, his opponents now point to Satan. Note that this charge appears in the Synoptic Gospels as well, where Jesus considers the glib confusing of God and Satan to be serious and unforgivable (Mark 3:22 27). The climax of the entire chapter arrives at 8:58: I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, before Abraham was born, I am! The seriousness of this statement is confirmed by Jesus preface (lit.): Truly, truly [Gk. amen, amen] I say to you, a phrase Jesus uses some twenty times in the Gospel (see comment on 1:51). This is an absolute claim to preexistence anchored in the absolute I am (Gk. ego eimi) language we have already seen in this Gospel (cf. 4:26). I am possesses no predicate (as in I am the bread of life, 6:35) and so stands alone, no doubt echoing the Greek translation of God s divine name given in Exodus 3:14. To exist before the birth of Abraham and yet to stand here today is the boldest claim Jesus has yet made. This reflex that cannot see God in the prophetic voice of Jesus, that rebels and fights and attacks, is the work of Satan (8:45). It is Satan s work among religious people. It is a work that appeared within Judaism and that appears just as often within the Christian church. It is the work of darkness that is commonplace to the human heart. It is work that denies the true authority of the Son and robs him of his credentials to speak (8:13). It is work that puts Jesus before the bar of secular examination, when the examiners are discovered to be philosophers or theologians or historians (8:15). It is work that refuses to admit that his voice is not merely another 67 Ibid. 126 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

127 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 8 COMMENTARY human voice, but a divine voice sent by God (8:26 27, 40). It is work that distorts the truth, that lies about what it knows to be real, and that defends instead its own religious prerogatives (8:44). Above all, it is a voice that makes a human voice preeminent to the voice of God Ibid. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 127

128 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 RIVERS OF LIVING WATER 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All JOHN 8:1-11 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. 7 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. 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. 128 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

129 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 JOHN 8:1-11 John 8:3-9 What was it that caused the accusers to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones? What can I learn about the nature of sin from the fact that it was the older ones first that went away? Has the awareness of my own sinfulness grown over the years, or has it lessened? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What lesson about condemning others can I learn from Jesus answer? Is there someone toward whom I have picked up a stone which I need to drop? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 129

130 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 What would have been the accusers view of themselves as they came? What would have been their view as they left? What did they miss? How did the teachers of the law and the Pharisees treat the woman caught in adultery? How did Jesus treat her? What can I learn about Jesus from this? How does this give me courage to come to Jesus with my sins? 130 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

131 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 John 8:10-11 What did the woman caught in adultery deserve? What did she receive from Jesus? How would she have responded to Jesus command, Go now and leave your life of sin. How have I personally experienced the words Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 131

132 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not JOHN 8:12-30 walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 13 So the Pharisees said to him, You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true. 14 Jesus answered, Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me. 19 They said to him therefore, Where is your Father? Jesus answered, You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also. 20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. 21 So he said to them again, I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come. 22 So the Jews said, Will he kill himself, since he says, Where I am going, you cannot come? 23 He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. 25 So they said to him, Who are you? Jesus said to them, Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him. 27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him. 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. 132 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

133 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 JOHN 8:12-30 John 8:12-13 Reflect on Jesus words: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Do I agree with Jesus assessment that this world is in need of light? How has following Jesus led me to a life out of darkness and into the light of life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 133

134 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 If this is indeed who Jesus is, how does this affect how I view my life, and approach my future? John 8:23-28 Reflect on the anguished heart with which Jesus would have spoken v.24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. 134 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

135 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 What about the cross (where Jesus was lifted up ) causes people to know that Jesus indeed is the one that he claimed to be (v. 28)? Is it possible to know who Jesus is apart from the cross? How often do I meditate on Jesus and his death on the cross? John 8:29 What are the reasons for Jesus confidence against all the opposition? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 135

136 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, If you abide in my word, you are truly my JOHN 8:31-47 disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 33 They answered him, We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, You will become free? 34 Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father. YOU ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL 39 They answered him, Abraham is our father. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did. They said to him, We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father even God. 42 Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. 136 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

137 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 JOHN 8:31-47 John 8:31-36 Most people would say, [I] have never been enslaved to anyone. In what ways are people enslaved, and to what? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] To what extent do I agree that since I sin, I am a slave to sin? In what ways has the truth of Jesus teaching set me free from bondage to sin? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 137

138 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 John 8:37, 43-44, 47 Jesus is addressing those who have already decided to kill him. What is the reason for their rejection of Jesus? How does Jesus warning that the issue is not his lack of clarity but their relationship with truth apply today? Have I sometimes found spiritual issues confusing because my desires clouded the truth? John 8:44-46 Consider the sobering statement here about lying. How truthful is my speech? 138 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

