The Gospel of John

- Questions

Ideal for private meditations or for group studies.

#1 – “Seeing Is Believing” - John 1

1. How central to the Christian faith is the teaching that Jesus is fully God and fully man? (Look especially at v1-5, 9-10, 14, 18). How would it change our lives if he were not?

2. As far as we know, John the Baptist only saw Jesus on two successive days (v29 & v35). Put yourself in John’s place. Consider his life up to this point, and afterwards. What would you have felt on these two days?

3. Jesus asks Andrew and his friend, “What do you want?” Bear in mind that Jesus is the creator of the universe (v3) and could give them anything, what do you think of their reply? What answer would you give?

Qu's 1-6

#2 - “Wine and Whips – John 2

1. John 2 consists of two stories – the turning of water into wine, and the cleansing of the temple. At first glance these stories seem totally different and unrelated. Can you think of any reasons why John may have put them together?

2. What aspects of Jesus’ character are revealed in each story? How are these aspects related to one another?

3. Put yourself in the place of the bridal couple. How would you have felt at each point in the story?

#3 – A Seeker in the Night” - John 3

1. Why do you think Nicodemus came to Jesus by night? Do you identify with him in any way?

2. What does the phrase “Born again” suggest to you?

3. What does it tell the fact that Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to wind suggest about the nature of the Holy Spirit? What practical implications does this have for us?

4. Jesus doesn’t say “must” very often. But the word occurs three times in this chapter (v7, 14 & 30). What does each of them say to us about our walk with Jesus?

#4 – “The Woman who wasn’t well” – John 4

1. In what ways can you tell that this woman wasn’t well? (Jesus’ offer of living water is a clue.)

2. What does ‘Living Water’ suggest to you? What would you expect someone who possessed it to be like?

3. John 4 is the story of two people – the woman at the well, and the royal official with a sick child. How are these two people different? How are they similar? What do you think of the way Jesus treated each one?

#5 - Trouble at the Colonnades - John 5

1. Why do you think Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be well?”

2. What do you perceive about the character of the man who was healed?

3.Jesus said, “I can only do what I see my Father doing.”(v19) What do you see the Father doing right now?

#6 (Part 1) – Bread and Water – Jn 6:21-24

1.This story shows clearly the striking disproportion between existing need and available resources. What can we learn from Philip's response?

From Andrew's? What could you do about the need of the world?

2. After hard rowing in the rough sea and strong wind, Jesus has not yet joined them.

What do you do when you feel that Jesus "has not yet joined you"?

#6 (Part 2) – Bread of Life – Jn 6:25-71

1. In this passage Jesus makes the first of several “I am” statements that appear in John’s gospel: "I am the bread of life”. Reflect for a moment on all the images that come to mind when you think of bread. Remember the abundance of the bread in the miracle earlier in this chapter. In what way do these images reflect God’s love and grace in sending Jesus?

2. Jesus twice tells them to stop grumbling. What do I grumble about?

3. Looking back through the lens of the cross we can understand what Jesus means when he offers his body as the living bread. What can I do to help me take communion in a particularly mindful way?

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#7 – Jesus’ greatest statement – John 7

1. Jesus used the Festival of Tabernacles to reveal his true identity. He knew who he was and did not need fame and affirmation of others. Can you think of someone who knows who they are and who inspires you?

2.Andy claims that Jesus' greatest statement was: "Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Holy Spirit. Do you agree? Why? Why not?

3. Nicodemus first came to see Jesus in the dark and here he is speaking openly with a new note of confidence. Have you ever noticed a new note of spiritual confidence in yourself or another person?

#8 – “I AM” – John 8

To listen to a reading of John 8, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8xkJfLEIfY

v1-8 - These verses may not have been in the original, but what qualities of Jesus do you see here?

v12-58 – In verse 25, the Pharisees ask, “Who are you?” If someone asked you “Who is Jesus?” what answers could you give them from this passage?

#9 – “The Power of Paradigm” – John 9

To listen to a Reading of John 9 click here: https://youtu.be/eBRzVWRMCBs

1. Compare the character of the man born blind to the character of the invalid in John 5. Is there anything for us to learn from these differences?

2. What paradigms (“maps,” mental shortcuts) do you carry about God? Suffering? Healing? Race? Americans? Russians? Yourself?

