Read 6:1-31.
1. What motivated the multitudes to follow Jesus (6:2,14-15,26-27)?
Note:
• Their physical needs (6:2)
• Politics (6.14-15)
• Material gain—free bread (6:26-27)
2. Do you think these same things motivate people to be religious today?
3- How did Jesus react to these people (6:26-29)?
4. What do you think it was that disqualified them from being real followers of Jesus?
Note: They refused to accept the significance of the signs. They were interested only in the utilitarian side, what Jesus could do for them.
5. What do you think Jesus was really trying to teach the crowd when He fed them (6:27)?
6. Jesus attached a second meaning to both that bread and the manna Moses gave the Israelites. How would you explain that second meaning? (See Isaiah 55:1-2.)
John 6:32-58.
7. What do you think Jesus was implying when He referred to Himself as "the bread of life" (John 6:35,51)?
Note:
• He is from above—the supernatural world (6:38,41,42).
• He gives life to the world (6:33).
• He satisfies our hunger and thirst (6:35).
• He is eternal (6:51,54).
8. How can a person get some of this "bread" (6:51-58)?
9. What do you think Jesus means by "eat my flesh and drink my blood"? Note: It is an individual act. A person must take Christ as the "staff of life." (See Galatians 2:20.) This chapter is not referring to Communion. With whom did Jesus break bread at the Lord's Supper? For what purpose? (See Luke 22:14-23.) The Lord's Supper was intended to provide a permanent remembrance of the hour of His death. Jesus told the multitude in John 6 that they had to eat and drink of Him for a very different reason. What was it?
10. Why is it impossible for Jesus to be merely a teacher or a philosopher and say what He says in 6:35-38?
Read 6:59-71
11. Why didn't Jesus try to smooth things over when He saw that His followers were offended by what He said (6:60-66)? (See also Matthew 15:8-9, Acts 28:26-27.)
Note: The people were only superficially accepting Jesus. He wanted all or nothing. He did those people a favor by sending them away. They had long been under the illusion that they were "followers of Christ." But Jesus' nonnegotiable terms are, "Give Me your whole self or forget it!"
If Christianity were something we were making up, of course we could make it easier. But it is not. We cannot compete, in simplicity, with people who are inventing religions. How could we? We are dealing with Fact. Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about.> —C.S. Lewis
12. When Jesus asked His twelve disciples why they didn't leave along with everyone else. Peter summed up their position (John 6:68-69). What was his answer?
13- What do you think he meant by that?
14. Have you learned anything new about being a follower of Jesus Christ through this Gospel?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
STUDY #6—JOHN 5
John 5
Read 5:1-18.
The most ancient known documents do not include verse 4. This suggests that it may have been interpolated later to explain the phenomenon of the pool.
1. Why do you think Jesus chose that particular lame man out of the multitude of diseased people (5:7)? (See also Luke 19:10.)
2. Did the lame man demonstrate any faith? Why might this be significant?
3. Why do you suppose Jesus asked, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). Why wasn't that a stupid question?
4. Imagine being a paralyzed beggar waiting thirty-eight years for an improbable cure. Yet Jesus spoke of "something worse" (5:14). What could it be? (See Matthew 16:26.)
5. Is it possible to quit sinning? (See Romans 7:14-20.) Why didjesus tell him to stop? (See Romans 3:19-31,7:21-25.)
Note: Imagine how the man felt when he found himself sinning again after Jesus' warning. But he had to try to stop on his own to be convinced that he couldn't stop. It usually takes such a stubborn, independent attempt before we try God's way. The man had to realize that it was impossible for him not to sin unless he changed his very nature. He had to be born again (John 3:3).
6. Why didjesus deliberately violate the sacrificial laws (5:16-18)? (See also Matthew 12:1-14.)
Note: Centuries of tradition had obscured what the Old Testament actually taught regarding the Sabbath. Jesus was merely giving the Sabbath its proper interpretation. One of the characteristics of tradition is that it eventually becomes authoritative. (See Mark 7:6-9.)