139 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM 48 The Jews answered him, Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a JOHN 8:48-59 demon? 49 Jesus answered, I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. 52 The Jews said to him, Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be? 54 Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, He is our God. 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. 57 So the Jews said to him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 139

140 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 John 8:55 In what two ways does Jesus describe his relationship with the Father? JOHN 8:48-59 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What constitutes a relationship with God? Contrast this to the Jews notion of what it meant to belong to God. John 8:48-59 The ongoing verbal battle between Jesus and the Jews throughout this chapter ultimately boils down to the issue of who Jesus is and who they are. What are their differing answers to these two questions? 140 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

141 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 What is the significance of Jesus referring to himself as I Am (cf. Exodus 3:14)? How do the Jews respond upon hearing this claim to deity? What other response could they have had? How do modern people react to the Christian claim of Jesus deity? What may be behind their responses? Where do I stand on this question of Jesus identity? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 141

142 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 9 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 9 vv. 1-7 The man whom Jesus meets at the Feast of Tabernacles has been blind from birth (9:1). This leads his disciples to ask about the origin of his suffering (9:2). They assume there must be a connection between sin and suffering, so they probe who is responsible, the man or his parents. Jesus rejects this entire line of questioning (9:3). The purpose clause of 9:3b ( so that the work of God ) can just as well be applied to 9:4, and no doubt it should. Such clauses (introduced by Gk. hina) may begin the main sentence rather than follow it. Of eleven uses of the Gk. all hina ( but so that, 9:3b) in John, four of them precede their main sentence (1:31; 13:18; 14:31; 15:25). If 9:2 4 follows this pattern, we may translate it as follows: Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus. But so that the work of God might be displayed in his life, we must do the work of him who sent me while it is still day. The purpose clause now explains that Jesus must work so that God s work may be displayed in this man s life. God had not made the man blind in order to show his glory; rather, God has sent Jesus to do works of healing in order to show his glory. 69 vv Each of these scenes probes the identity of Jesus, and each betrays a deeper literary function. As the story progresses, Jesus is more closely revealed by name: He is Jesus (9:10), then he is called a prophet (9:17), then the Christ (9:22), and finally, he is declared to be from God (9:33). It is easy to see the Christological progression of each name as the story develops. While the Pharisees repudiate Jesus and his role, the discussion drives home his true identity. Nevertheless the interrogation ends with the healed man experiencing the very thing his parents feared: He is expelled from the synagogue. 70 vv Each of these scenes probes the identity of Jesus, and each betrays a deeper literary function. As the story progresses, Jesus is more closely revealed by name: He is Jesus (9:10), then he is called a prophet (9:17), then the Christ (9:22), and finally, he is declared to be from God (9:33). It is easy to see the Christological progression of each name as the story develops. While the Pharisees repudiate Jesus and his role, the discussion drives home his true identity. Nevertheless the interrogation ends with the healed man experiencing the very thing his parents feared: He is expelled from the synagogue. 71 vv The story closes with Jesus return visit to the now-healed blind man. He has heard that as a result of the healing this man was expelled from the synagogue community. Jesus similarly found the paralytic in chapter 5 following his healing on the Sabbath (5:14). But while the paralytic s disobedience to Jesus in refusing to remain silent led to Jesus increased persecution, the blind man becomes a model of faith and goodness. The blind man thus becomes a model of every believer who embraces Jesus lordship and suffers persecution as a result (15:18 16:4). It is significant that John s story moves quickly away from the sheer fact of Jesus miracle-working capacity to the identity of the One who heals. The man s faith is not 69 Burge, Gary M. John 9:1 41 In The NIV Application Commentary: John. By Gary M. Burge, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Ibid. 69 Ibid. 142 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

143 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 9 COMMENTARY in the miracle-working ability of Jesus. This is only the springboard. His faith quickly connects with the true identity of who Jesus is. He is the Lord, and he rightly ought to be worshiped Ibid. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 143

144 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 JESUS HEALS A MAN BORN BLIND 1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, Rabbi, who JOHN 9:1-12 sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, Is this not the man who used to sit and beg? 9 Some said, It is he. Others said, No, but he is like him. He kept saying, I am the man. 10 So they said to him, Then how were your eyes opened? 11 He answered, The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight. 12 They said to him, Where is he? He said, I do not know. 144 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

