STUDY #2— JOHN 1:15-51

Read 1:15-28

1. What claims do John the Baptist and John the writer make about Christ inverses 15-18?
Note: The writer of this Gospel never names himself. In chapter 1 and elsewhere, "John" refers to John the Baptist, a well-known, radical prophet of Jesus' day.

2. What do you know about the Law Moses gave (1:17)? Why do you think it was given?
Note: The Law wasn't given to be kept but to reveal sin for what it is. Like an x-ray, it doesn't cure anything; it simply reveals the problem. (See 5:45; Romans 3:19-20,7:7; Galatians 2:16, 3:24.)


3. According to John 1:23, how do you understand the primary role of John the Baptist? (See also 3:26-30; Luke 3:4-14,7:29-30.)
-John the Baptist announced the imminent arrival of the Messiah, calling on men to make their way straight—a way that had been twisted by centuries of self-will and religious traditions. If they didn't do this, they wouldn't recognize the Messiah.

Right: Painting of John the Baptist by Titian in 1520.

4. How could the people of Israel straighten their way of living?
Note: Repentance means a change in mentality, a desire to leave your current way of life in order to enter into a relationship with Christ. Notice that the change came first, then the baptism. John's baptism was the sign that the individual had indeed repented (Luke 3:4-14).

5. Why do you think Jesus is called the "Lamb of God"? (See Isaiah 53:4-7, Hebrews 10:1-14.)
Note: The Old Testament sacrifices are illustrations of the need for the single, sufficient sacrifice of Christ.

6. What do you think are the implications of John the Baptist's declaration in John 1:33 that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit?Note: Being a Christian is not merely following a certain philosophy, or becoming a part of a religious system, it is a relationship between two persons: Jesus Christ and the individual (1:12, 3:5-8, 4:23-24). This baptism doesn't involve water.

Read John 1:34-51.



7. This section teaches the story of how five people first encountered Christ. Each one came by a different means. Who are the five, and what was it that prompted each to believe in Christ?

Left: An Eastern Orthodox painting of John the Baptist from 1620.

STUDY #1—JOHN 1:1-14

Read 1:1-14.

John 1: 1-14

1. What is John referring to when he speaks of the "Word" in verses 1-3 and 14? (Seel John 1:1-3.)

2. Why do you think He is described as the Word?
Note: The function of a word is to transmit an idea. I say "pencil" and you know what I mean. I say "God" and what comes to your mind? From where did you get this concept of God? Jesus Christ is the "word" for God. (See John 1:18.)

I am limited to the range of my five senses. Could God exist beyond them? Of course. If He remained beyond them, knowing Him would be an impossibility. Before I can know Him, He must take the initiative and give us the "Word." This is the claim made here about Jesus.

3. What are some qualities you see attributed to the Word in verses 1-5 and 14?

4. In verses 4-9, light is used as another analogy to describe Christ. What, to you, are some implications of this analogy? (See 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35,36.)

5. John 1:9 says every person is illuminated by Christ. In what sense do you think John means this?

Note: All people are created by Him. All have life from Him. But man has abandoned this source of life and has fallen into darkness. There are still traces in man of his noble origin, but they are merely the remains of what he once was. What does remain


What does remain is
A certain God-consciousness—
An innate sense of morality—These two elements explain the existence of religions and philosophies: Life is in Him. We understand life—our own and others'—by coming to the Light.

6. According to John 1.11-13, how does one enter God's family? Note: It does not happen through
• heredity
• self-effort
• the efforts of another (pastor, priest, etc.) Only God can give life.

7 What do you think it means to "receive Christ"? Note: In 1:12, "receive" and "believe" are synonymous. In 3:36, the opposite of believing is rebellion against God—not accepting His authority over our lives. What do you conclude from this? Believe implies submission. (See Revelation 3:20.)

What is the rock?

and who the heck is Jesus?

This was our discussion last night with one atheist, one agnostic, several kinds of Christians and a couple of Buddhists (and a burned-out, slightly cynical ex-pastor--that would be me! ;~).

UPON THIS 'ROCK' I WILL BUILD MY COMMUNITY

The Catholic Church says that Peter is the rock (and the popes)
Ruben said "personal convictions."

Clay said "Truth."

I suggested at one point intuitive truth

so read the passage and tell us, what do YOU think the rock represents?

What say you?