7. What do you observe about Jesus from John 5:17-18?
Read 5:19-30.
8. What observations can you make about Jesus' relationship with His
Father (5:19-23)? (Compare 8:28,12:48-49,14:10.) In what sense was He dependent on His Father?
9. What do you see Jesus promising in 5:24? How does one receive these promises?
10. How would you reconcile 5:29 with the teaching that spiritual life comes through faith and not works? (See 6:28-29,15:5.)
Note: The life must come first, for it is the life that produces the works.
Read 5:31-47.
11. Jesus presented five witnesses who attested to His deity (5:31-39). Who or what were they?
Note:
• Jesus Himself
• His own works
• John the Baptist
• The Father
• The Scriptures
It is possible to isolate these witnesses, casting doubt on them individually. But when they are called to the stand together, although they do not prove the divinity of Christ with human proofs, they become irrefutable.
12. What obstacle to faith do you observe in 5:44? (See also 12:42-43.) How does this still hinder people?
Read 5:1-18.
The most ancient known documents do not include verse 4. This suggests that it may have been interpolated later to explain the phenomenon of the pool.
1. Why do you think Jesus chose that particular lame man out of the multitude of diseased people (5:7)? (See also Luke 19:10.)
2. Did the lame man demonstrate any faith? Why might this be significant?
3. Why do you suppose Jesus asked, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). Why wasn't that a stupid question?
4. Imagine being a paralyzed beggar waiting thirty-eight years for an improbable cure. Yet Jesus spoke of "something worse" (5:14). What could it be? (See Matthew 16:26.)
5. Is it possible to quit sinning? (See Romans 7:14-20.) Why didjesus tell him to stop? (See Romans 3:19-31,7:21-25.)
Note: Imagine how the man felt when he found himself sinning again after Jesus' warning. But he had to try to stop on his own to be convinced that he couldn't stop. It usually takes such a stubborn, independent attempt before we try God's way. The man had to realize that it was impossible for him not to sin unless he changed his very nature. He had to be born again (John 3:3).
6. Why didjesus deliberately violate the sacrificial laws (5:16-18)? (See also Matthew 12:1-14.)
Note: Centuries of tradition had obscured what the Old Testament actually taught regarding the Sabbath. Jesus was merely giving the Sabbath its proper interpretation. One of the characteristics of tradition is that it eventually becomes authoritative. (See Mark 7:6-9.)
7. What do you observe about Jesus from John 5:17-18?
Read 5:19-30.
8. What observations can you make about Jesus' relationship with His
Father (5:19-23)? (Compare 8:28,12:48-49,14:10.) In what sense was He dependent on His Father?
9. What do you see Jesus promising in 5:24? How does one receive these promises?
10. How would you reconcile 5:29 with the teaching that spiritual life comes through faith and not works? (See 6:28-29,15:5.)
Note: The life must come first, for it is the life that produces the works.
Read 5:31-47.
11. Jesus presented five witnesses who attested to His deity (5:31-39). Who or what were they?
Note:
• Jesus Himself
• His own works
• John the Baptist
• The Father
• The Scriptures
It is possible to isolate these witnesses, casting doubt on them individually. But when they are called to the stand together, although they do not prove the divinity of Christ with human proofs, they become irrefutable.
12. What obstacle to faith do you observe in 5:44? (See also 12:42-43.) How does this still hinder people?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Speaking truthfully to one another
COL 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
EPH 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
ROM 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.
COL 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
EPH 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
ROM 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.
COL 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
STUDY #5—JOHN 4
Read 4:1-18.
1. What do you learn about Jesus from these verses?
Note: It was rare for a rabbi to condescend to talk to a woman, let alone to a Samaritan woman.
2. What do you think Jesus meant by "living water" (4:10)? (See Isaiah 44:3-4,John 7:37-39.)
3. What claims did He make about the very special water?
4. How do you understand this "thirst" Jesus talks about? Note: The innate human dissatisfaction is strong.
5. How had the woman previously tried to quench her thirst? Note: She had been drinking at the wrong fountain—the fountain of promiscuity (4:17-18). (See also Isaiah 55:1-2.)
