Studies through the book of John.

Studies through the book of John. 1

Study Contents Study 1: Jesus the temple John 2:1-11 John 2:12-25 Study 2: Jesus the living water John 4:1-26 John 4:27-42 Study 3: Jesus the bread of life John 6:22-34 John 6:35-58 Study 4: Jesus the good shepherd John 10:1-21 John 10:22-30 Study 5: Jesus the resurrection and life John 11:1-16 John 11:17-44 Study 6: Jesus the way, truth and life John 14:1-14 John 14:15-31 Study 7: Jesus the vine John 15:1-17 John 15:18-27 Study 8: Jesus arrested John 18:1-14 John 18:15-27 Study 9: Jesus crucified John 19:1-16a John 19:16b-37 Study 10: Jesus resurrected John 20:1-18 John 20:19-31 Study 11: Jesus the fisherman John 21:1-14 John 21:15-25 2

An Introduction to John Background to John and John s gospel John was one of the first chosen to follow the Lord Jesus as part of His 12 Apostles. John also formed part of the Lord s inner Group of 3. In his gospel John does not mention his name, but describes himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20, 24). John also wrote 1 John, 2 John. 3 John, and the book of Revelation. Unlike the other gospel writers, John did not describe all aspects of Jesus life (e.g. His birth, His time of temptation by Satan in the desert, His distress in the Garden of Gethsemane, return to heaven, any of Jesus parables, etc.) However he chose only 7 signs/miracles to show who Jesus really is. John probably wrote his gospel in about 90 AD. He focussed on certain parts of Jesus life, ministry and teachings. Unlike the other apostles he died of old age. He was exiled to Patmos Island. From the cross Jesus told John to look after His mother Mary (19:25-27). John s Purpose in writing His gospel In John 20:30-31 he says there were many miracles of Jesus he did not record in his book, but he gives two reasons why he did wrote about Jesus life and ministry. 1 That you, (the reader), may believe the Jesus is the Christ (Promised One/Messiah), the Son of God. 2 And that by believing you, (the reader), may have (eternal) life in His name. Background to the I Am passages recorded in John s gospel 3

The book of Exodus 2-4 describes the early life of Moses, born a Jew, but educated as an adopted grandson of Pharaoh, Egypt s king. Aged 40 he had to run away from Egypt after murdering an Egyptian for beating a Jewish slave. He worked as shepherd for 40 years at Midian. God spoke to Moses (Exod 3) from a burning bush. God told him to return to Egypt to lead His chosen people, descendants of Jacob/Israel from slavery in Egypt into the land of Canaan which God had promised to Abraham s descendants (Genesis 12:7). Moses tried to give God many reasons why he was not the right person. Moses asked God what name would he give to the descendants of Israel to describe who God was. God said (3:14) His name was I AM, meaning God was always present eternally. So Jews knew only God could have such a name So in John s gospel whenever Jesus said I am the. He was claiming to be equal with God. He said I AM the bread of life, light of the world, gate, good shepherd, resurrection, way, life, truth, true vine. The Jewish spiritual leaders refused to believe this in spite of the many amazing things Jesus did and taught. Other helpful information to John s gospel John highlights the reactions of people to Jesus Christ they either responded in faith or in unbelief and rejected Him. He was in constant conflict with the Jewish spiritual leaders who were threatened by Jesus, scared they would lose their influence and authority (11:47-53). Ultimately they had Him crucified, but He was raised to life on the third day. After 40 days He returned to heaven, an event not recorded by John. John 20:21-23 gives John s version of the great Commission to send His disciples out with the message of forgiveness of sins. Jesus is the greatest person who has ever lived and God s greatest gift to mankind (John 3:16 4

Study one Jesus the temple John 2:1-11 John 2:12-25 Part one - Jesus first miracle Opening discussion: What do you enjoy most about weddings? What is a wedding all about? Read John 2:1-12 1. Discuss the following statements about this passage: Jesus provides what is needed Jesus provides in abundance Jesus provides the best 2. Jesus said: My hour has not yet come. In this, he is referring to his own wedding. Jesus is causing us, at this early stage of his ministry, to look forward to the marriage of the lamb (revelation 21:9-10) where Jesus is the lamb, and his church is the bride. It is not yet Jesus time for his own wedding! It s not his time to die for his bride. 5

a. Why do you think Jesus brings this up at such an early stage of his ministry? b. In light of this, why do you think he performs the miracle anyway? Part Two Jesus in the temple Have you ever been disgusted at the way some churches make money? (No need to name names!) Read John 2:13-25 3. What was Jesus objection to the temple sellers? 4. What is the significance of Jesus statement about the temple? 5. Read Psalm 69:6-12. a. In what ways do these verses of King David s reflect what Jesus was facing in his ministry? 6. What does verse 25 tell you about the unique nature of Jesus ministry? What does it tell you about your relationship with him? 6