3. When did you last revise a paradigm?

Quote from “The Road Less Travelled” by M Scott Peck:

Our view of reality [paradigm] is like a map with which to negotiate the terrain of life. If the map is true and accurate we will generally know where we are, if the map is false and inaccurate we will generally be lost. Our route to reality is not easy. We are not born with maps; we have to make them. If our maps are to be accurate, we have to revise them continually, and this requires effort. Many do not want to make this effort. Some stop making it by the end of adolescence. Their maps are small and sketchy; their views of the world are narrow and misleading. By the end of middle age most people have given up the effort. They feel certain that their maps are complete (indeed, even sacrosanct.) We may actually crusade against new information or opinion, and attempt to manipulate the world so as to make it conform to our view of reality. Sometimes we may denounce new information as false, dangerous, heretical, the work of the devil. Ironically, such a person may ultimately expend more energy in defending an outmoded view of the world than would have been required to revise and correct it in the first place. Only a fortunate few continue until the moment of death exploring the mystery of reality.

#10 (Part 1) – “Discerning the Spirits” – John 10:1-16

1. Jesus chose the sheep as the animal to represent his followers. Which would you have chosen, and why? Bearing in mind what Andy said in the previous study about paradigms, what animal would you choose to represent the Pharisees and why?

2. Andy says that John 10:10 is the central verse of the whole book of John. Do you agree? Why/why not?

3. “The thief breaks in to kill, steal and destroy.” What things do you think particularly steal and destroy our faith these days?

4. “I have come to give you life.” What things particularly increase your faith and add to your Christian life?

#10 (Part 2) – “The Turning Point” – John 10:16-42

Note 1: The festival of Dedication (v22) is the festival of Hannukah. (“Hannukah” means ‘Dedication’.) It commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the re-dedication of the temple by the Maccabee brothers after it had been desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes in 164AD. A nine-branched oil lamp marks the miracle of the oil that should only have burned for one day, but burned for eight. It is the only Jewish festival not arising from the Old Testament. It falls in mid-December (can be very cold) and lasts 8 days. It is a celebration of God’s protection, and gift of restoration.

Note 2 - Solomon's colonnade was a beautiful covered collonade only open on the side of the temple

1. How does this background add to the significance of:

v23 - “Walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. “ See also Acts 31-8. (The Gate beautiful is in the middle of Solomon's collonade.)

v27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

v28 – “They shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

2. Verse 38-39. This is Jesus’ last dealing with the Pharisees. How are his last words and actions appropriate?

From here on, he turns away from them, and goes down to the warm Jordan valley for three months. What lessons do you find in this for our lives?

#11 – “The Problem with Grave Clothes” – John 11

To listen to a reading of this passage,click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jydP1kp6Pvg&t=16s

1. What do you notice about the personalities of 1)Thomas 2) Mary and 3) Martha? Notice that Jesus dealt differently with each of them. Why do you think he treated each the way he did?

2. Why do you think Jesus shouted? (v43)

3. Jesus didn’t raise Lazarus straight out through the grave-clothes (as he himself would later be raised.) Rather, he says to the people standing there, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Do we still have “grave clothes” after we become Christians? How could we take off one another’s “grave clothes”?

#12- “A Question of Calling” – John 12

To listen to a reading of this passage,click here: https://youtu.be/SRKC-x3yq6Y

1. What do you understand by a calling. How many times in this chapter do you see people fulfilling a calling? How are they different, and how can each help us to find our own calling?

2. Have you ever done something and afterwards had the feeling you were meant to do it?

Do you think you have a calling at this time? If you don’t how could the Greeks exercising their calling in verse 20 be an encouragement?

#13 - “Betrayal, Denial, and Clean Feet” – John 13

To listen to a reading of this passage,click here: https://youtu.be/W1CNHS0gOxk

1. What do you think would be the equivalent of washing one another’s feet in today’s world? Why do you think Christians find this so difficult?

2. Why do you think Judas went out to eternal darkness, yet Peter, in spite of his egregious failure, went on to eternal life?

3. Why were the disciples so oblivious to Judas’ true character (v22–25)? How can we ensure that we recognise such people. and how can we protect ourselves from them?

#14 - “Four Diamonds” – John 14

To listen to a reading of this passage,click here: https://youtu.be/4C32O6aYuz0

1. Jesus says “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (v1), but then says “My peace I give unto you.” (v27).