6. Why do you think the woman did not understand what Jesus meant by living water?
Note: She was thinking in the natural plane, whereas Jesus was speaking of the supernatural (John 3:4; 6:26,34).
Read 4:19-30.
7. As soon as the Samaritan woman perceived that the conversation was heading toward religion, she tried to keep it from becoming personal by employing a very common tactic. What was it (4:19-20)?
Note: She tried to draw Jesus into a general discussion on religion, but one that didn't focus on her.
8. How did Jesus handle her evasive tactic (4:21-24)?
Note: It's not the religious system, or the forms, or the creed that makes the difference. God's new temple is the individual, and that is where the worship is to take place (1 Corinthians 6:19)-
9. What do we learn about Jesus from His declaration in John 4:26?
10. What decision did the woman face?
11. What happened to her waterpot?
Read 4:31-42.
12. Why was Jesus no longer hungry (4:31-34)?
13. What is the harvest (4:35)? (See also Matthew 9:36-38.) Who are the harvesters (John 4:36-38)? (See also 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.)
14. What conclusion did the townspeople come to about Jesus? What was the basis of their thinking (John 4:39-42)?
Read 4:43-54.
15. How do you interpret Jesus' reaction to the royal official's request? Compare the official's attitude with that of the official in Matthew 8:8.
1. What do you learn about Jesus from these verses?
Note: It was rare for a rabbi to condescend to talk to a woman, let alone to a Samaritan woman.
2. What do you think Jesus meant by "living water" (4:10)? (See Isaiah 44:3-4,John 7:37-39.)
3. What claims did He make about the very special water?
4. How do you understand this "thirst" Jesus talks about? Note: The innate human dissatisfaction is strong.
5. How had the woman previously tried to quench her thirst? Note: She had been drinking at the wrong fountain—the fountain of promiscuity (4:17-18). (See also Isaiah 55:1-2.)
6. Why do you think the woman did not understand what Jesus meant by living water?
Note: She was thinking in the natural plane, whereas Jesus was speaking of the supernatural (John 3:4; 6:26,34).
Read 4:19-30.
7. As soon as the Samaritan woman perceived that the conversation was heading toward religion, she tried to keep it from becoming personal by employing a very common tactic. What was it (4:19-20)?
Note: She tried to draw Jesus into a general discussion on religion, but one that didn't focus on her.
8. How did Jesus handle her evasive tactic (4:21-24)?
Note: It's not the religious system, or the forms, or the creed that makes the difference. God's new temple is the individual, and that is where the worship is to take place (1 Corinthians 6:19)-
9. What do we learn about Jesus from His declaration in John 4:26?
10. What decision did the woman face?
11. What happened to her waterpot?
Read 4:31-42.
12. Why was Jesus no longer hungry (4:31-34)?
13. What is the harvest (4:35)? (See also Matthew 9:36-38.) Who are the harvesters (John 4:36-38)? (See also 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.)
14. What conclusion did the townspeople come to about Jesus? What was the basis of their thinking (John 4:39-42)?
Read 4:43-54.
15. How do you interpret Jesus' reaction to the royal official's request? Compare the official's attitude with that of the official in Matthew 8:8.
Monday, April 5, 2010
John 2 - Study 3
Read John 2:1-11.
1. What do you think Jesus' attendance at the wedding indicates about Him? (See Matthew 11:16-19.)
2. Do you find Jesus' solution to the problem of no wine at the wedding believable? Why or why not?
Note: What claim was made about Jesus in John 1:3? It would be hard to imagine the Creator appearing on earth without revealing His power over His creation. Christ, fully understanding the nature of matter and having power over it, could command the elements of creation at will (Hebrews 11:3).
3. Notice in John 2:11 that John describes the event as a "miraculous sign." He consistently uses this phrase to refer to Jesus' miracles (3:2, 4:54, 6:14,6:26, etc.). Why? What is the function of a sign?
Note: Signs serve to inform.
