All Saints Anglican Church, Waitara JOHN S GOSPEL A Summary and Introduction to the Sermon and Bible Study Series 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 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). 1
WEEK ONE 4 th March Who is the Word? Preacher: Rev. Derek Brown Reading: John 1:1-29 Introduction Aim: To introduce some themes about God who came to earth From his first words John makes it very clear that the Word of God is the focus of his gospel and equal with God in every way. In the beginning He was with God the Father and Creator, (compare wording of Genesis 1:1), and through Him all things were made. 1:14 identifies the Word as Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth. These opening verses are a beautiful hymn of praise. In these verses, John uses some important words which will be repeated throughout the book. Life; Light (of God) and darkness (of evil); God the Father and God the Son are one in nature and character; The need to believe; Children born of God; Lamb of God who takes away the sin of people in the world. Also much is said about John (the Baptist), who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, preparing the Jews for the coming of Jesus. (1:6-9; 15-34) 1. 1:1,14 Why do you think John calls Jesus the Word? 2. In 1:1-5 A What facts does John state to be true of the Word? B Which of these facts help you understand who Jesus is? 3. 1:6-9, 15-28 A What steps does John the Baptist take to make sure people will not look at him, but at Jesus? B How would you summarise John the Baptist s testimony about Jesus 4. 1:9-13 A What truths about Jesus should have brought most to receive Him? 1:9-11 B How would you explain to someone both the meaning and results of receiving Jesus in 1:12-13? 5. 1:29-34 What does John mean by describing Jesus as the Lamb of God, etc. and how did he know this? 2
WEEK TWO 11 th March Who gives life? Preacher: Rev. Bruce Stanley Reading: John 3:1-21 Introduction Aim: To understand what it means to experience new spiritual birth Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling Council and Pharisee, strictly followed Moses and many man-made laws. Most Pharisees didn t believe in Jesus. But Nicodemus, amazed by Jesus miracles came to see Jesus at night. Jesus explained that for anyone to become a member of God s Kingdom (s)he must be born again by God s Spirit, which Nicodemus found difficult to understand. Jesus compared His future death to what happened to Israel during forty years in the desert. Whoever believed God s word was rescued from God s judgement by looking at a brass snake on a pole. (Numbers 21:4-9). In the same way all who look to Jesus on the cross by faith will also be save from God s judgement (3:14-17). Jesus also compared light and darkness with those who believe and then respond to Jesus message and those who don t because they love evil (3:18-21). 1. 3:1-13 - In these verses why do you think Nicodemus had a problem in understanding what Jesus was talking about? 2. How did Jesus describe what it means to be born-again in 3:3-9? 3. 3:14-15. How does the story of Moses lifting up the snake in the desert (Numbers 21:4-9) show our need and Christ s offer of salvation from God s judgement? 4. 3:16-17 A What impresses you about God in 3:16-17? B What do you learn about yourself (as part of the world) in these verses? 5. 3:18-21 emphasizes the importance of our personal relationship to Jesus Christ. How would you describe your response to Him before you became a born-again Christian and now if you have become a born-again Christian? 3
WEEK THREE 18 th March Who is equal with God? Preacher: Ian Rose Reading: John 5:1-30 Introduction Aim: Those who reject Jesus as God s Son ignore strong evidence In the first 4 chapters people responded and believed in Jesus, but from now people s attitudes change. After His miracles, instead of believing, many Jewish spiritual leaders start to argue with and persecute Him. Jesus challenged their strong traditions and many man-made rules, particularly about work on the Sabbath. In 5:16-18 He clearly stated that He was equal with God and they tried to kill Him for saying this. His response was to explain what God the Father had given Him to do during His time on earth. This included giving life to some, becoming a judge for God as the promised Son of man (Daniel 7:13-14) and so please God the Father in all things. Anyone refusing to honour the Son doesn t honour God the Father, who sent Him. Memorise John 5:24, a great verse as it talks about passing from a position of eternal death to one of eternal life. 1. 5:1-15 What was the invalid s attitude before his healing, and how did it change? 2. 5:9-15 The Fourth Commandment says, Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy (Exodus 20:8-11). In their desire to obey, what do Jesus critics fail to see? 3. 5:16-18 Jesus explains the work of creation ended on the 7 th day, but not God s work of compassion. Why does His explanation make His enemies want to kill Him even more? 4. 5:19-23 A What insights are given into the Father s devotion to the Son? B The Son s dependence on the Father? 5. 5:24-30 According to Jesus why is our response to Him a matter of eternal life or eternal death? 4