145 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 JOHN 9:1-12 John 9:2-3 To what extent is the disciples view of sin, God, and life s circumstances, as represented by their question, typical of how I react to others or my own misfortunes? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What kind of relationship with God would such a view foster? How does Jesus response clarify this issue? How have pains from the past contributed to my experience of God s work in my life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 145

146 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 Are there some ways in which I can respond to painful aspects of my past so that the works of God might be displayed through my life? John 9:4-5 Who is included in the we who Jesus says must work the works of him who sent [Jesus]? In what ways, to whom, or to where can I bring healing and Jesus light? John 9:4-5 What is the significance of the words, while it is day; night is coming? What are some windows of opportunity currently available to me that will end in the foreseeable future? 146 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

147 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 John 9:6-7 Jesus is notably silent about what would happen after the man washed in the pool. What is the blind man's response to Jesus' command to "go, wash...? How might the man have felt on his journey to the pool? What can I learn about obedience and blessing from the fact that this man obeyed despite his limited knowledge? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 147

148 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, Is this not the JOHN 9:8-41 man who used to sit and beg? 9 Some said, It is he. Others said, No, but he is like him. He kept saying, I am the man. 10 So they said to him, Then how were your eyes opened? 11 He answered, The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight. 12 They said to him, Where is he? He said, I do not know. 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see. 16 Some of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. But others said, How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? 20 His parents answered, We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself. 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, He is of age; ask him. 24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner. 25 He answered, Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. 26 They said to him, What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? 27 He answered them, I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples? 28 And they reviled him, saying, You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from. 30 The man answered, Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. 34 They answered him, You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us? And they cast him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, Do you believe in the Son of Man? 36 He answered, And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him? 37 Jesus said to 148 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

149 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 him, You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you. 38 He said, Lord, I believe, and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind. 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, Are we also blind? 41 Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, We see, your guilt remains. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 149

150 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 JOHN 9:8-41 John 9:8-17 After the healing, the man finds himself alienated by his neighbors and in trouble with the authorities. What can we make of this turn of events? What implication does this have on what a new Christian can expect from those who knew him before? John 9:19-23 In what ways is this scene of interrogation of the parents reflective of those in our world today who have already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, they would... be put out of the circle of a certain in-group, and what are some examples of such circles? 150 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

151 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Is there some way in which the non-committal response of the parents motivated by their fear of those who could deny them access to what they wanted is reflected in my life? John 9:11-38 How does the man progressively refer to Jesus (vv. 11, 17, 33, 38)? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 151

152 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 In my spiritual journey, how have I experienced this kind of progression in my understanding of who God is? What role did the harsh interrogation and his vigorous defense of Jesus before the Pharisees play in strengthening the man s faith? What does this reveal about the role of personal evangelism in strengthening my faith? 152 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

153 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 How does the man manage to remain unshaken by the intimidation and interrogation of the religious leaders? Do I have this kind of clarity of personal testimony (v. 25)? In what way is a clear testimony of transformation threatening or irritating to those who want a world devoid of the evidence of God s activity? What does this show about the power of personal witness (v. 34)? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 153

154 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 10 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 10 vv. 1-6 Jesus assumes his audience understands the scene he is constructing. In the desert at night sheep were often herded into walled enclosures that either backed up against a cliff face or were at the end of a canyon. Such enclosures (still used today by Palestinian shepherds in the Judean desert) had waist-high stone walls topped with thorny branches. Such a pen was entirely for safety so that the sheep would not become prey to wild animals. One small doorway (or opening) in the wall served as the only entrance and exit. The shepherd would either close this area with dry thornbushes or would himself serve as sentry in the opening. Not only can sheep identify rightful shepherds by their access through the main gate, but they also recognize the voice of their shepherd (10:3 5). The Middle Eastern shepherd is well known for having a personal devotion to his sheep. He talks to them and sings to them. Often shepherds will carry a short flute and use a repeated tune so that the flock has a consistent auditory cue to follow. Jesus notes that this shepherd does not simply lead any sheep but rather leads his own (10:3b). 73 vv Who are these thieves and robbers who have come before Jesus (10:8)? Some have argued that they are false messiahs in the first century, and we know that there were many. But the most likely target of Jesus criticism is the Pharisees, who have been the subject of Jesus teaching since chapter 9. Since the Maccabean era Jerusalem had witnessed many leaders who qualified as false shepherds. 74 vv The unique love and intimacy between the Father and the Son is the model that determines the relationship of Jesus to his flock. Jesus now probes the deeper meaning of the Father s love for him (10:17 19). The fundamental element in this relationship is Jesus dependence on and obedience to God s will. This is expressed utterly in his willingness to die on the cross. We must avoid the idea that in giving his life, the Son wins the Father s love. The Father gives everything into the Son s hands (3:35), shows him everything (5:20), gives him life (5:26), and gives his own glory (17:24) and name (17:26). Indeed, the Father has loved the Son from the creation of the world (17:24). Jesus voluntary death therefore is a hallmark of his union with the Father s will and an expression of the love they share together. 75 vv The crowd is looking for an unambiguous statement about Jesus identity. How long will you keep us in suspense? (10:24) can also be translated, How long will you annoy us? Are these people seeking clarity or are they antagonistic? What they want is an open, clear statement from Jesus about his messiahship, and no doubt they are poised to judge him if his answer is not to their liking. Thus far Jesus has not made an explicit, public claim to be the Christ. He did this privately to the Samaritan woman (4:26) and the blind man (9:35 36), and many have already offered this statement of faith. But given the explosive, highly politicized views of the Messiah in this period, it is not surprising that Jesus has used restraint so far. He has used images in the festivals and allusions from the Old Testament. Now his audience wants a plain statement (cf. 7:4, 13). But we have already learned that even if Jesus were to speak plainly, only his sheep would recognize his voice (10:26). Ironically, his shepherd sermon was just such a disclosure, but they have not heard it Burge, Gary M. John 10:1 42 In The NIV Application Commentary: John. By Gary M. Burge, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Ibid. 75 Ibid. 76 Ibid. 154 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