4. What does the sign tell us about Jesus? '
5. How do you understand this conversation between Jesus and His mother (2:3-5)?
Note: "Woman" was an expression of endearment. What Jesus said could be paraphrased as follows: "We are not of the same world. What is a problem for you is nothing for Me. I'll take care of it. I have time for such things before My 'hour' comes."
6. What "time" do you think Jesus is referring to in 2:4? (See 7:6; 12:23,27; 17:1.)
Note: His death was not a futile and unforeseen tragedy. It was the reason for the coming. The "miraculous signs" contributed to setting off the chain reaction that inevitably led to His death.
Read John 2:12-22
7. What do you suppose prompted Jesus to act the way He did when He cleared the Temple (2:13-17)?
Note: The Passover was one of the principle religious feasts of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem for celebration and spiritual cleansing. However, the temple merchants were exploiting the situation by selling animals and exchanging foreign currencies for the temple currency— all for profit. Jesus accused them of soiling God's name. He told them, in so many words, "Don't use My Father's name to promote your dirty business!" (See Romans 2:24.)
8. How can Jesus' anger be justified? (See Romans 1:18.)
9. The Jews demanded He show His credentials for such authoritative actions. What do you learn about Jesus from His answer (John 2:18-22)?
10. Why do you think His resurrection would constitute the ultimate credential? (See 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.)
Read John 2:23-25.
11. Why do you thinkjesus did not respond to the people in 2:23, even though it says they believed in Him?
Note: Real belief implies commitment. Their acceptance of Jesus did not go that far. (See 12:42-43, James 2:19.) A faith in which the individual reserves the right to run his own life is not faith at all. (See John 3:36.)
1. What do you think Jesus' attendance at the wedding indicates about Him? (See Matthew 11:16-19.)
2. Do you find Jesus' solution to the problem of no wine at the wedding believable? Why or why not?
Note: What claim was made about Jesus in John 1:3? It would be hard to imagine the Creator appearing on earth without revealing His power over His creation. Christ, fully understanding the nature of matter and having power over it, could command the elements of creation at will (Hebrews 11:3).
3. Notice in John 2:11 that John describes the event as a "miraculous sign." He consistently uses this phrase to refer to Jesus' miracles (3:2, 4:54, 6:14,6:26, etc.). Why? What is the function of a sign?
Note: Signs serve to inform.
4. What does the sign tell us about Jesus? '
5. How do you understand this conversation between Jesus and His mother (2:3-5)?
Note: "Woman" was an expression of endearment. What Jesus said could be paraphrased as follows: "We are not of the same world. What is a problem for you is nothing for Me. I'll take care of it. I have time for such things before My 'hour' comes."
6. What "time" do you think Jesus is referring to in 2:4? (See 7:6; 12:23,27; 17:1.)
Note: His death was not a futile and unforeseen tragedy. It was the reason for the coming. The "miraculous signs" contributed to setting off the chain reaction that inevitably led to His death.
Read John 2:12-22
7. What do you suppose prompted Jesus to act the way He did when He cleared the Temple (2:13-17)?
Note: The Passover was one of the principle religious feasts of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem for celebration and spiritual cleansing. However, the temple merchants were exploiting the situation by selling animals and exchanging foreign currencies for the temple currency— all for profit. Jesus accused them of soiling God's name. He told them, in so many words, "Don't use My Father's name to promote your dirty business!" (See Romans 2:24.)
8. How can Jesus' anger be justified? (See Romans 1:18.)
9. The Jews demanded He show His credentials for such authoritative actions. What do you learn about Jesus from His answer (John 2:18-22)?
10. Why do you think His resurrection would constitute the ultimate credential? (See 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.)
Read John 2:23-25.
11. Why do you thinkjesus did not respond to the people in 2:23, even though it says they believed in Him?
Note: Real belief implies commitment. Their acceptance of Jesus did not go that far. (See 12:42-43, James 2:19.) A faith in which the individual reserves the right to run his own life is not faith at all. (See John 3:36.)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 22, 2010
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.)
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.)
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