WEEK FOUR 25 th March I am the bread of life Preacher: Rev. Bruce Stanley Readings: Exodus 3:1-14; John 6:35-59 Introduction Aim: To learn of Jesus ability and willingness to meet our needs 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). Try to memorise 6:37. 1. 6:35-40 What does Jesus mean by saying He is the Bread of Life and has come to do God s will? 2. 6:41-42 Jesus claims to be the Bread of life (6:35). Based on the remarks of some in the crowd, do you think they understand what Jesus is saying? Give reasons 3. 6:43-51 A What does Jesus say about the relationship between Him and His Father? B What does a person have to do to receive eternal life in these verses? 4. 6:51-59 When Jesus says This bread is My flesh (9:51-52), the crowd only thinks of cannibalism (humans eating other human s flesh). What do you think it means to eat Jesus flesh and drink His blood? 5 In these verses what is the connection between eating His flesh and the manna which Israel ate in the desert see 1 Corinthians 10:1-6? 5
WEEK FIVE 1 st April I am the resurrection Preacher: TBA Readings: John 11:1-27; John 11:28-44 Introduction Aim: To be encouraged by Jesus final victory over death and His power to bring glory out of something terrible Jesus was friends with Lazarus, and with Martha and Mary, his two sisters. After Lazarus sickness and death, Jesus waited for 4 days to pass before arriving at their home for a reason (11:4). Both sisters believed Lazarus wouldn t have died if Jesus had been there (11:21,32). Martha knew that Lazarus would arise in the resurrection at the last day (11:24). Jesus replied, I am the resurrection and the life (11:25). Jesus wept (11:35) as He saw the consequences of man s rebellion against God - physical death for everyone. Jesus showed His God-given power by raising Lazarus to life. 1. 11:1-16 By delaying to go to Lazarus home for two days, what lessons did Jesus want to teach His disciples? 2. From the clues in these verses, describe Jesus relationship with each member of this family: Mary, Martha and Lazarus 3. 11:17-27 A What elements/parts of doubt and faith do you see in Martha s statement to Jesus B How does Jesus stretch Martha s faith in this brief encounter 4. 11:28-38 Why do you think John emphasizes that Jesus is deeply moved by Mary s grief/sadness and anguish/distress of those with her? 5. 11:39-44 What can we learn about Jesus power and His relationship with God the Father, which can be of help to us here on earth? 6
WEEK SIX GOOD FRIDAY 6 th April I am King Preacher: Ian Rose Readings: John 18:33-19:16; John 19:28-37 Introduction - Aim: Jesus is King of a kingdom not of this world, but gave His life willingly for man s sin as prophesied in the Old Testament Jesus had been betrayed by Judas, Peter had denied he knew Jesus 3 times, now the Jewish religious leaders had handed Him over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, to be crucified. Jesus admitted that He was a King and that is why He had come into this world to testify to the truth, but His kingdom was from another place. Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the Jews wanted Him crucified, so Pilate eventually agreed to this. But remember we are all guilty for Jesus death as He died to pay the price for the sin of everyone. (John 10:18) The second section describes Jesus death, fulfilling a number of Old Testament prophecies - Psalm 22:16-18; 69:21; Exodus 12:46; Zechariah 12:10. 1. 18:36-37 How would you describe Jesus kingdom based on His response to Pilate? 2. 18:38-19:16 Pilate is obviously trying to release Jesus. A What specific attempts does he make? B What can you conclude about Pilate s character after reading these verses? 3. 19:28-29 What did Jesus mean when He said so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled - see Psalm 22:16-18; 69:21; Isaiah 53:4-6; Zechariah 12:10 4. 19:30 What is the importance of Jesus cry It is finished? see John 1:29; 17:4 5. 19:31-37 What was the importance of Jesus legs not being broken and the piercing of His side? See Exodus 12:5,43,46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:14-15 7
WEEK SIX EASTER DAY 8 th April I am Risen Preacher: Rev. Bruce Stanley Readings: John 20:1-9; John 20:19-31 Introduction Aim: To affirm the reality of Jesus resurrection to help those who doubt/disbelieve Although Jesus had told His followers He would rise from the dead on the third day at least 3 times (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34), after His death on the cross none of them expected this to happen nor did they understand that He had to rise from the dead (20:9; 2:22). In 20:24-31 although the other 10 apostles and others had seen Jesus after He had been raised from the dead, (doubting) Thomas refused to believe until He had seen Jesus and actually touched His wounds. We may be surprised at this, but there are millions since then who have refused to believe Jesus could have risen from the dead. Try to memorize Thomas s response in 20:28 and also 20:31. If you have not yet taken that step of faith to repent and believe in Jesus and receive Him into your heart and life, then pray and ask God each day to reveal this truth to your heart, until you do take that step of faith. 1. 20:1-9 John identifies three witnesses to the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene, Peter and the other disciple, (John himself). A What important details do we learn from each? B Why is it important to prove the tomb was empty? 2. 20:19-23 A When Jesus appears to His disciples, what specific gifts/promises does He give them? B What do you think is the significance or importance of each gift and promise? 3. 20:24-29 Finally Jesus appears to Thomas. A How does Thomas s attitude - both before and after Jesus appears to him - add credibility to the resurrection? B What can we learn from this about helping people with doubts about the Christian message? 4. Is believing that Jesus rose from the dead as important as believing that He died on the cross for our sins? Explain why or why not. 5. 20:30-31 John tells us why he has written his gospel. Of all the miraculous signs John has included, which have been the most convincing to you and why? 8