155 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD 1 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by JOHN 10:1-10 another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 155

156 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 John 10:3-5 Reflect on the words the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. To what extent does this characterize my relationship with Jesus? JOHN 10:1-10 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Are there other voices I heed that have muffled Jesus voice in my life? John 10:7-10 The sudden shift of metaphor from shepherd to gate seems rather strange to us, but in reality it is not. When the sheep returned to the fold at night after a day of grazing, the shepherd stood in the doorway of the pen and inspected each one as it entered. After all the sheep had been counted and brought into the pen, the shepherd lay down across the doorway so that no intruder man or beast could enter without his knowledge. The shepherd became the door. The emphatic singular pronoun I (ego) emphasizes that the shepherd is the sole determiner of who enters the fold and who is excluded. It parallels the later statement: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:16). 77 The thief represented all who came before (v.8) who claimed some authority to guide the sheep. What modern-day sources of authority tell people how to live and where to find pasture? In what ways is it accurate that the end result of such thieves voices is to steal and kill and destroy people s lives? 77 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

157 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 What would it look like for a Christian to allow Jesus to be the exclusive door for his life to keep thieves and robbers out? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 157

158 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it JOHN 10:10-21 abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. 19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him? 21 Others said, These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? 158 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

159 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 John 10:10-15 Who or what are the thieves of our world that steal and kill and destroy? JOHN 10:10-21 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Reflect on the words that describe why Jesus came. Do I believe down to the depths of my heart that Jesus came so that I may have life and have it abundantly? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 159

160 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 What is the abundant life that Jesus came to give? John 10:10-11, The reaffirmation "I am the good shepherd" is based on knowledge of the sheep. "Know" (ginosko) in this Gospel connotes more than the cognizance of mere facts; it implies a relationship of trust and intimacy. The definitive analogy given here is drawn from Jesus' relation to the Father. The Shepherd is concerned for the sheep because they are his property and because he loves them individually. 78 What are the characteristics of a good shepherd vs. a hired hand? 78 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

161 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Reflect on the fact that as the good shepherd, Jesus has ownership over my life. To what extent have I yielded to his claim on my life? John 10:17-18 Authority means that he was not the helpless victim of his enemies' violence but that he had both the right and the power to become the instrument of reconciliation between man and God and between Jew and Gentile. 79 The fact that Jesus laid down his life provides the greatest proof of His love for me. Who are the people who have likewise laid down their lives so that I could receive salvation? Who are the people for whom I need to do the same? 79 Ibid. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 161

162 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE 22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was JOHN 10:22-42 walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one. 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, I said, you are gods? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came and Scripture cannot be broken 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, You are blaspheming, because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father. 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. 40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true. 42 And many believed in him there. 162 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

163 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 JOHN 10:22-42 John 10:22-24 The Feast of Dedication, now known as Hanukkah, was established as a memorial to the purification and rededication of the temple by Judas Maccabeus, [who successfully led a revolt against the King of Syria, who captured Jerusalem]. 80 Given that this happened during the Feast of Dedication, what might have motivated the Jews to ask the question about Jesus identity? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 10:27-29 How do Jesus words no one will snatch them out of my hand encourage me in my struggles today? 80 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter 10. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 163