Study Two Jesus the living water John 4:1-26 John 4:27-42 Part one - Jesus and the Samaritan woman Opening discussion: Who are the rejected in our church community? Background: The Samaritans were from Northern Israel. When Israel split in two, they divided into North (Samaria was the capital) and South (Judah was the capital). So the North, who were the first to be taken into captivity, were looked down upon by the South (Judah) because of their disobedience to God. However, Southern Israel also eventually turned away from God. However, the Samaritans were still looked down upon by the Jews (Judah). And Samaritans were therefore out of bounds for good Jews. Read John 4:1-26 1. What is the significance and the implications of Jesus talking to: a. A Samaritan b. A woman c. An adulteress 7

2. What is the implied answer of verse 12? 3. What does Jesus mean by verse 14? 4. What is the significance of Jesus words in verse 26? (See introductory notes for this study series) Part Two Jesus and the disciples Can you think of, and share, a time when you have been distracted from the important things in life, by trivial, nonimportant matters? Read John 4:27-42 5. What was the focus of the disciples in this passage? 6. What was Jesus focus? 7. What is significant about verse 42 and who says these words? 8

Study Three Jesus the bread of life John 6:22-34 John 6:35-58 Background: The first of seven times Jesus used the name known by all Jews to be one of God s many names (Exodus 3:14) I am (continuous present tense), meaning God is always present throughout eternity. By using it Jesus clearly stated He was equal with God, which Jewish leaders rejected. In 6:35-47, Jesus teaches whoever comes to Him believing in His death for them will have their spiritual needs met, receive the gift of eternal life and will be raised up at the last day. Jesus came to do His Father s will, not His own. In 6:48-59 Jesus refers to the manna (bread from heaven), God gave their forefathers. (Exodus 16:14-22), during their forty years in the desert (Numbers 14:26-35). He compares this manna with the bread He offers to all who believe in Him. They will live forever spiritually as they feed on His teaching now and obey it. The bread represents His flesh which He will give for the life of the world, talking of His future death on the cross (6:51). Part one - manna Opening discussion: In you daily life, what are your essentials to live? What do you need to get by each day? Read John 6:22-34 1. In what ways does Jesus compare himself to Moses? 9

2. What is the significance of this teaching coming straight after Jesus feeding the five thousand? (6:1-15) 3. What is the work God requires? (verse 29) Is that what you are doing? If so, how? Part Two - bread Have you ever met anyone who made outrageous claims about who they were? Read John 6:35-58 4. What does Jesus mean by the statement I am the bread of life? 5. What does it mean to feed on Jesus (verse 57) 6. What does it mean for you today to accept Jesus as the bread of life? How does it affect the way you live? How does it impact your walk of faith? 7. Some people struggle with the idea of our communion eating Jesus flesh and drinking his blood what would you say to them to explain this more clearly? 10

Study Four - Jesus the good shepherd John 10:1-21 John 10:22-30 Part one - Jesus the shepherd and gate Opening discussion: Have you ever had to make the decision to take a difficult path in life, rather than an easy one? Read John 10:1-21 1. Jesus says he is the shepherd who enters by the gate (verse 1). What is the some other way he is talking about? 2. Jesus then, in verse 7, calls himself the gate. Why? 3. Verse 10 what is the difference between the shepherd and the thief? What does this look like in reality? 4. Verse 21 what distinguished Jesus as not being a mad man for some? 11

Part Two claiming to be God What is it about a person that makes you believe or trust them? Read John 10:22-30 5. Why did Jesus opponents want to stone him again? (verse 31) How do you think Jesus would be feeling, doing God s work and having people constantly wanting to stone him? 6. Verse 38: what is the relationship between the Father and the Son? 7. Verse 41 what does this testimony about John tell us? 8. Does this passage give you any ideas of how to share the gospel with people who do not accept Jesus as God? 12

Study Five Jesus the resurrection and life John 11:1-16 John 11:17-44 Part one Lazarus dying Opening discussion: Do you remember a time when God has allowed something difficult to happen in your life, and then you ve seen why later? Read John 11:1-16 1. Why does Jesus stay where he is for 2 days while his friend Lazarus is dying? 2. Verse 9-10 Explanation: The daylight refers to Jesus time of ministry. While it is daylight, Jesus is called to perform his Father s will. As this applies to Jesus in his relationship to his Father, it also applies to his disciples in their relationship to Jesus. What do you think Jesus is teaching his disciples with these verses? 13