164 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 John 10:31-33 Jesus question challenged the people s action on the ground that he had performed only helpful deeds. His question was designed to make them take stock of what he had done. Then they would see that stoning would be incongruous with his actions. The Jews replied that the question was not the quality of his works but the nature of his claims, and they charged him with blasphemy. 81 Jesus many good works were met with acceptance, while his claim to make [himself] God elicited a violent response. In what ways does the world likewise accept Jesus deeds and many good works while rejecting his claim to be God? Why is this the case? John 10:31-33 How is man s desire for autonomy revealed in the Jews violent response to Jesus claim to make [himself] God? 81 Ibid. 164 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

165 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 Are there areas of my life today in which I am rejecting Jesus claim to be God? John 10:37 Jesus life was characterized by doing what the Father does (cf. John 5:19). What is revealed about the Father through Jesus life? What are the things I am doing that echo the characteristic activity of God, as revealed in Jesus? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 165

166 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 11 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 11 vv When Jesus hears the report about Lazarus illness, his response (11:4) parallels his comments about the man born blind (9:1 5). The final result of this tragedy is that God will be glorified, not that death will win the victory. It is not a denial of Lazarus death since this is the thrust of the whole story, but that death will not gain the final word in this man s life. The tragedy is not by God s design, but God will use it for an opportunity to glorify his Son. 82 vv When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days. This note is significant. There was a well-known Jewish belief (attested from about A.D. 200) that the soul of a dead person remained in the vicinity of the body hoping to reenter it for three days, but once decomposition set in, the soul departed. John wants us to know clearly that Lazarus is truly dead and that the miracle of Jesus cannot be construed as a resuscitation. 83 VV AS Jesus steps to the tomb itself (11:38), he is once more deeply moved. The verb used here is the same one as in 11:33 (embrimaomai), which suggests he is outraged at what he sees. The Lord of life is now directly confronting his opponent, death, symbolized in the cave-tomb before him. The dramatic high point of the story is reached in 11:43 when Jesus calls to Lazarus in a loud voice to come out. This is not a whisper or a firm request. It is a shout of raw authority. The Greek kraugazo is used six times in John in addition to here, once for the crowds on Palm Sunday (12:13) and four times for the cries of the crowds calling for Jesus crucifixion (18:40; 19:6, 12, 15). When Lazarus emerges from the tomb, he is bound in grave wrappings, which were strips of fabric wound around his limbs and filled with burial spices. Jewish burials likewise tied the jaw closed and covered the face with a linen cloth. Lazarus coming from the grave must have been an amazing spectacle witnessed by a growing crowd of people, many of whom carry news of this miracle back to Jerusalem (12:9, 17). 84 vv The Sanhedrin deliberations (11:47 50) are noteworthy. (1) There is genuine fear that the populace will accept Jesus as the Messiah. This is not simply religious rivalry, but a paralyzing concern that if a messianic claimant is embraced by the city, the Roman armies will suppress it. Our place (11:48) refers to the Jerusalem temple (NRSV, our holy place ; cf. Acts 6:13 14; 7:7; 21:28). The Romans had shown their intolerance to this sort of messianism in the past (viewing it as a political challenge), and Jerusalem s leadership know the seriousness of the threat now. 85 vv We should see this chapter as an important statement about the character of Jesus work. John includes this story so that Jesus message does not sink into a general symbolic mysticism. His works are concrete. He is not just the light; he gives sight to a blind man. Jesus is not just the resurrection and the life; he brings a man from the tomb. The revelation of Jesus does not take place apart from concrete acts in history. But we are given advance notice that this death is not going to be a tragedy. What Jesus can do for Lazarus by opening the Bethany tomb is now foreshadowing 82 Burge, Gary M. John 11:1 57 In The NIV Application Commentary: John. By Gary M. Burge, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Ibid. 84 Ibid. 85 Ibid. 166 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

167 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 11 COMMENTARY what he can do for himself. The tomb that cannot contain Lazarus cannot hold him either. Moreover, we are told that the death of Jesus is not simply an obstacle to be overcome by resurrection. Caiaphas tells us that Jesus death will be purposeful. Jesus will die for the people and the nation (11:50). Jesus will give life only by giving his own life. In some respects, we also live in an age that does its best to deny death. People rarely die at home surrounded by their loved ones. Their bodies are no longer dressed and prepared for burial by the family (as they were not too many decades ago). Today this process has been sanitized, taken over by professional hospitals, hospices, and morticians. As a result, few of us have seen someone die, and I dare say that before the twentieth century there were few who had not seen someone die. We build coffins that look like plush, oversized jewelry boxes and cemeteries that evoke the peace and serenity of a botanical garden. We use euphemisms ( Mrs. Taylor passed away on Tuesday ) to gloss over what we dare not say. All of this is cultural, springing from the heartfelt wish to make death pleasant. But it masks a profound anxiety that even the prettiest funeral service cannot disguise. Perhaps this is why in the work of the church, funeral services become such potent opportunities for ministry. Here the raw vulnerability of our lives stands naked and we are confronted by a personal fate we would rather not look at directly. The story of Lazarus draws us directly into the pathos so deeply rooted in our hearts. While the chief thrust of chapter 11 is theological, the dramatic setting of the story also invites reflection. (1) In some Christian circles Jesus power over the grave is embraced with such conviction that there is no permission to mourn the tragedy of death. To grieve is to show a lack of faith; funerals are to be celebrations of eternal life and victory. To a degree this is true, but it denies a basic human need to express the sorrow and dismay that comes with loss. One obvious thing about John s story is a thing we may pass over quickly: Martha and Mary were crying. Jesus did not say to Martha, If you believe in the resurrection, why are you wasting your time and your tears? He did not say to Mary, If you have victorious faith, you should stand cleareyed and confident because I am here. No. Jesus did not impede this family s grieving; instead by joining with them, he gives generous permission. It is right to describe death as terrible and painful and horrible without compromising the quality of our faith. Jesus himself cried in anger at the wreckage death brought to one family. Death is a foe that in Christ is being defeated Ibid. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 167

168 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 THE DEATH OF LAZARUS 1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It JOHN 11:1-37 was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, Lord, he whom you love is ill. 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, Let us go to Judea again. 8 The disciples said to him, Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again? 9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. 11 After saying these things, he said to them, Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him. 12 The disciples said to him, Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover. 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him. 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE 17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you. 23 Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. 24 Martha said to him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. 25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? 27 She said to him, Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world. 28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, The Teacher is here and is calling for you. 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if you had 168 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

169 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 been here, my brother would not have died. 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, Where have you laid him? They said to him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, See how he loved him! 37 But some of them said, Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 169

170 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 JOHN 11:1-37 John 11:1-6 What are some ways in which God has redeemed painful experiences in my life for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it? Are there any seemingly hopeless situations in my life through which Jesus may be glorified? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 11:14-15 Jesus says he was glad at how events turned out so that you may believe. Considering the fact that these were his disciples who followed him all along, and already believed in Jesus, what about the nature of believing can we learn from this? 170 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

171 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 John 11:25 Reflect on Jesus statement in v. 25. How does my life reflect my belief that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? How is my life different from those who do not have this faith? John 11:33-36 How did Jesus react when he saw Mary and the Jews weeping for Lazarus? Considering that Jesus already knew that he would raise Lazarus from the dead (v. 11), what explains Jesus reaction? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 171

172 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 What false notion of God does v. 35 challenge? Are there times when I am doubtful of God s ability to sympathize or understand? What should be the ultimate proof of God s love for me during those times? 172 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

173 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 JESUS RAISES LAZARUS 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, Lord, by JOHN 11:38-57 this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days. 40 Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God? 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me. 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out. 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, Unbind him, and let him go. THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation. 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish. 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all? 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 173

174 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 John 11:39-40 What is represented by Martha s reference to the odor and four days in her response to Jesus command at the tomb? JOHN 11:38-57 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] In what ways am I like Martha in how I think about what God can do in my life or in the lives of others? What stones need to be removed in my life for God s life-giving power to work in me? John 11:43-44 What are the two things that Jesus commands, first to Lazarus and then to the others? 174 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

175 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 How have I responded to both commands to come out and be unbound? John 11:45-53 What were the two responses by the Jews who witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 175

176 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 How was it possible for two groups of people to see the same thing and respond in such drastically different ways? What was the real motivation behind the chief priests and the Pharisees opposition to Jesus (v.48)? 176 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

177 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 To what extent is it still true to this day that people resist Jesus mainly because he threatens their autonomy and security? John 11:49-52 What can I learn about how God works from the fact that he was faithful to the office of high priest till the end although Caiaphas was faithless? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 177