Part Two Lazarus dead What have been your moments or times of greatest faith? (For example: when you ve felt the strongest in your faith) Read John 11:17-44 3. How do you think Martha and Mary are feeling when Jesus arrives? 4. Verses 24-27 What does Martha believe? 8. Verse 32: the first words of Mary to Jesus what do they reveal? 9. What does verse 37 reveal about the way the people were thinking about Jesus? 10. Verse 41-42 comment on Jesus prayer before Lazarus rises. 11. Verse 44 how would you have responded to this miracle? What does it take today for God to get your attention?! 14

Study Six Jesus - the way, truth and life John 14:1-14 John 14:15-31 Part one Heaven Opening discussion: What do you look forward to most about heaven? Read John 14:1-14 1. Why were the disciples hearts troubled? 2. Verse 5 How is it that Thomas does not know where Jesus is going at this stage? 3. What do these verses tell us about the relationship between the Father and the Son? 15

4. How is it possible for Jesus disciples to do greater works than him? (verse 12) Part Two The Promise What is the best promise anyone has ever made to you? Read John 14:15-31 5. What is the relationship of the Spirit to the Son? 6. How do we love Jesus? What does that mean in action? 7. Verse 30 who is the prince of this world? Why is he allowed to come? 8. What comfort do you yourself find from this passage? 9. How do you see the Spirit of God working in the lives of Jesus disciples? 16

Study Seven Jesus the Vine John 15:1-17 John 15:18-27 Part one the vine Opening discussion: What things in your life have you cut off to help yourself grow as a person? Read John 15:1-17 1. How do we remain in Jesus? (verses 1-4) 2. What happens when we distance ourselves form Jesus and his teaching? (verse 6-8) How does that happen? 3. Verse 12 are there times you find it difficult to love one another as Jesus has loved you? 4. How do we bear fruit that will last? (verse 16) Can you think of examples? 17

Part Two The world hates us Has anyone ever hated you? Why? What did that feel like? How did you deal with it? Read John 15:18-27 5. Why do the people of this world often hate us? 6. A servant is not greater than his master (verse 20) what does this phrase mean? 7. Verse 24 why do you think some people see the works of Jesus yet refuse to believe and hate Jesus? 8. What comfort do you yourself find from this passage? 9. How do you deal with persecution? 18

Study Eight Jesus arrested John 18:1-14 John 18:15-27 Part one the arrest Opening discussion: Have you ever been accused of and punished for something you did not do? Read John 18:1-14 1. Why did Peter strike with his sword? (verse 10) 2. What is the cup that Jesus drank? (verse 11) 3. What do the words of Caiaphas mean in verse 14? What is the significance of these words? 4. What do you think is going through Jesus mind at this time, given he is fully man and fully God, with the full emotions of a man. 19

Part Two The rejection Have you ever faced rejection? How do you respond to rejection? Read John 18:15-27 5. Why were people so keen to identify Peter as someone who was with Jesus and associated with him? 6. The big question: Why did Peter deny knowing Jesus? 7. What is Jesus argument/defense in verses 19-24? How is he appealing to the court? 8. How do you defend your faith in God when people challenge you? 20

Study Nine: Jesus crucified John 19:1-16a John 19:16b-37 Part one The Judgement Opening discussion: How would you have responded watching Jesus judgment being passed onto him if you were there at the time? Read John 19:1-16a 1. Why is Pilate reluctant to sentence Jesus to crucifixion himself? 2. Where is the authority in this passage? Who holds it? 3. Verse 14 Why does Pilate call Jesus their king? 4. What is significant about Jesus being handed over to the Jews for crucifixion by the Roman authorities? 21

Part Two The Crucifixion What is your response to reading the account of Jesus crucifixion? Read John 19:16b-37 5. Verse 19 why put a sign like this over Jesus head? Why is the sign challenged? 6. What is the significance of the fulfillment of Scriptures being noted in verse 24? 7. What is the significance of the testimony mentioned in verse 35? 8. What stands out for you the most in the account of Jesus crucifixion? 9. How does the account of the crucifixion affect the way you read the gospel of John? 22

Study Ten: Jesus resurrected John 20:1-18 John 20:19-31 Have a people in your group read verses 1-10, 11-18, 19-23, 24-29, and 30-31 out loud. 1. What things stand out for you? 2. What strengthens you in your faith as you read this chapter? 3. Why is the resurrection so important? 4. If chapter 20 was not written, and if there was no account of the resurrection of Jesus, what would that change for Christianity? 5. In the whole book of John, which character, apart from Jesus, stands out the most for you? Why? How do they impact your faith? 23