178 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 12 COMMENTARY COMMENTARY JOHN 12 vv It goes without saying that Mary s dramatic gesture (which fits her portrait in Luke 10:38 42) is astonishing. While Judas objects (12:4), Jesus finds in it a pleasing expression of devotion. Nard was a rare and precious spice imported from northern India. [ ] A pound of the spice would have been huge and lavish. Its value of three hundred denarii represents one year s wage for a day-laborer (Matt. 20:1 16). Some cheaper nard cost one hundred denarii per pound (depending on its origin: Gaul, Crete, or Syria), but our story shows that Mary has purchased the very best. [ ] The quantity is so great that the entire house is filled with its fragrance (John 12:3), which underscores the extravagance of the gift. John emphasizes Jesus feet to show the sheer act of humble devotion on Mary s part and to provide a contrast with the foot-washing of the next chapter. 87 vv The branches from date palms (12:13) were abundant in Israel, and their use here is important for symbolic reasons. Palms had become a symbol of Jewish nationalism. When the temple was rededicated during the Maccabean era, palms were used in the celebration (1 Macc. 13:51; 2 Macc. 10:7). In the extrabiblical tradition, palms were used by Levi as a symbol of ruling power (T. Naph. 5:4). During both major wars with Rome, reliefs of palms were stamped on the coins minted by the rebels. Thus this act of celebration is by no means neutral. It symbolizes Israel s national hopes, now focused on Jesus, being hailed as he enters the city. The cry of Hosanna! is an Aramaic phrase meaning Save us now! and it occurs in a number of the psalms (esp. Ps. 118:25). The following words ( Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord ) likewise continue to quote from Psalm 118:26 and announce a blessing on the pilgrim arriving in Jerusalem. But what comes next ( Blessed is the king of Israel! ) is not in the psalm and departs considerably from its intent. Suddenly we gain the impression that the crowds are greeting a national liberator. The crowd is cheering a fantasy: Their messianic hero is a victor bringing a triumphant messianism to Jerusalem. But Jesus is a humble servant, and I imagine he wondered a great deal about the source of these people s zeal. Nevertheless, here we have celebration. For John, even if players in his story do not know the deeper meaning of their actions (e.g., Caiaphas in 11:51), John is willing to identify the error and permit us to see the double meaning. Jerusalem is celebrating the arrival of its king despite the erroneous motivations of Jewish nationalists on that day. Palm Sunday is a happy day, a day of flowers and dresses and new shoes. But another message carries a warning about our vision of Jesus as we celebrate. The crowd in Jerusalem had many who understood both the needs of the day and the charismatic power of Jesus. In some fashion (which perhaps they did not entirely understand) they assumed that Jesus and his movement would serve their cause. Their vision for society and Jesus presence could together make changes they dearly desired. As the gospel story unfolds further, Jesus failure to satisfy those visions (religious, political, and social) leads to a cry for crucifixion one week later. 88 vv Curiously, the arrival of these God-fearers triggers the hour we have been hearing about throughout the gospel (12:23). Many times we have listened to 87 Burge, Gary M. John 12:1 50 In The NIV Application Commentary: John. By Gary M. Burge, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Ibid. 178 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

179 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - JOHN 12 COMMENTARY Jesus say that the hour has not yet arrived (2:4; 7:30; 8:20). [ ] Therefore something has changed; the Greeks signal the closing of a chapter for Jesus. His ministry in Judaism is finished and he now belongs to the wider world. Rather than engage these God-fearers (who now disappear from the story), Jesus offers an extended discourse (12:24 36) that gives insight into the meaning of this hour. What are the chief elements here? Jesus begins by offering a parable that explains the law of the kingdom of God. Just as a seed must die in order to give life, likewise Jesus must die in order to give life to the world. This same law applies to disciples (12:25). To relinquish one s hold on life to give it up is the key to participation in the kingdom. 89 vv The Book of Signs closes with Jesus making a final plea for belief, probably in the precincts of the temple. For John this is no doubt a final theological summary, comprising the main motifs that have been publicly revealed in the ministry of Jesus. [ ] But we also have a warning. Just as Moses word will judge Israel (5:45), so now Jesus word will remain as a deposit of revelation by which human lives may be judged (12:48). Moreover, discipleship is not just a matter of knowing Jesus word; it is also a matter of keeping and doing what Jesus has said (12:47; cf. 8:31; Matt. 7:24 27; James 2:14 26) Ibid. 90 Ibid. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 179

180 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 MARY ANOINTS JESUS AT BETHANY 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus JOHN 12:1-8 had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me. 180 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

181 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 JOHN 12:1-8 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] John 12:1-8 Spices and ointments were quite costly because they had to be imported. Frequently they were used as an investment because they occupied a small space, were portable, and were easily negotiable in the open market. Mary s offering was valued at three hundred denarii (v. 5) approximately a year s wages for an ordinary workingman. Perhaps it represented her life savings. [ ] Wiping his feet with her hair was a gesture of utmost devotion and reverence. The penetrative fragrance of the ointment that filled the house told all present of her sacrificial gift. 91 Reflect on Mary s outpouring of this expensive perfume. Why is this appropriate in light of what Jesus was about to do (vv )? What is the fundamental difference between Mary and Judas as revealed by his objection to what she did? With whom can I identify more? 91 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositer s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter 12. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 181

182 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 What can I learn about the progression of sin from Judas who used to help himself to the communal money and now was about to betray [Jesus]? How might things have changed for Judas if he had been honest about what was going on in his heart at this point? John 12:5-6 Judas expresses outrage by pretending to care for the poor. Are there some ways in which I espouse noble principles as a cover-up for what is really going on my heart? 182 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

183 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 THE PLOT TO KILL LAZARUS 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account JOHN 12:9-19 of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt! 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 183

184 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 JOHN 12:9-19 John 12:9-11, Think about the absurdity of the chief priests plan to to put Lazarus to death. What does this reveal about human nature s capacity to oppose truth? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] What can I learn about the fact that it was Lazarus testimony that brought about persecution for him? What is my attitude toward suffering that comes as a result of being Christ s witness in this world? 184 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

185 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 John 12:12-15 "Hosanna" is a Hebrew expression meaning literally "Save now!" It may be interpreted as a plea for immediate action on the part of the king. The blessing is the peoples' acclamation of him as the ruler of Israel (John 12:13). 92 What can I learn about the crowd from the fact that this same crowd who welcomed Jesus by shouting Hosanna later rejected him by shouting crucify (cf. John 19:15)? John 12:12-19 There is no doubt at all that Jesus claim was a messianic claim.[ ] The point is that a king came riding upon a horse when he was bent on war; he came riding upon [a donkey] when he was coming in peace. This action of Jesus is a sign that he was not the warrior figure men dreamed of, but the Prince of Peace. No one saw it at that time, not even the disciples, who should have known so much better. 93 In what ways do people s expectations of Jesus overshadow the truth of who he is and the gospel? 92 Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor s Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter William Barclay, The Gospel of John Vol. 2, The Daily Study Bible Series (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1975) 118. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 185

186 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 Am I interested in Jesus more for solving problems in my life than for finding peace with God? When were the disciples able to fully understand all that was taking place? Why is the death and resurrection of Jesus the key to understanding the person of Jesus? 186 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

187 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 SOME GREEKS SEEK JESUS 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to JOHN 12:20-26 Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, Sir, we wish to see Jesus. 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 187

188 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 JOHN 12:20-26 John 12:20-26 Reflect on the link between glory and becoming a grain of wheat [that] falls into the earth and dies as it applies to Jesus life. How does the Christian understanding of glory differ from the world s definition? In what ways have I embraced the life of becoming a grain of wheat that falls and dies? [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] How has v. 24 been lived out in Christian history? 188 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

189 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 In what ways am I a recipient of others death? What are the ways in which people lose their life because they love it too much? What does it mean to hate my life in this world to keep it for eternal life? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 189

190 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 Do I view my life as one that I need to cling onto or one that I need to spend? John 12:26 Reflect on the call and promise contained in this verse. What is my response to this verse? 190 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

191 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. THE SON OF MAN MUST BE LIFTED UP JOHN 12: Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name. Then a voice came from heaven: I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, An angel has spoken to him. 30 Jesus answered, This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man? 35 So Jesus said to them, The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. THE UNBELIEF OF THE PEOPLE When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 191

192 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 John 12:25-28 How does Jesus prayer in v. 27 demonstrate what it means to live out v. 25? JOHN 12:25-36 [ STUDY QUESTIONS ] Have I faced situations where I wanted to pray, Father, save me from this hour but faced it for the glory of God s name? Jesus says of his impending death on the cross: But for this purpose I have come to this hour. How does this apply to me today? 192 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS

193 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 John 12:30-36 Recall v.24 in which Jesus refused to remain a single seed that does not die. How does Jesus willingly laying down his life cast out the ruler of this world? In what ways am I still listening to the ruler of this world? In what ways do I need to believe in the light and start living as sons of light (v.36)? JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS 193

194 GRACEPOINT DEVOTIONALS BOOK OF JOHN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, revealed? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been JOHN 12: Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them. 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. JESUS CAME TO SAVE THE WORLD 44 And Jesus cried out and said, Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me. 194 JOHN STUDY QUESTIONS