What part do I play and what part does Jesus play in calming anxiety? How does this work in practice?

2. Why do you think people who don’t believe in heaven can live so calmly, considering the awful implications of their belief?

3. If this chapter were the only part of the Bible you had, what would you conclude about the Holy Spirit?

#15 Part 1 - “Our Greatest Privilege” – John 15:1-8

To listen to a reading of this passage,click here: https://youtu.be/TANrsgmaoVE

1. Do you agree that “Christ in us” is the greatest privilege we have as Christians?

2. Do you agree with Andy that the words used in so many songs about the Holy Spirit are Old Covenant? Does it matter?

3. What methods do you use to help you remain continually conscious of Christ’s presence?

4. The plethora of songs pleading for the Holy Spirit suggests that people aren’t experiencing/feeling Christ’s presence? What is the answer to this problem?

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#15 Part 2 – “Five Words” – John 15:9-27

To listen to a reading of this passage, click here: https://youtu.be/IjPMCRWhpPo

1. Jesus said that we must remain in his love. What do you do when you can’t feel God’s love?

2. Count how many times the word “Hate/hatred” occurs in this passage. Why do you think there is so much hatred in the world? Does this passage suggest any antidotes?

3. Jesus says, “I call you friends,” “I have chosen you,” and “Your joy will be complete.” Which of the three appeals to you the most? Why?

#16 - “Three Worlds” – John 16

To listen to a reading of John 16, click here: https://youtu.be/sHTe7HTFzD4

1. If this were the only chapter of Scripture you ever saw, what would you conclude about heaven? Is it an attractive picture to you? Why/why not?

2. Pastor Andy says that “The World” which Jesus is referring to is not ordinary lost people, but rather people, or systems, or philosophies which oppress and suck life out of people. Do you agree? What philosophies do you see in the world that are spoiling people’s lives?

3. Christians are supposed to be “in this world, but not of it,” and Jesus says we will be persecuted. Do you think this is true of Christians today? Why/Why not?

#17 - “Jesus’ Prayer List” – John 17

To listen to a reading of john 17, click here: https://youtu.be/tKNki_4q2RA

1. The moment of Jesus’ supreme sacrifice has come. How will this glorify the Father and the Son? Why do you think Jesus so desires to have back the glory he had before the world began?

2. Before you look at Andy’s video, see if you can find what word occurs most often in this chapter. What does that tell you?

3. John 18:1 suggests that Jesus prayed this prayer at the last supper, not in Gethsemane. This means that he prayed it in the presence of his disciples – it was his closing prayer. Put yourself in the disciples’ position at that time - how would you have felt to have this prayer prayed over you?

#18 - "From the Garden to the Palaces of Power" - John 18

To listen to a reading of John 18, click here: https://youtu.be/amwzMar5rrI

1. How do we know that Jesus allowed himself to be arrested?

2. Have you ever gone for peace at any price? What was the price? Was it worth it?

3. What signs to you find that Jesus (and John) are preoccupied by truth?

4. What do you think of Pilate’s quesion “What is truth”? Isn’t the answer obvious?

#19 – “The Purple and the Thorns” – John 19

To listen to a reading of john 19, click here: https://youtu.be/S4Ic7d4iA5E

(It might be a good idea to do these questions before looking at the video.)

1. Think about the symbolism of the flogging (the 39 lashes), the purple robe,and the crown of thorns. What do they suggest to you? v1-5

2. Do you think Pilate might be in heaven? Look particularly at v11-12and 19-22.

3. Why do you think Jesus had to go through such a painful, shameful, drawn-out death? Wouldn’t it have sufficed if he had simply been beheaded like John the Baptist?

4. John emphasizes the blood and the wate. Why do you think this is important?

#20 - “Sunday’s a-Comin’ “ - John 20

To listen to a reading of John 20, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4NkBWXwQ9c&t=8s

To listen to Tony Campolo "Sunday's a-Comin'!" click here: https://youtu.be/u-PvZOoZ2TQ

To listen to Don Francisco "He's Alive" click here: https://youtu.be/TlcRHxUkctQ

1. (Before watching the video.) John, Peter, Mary and Thomas each come to full belief in different ways. Analyze each one yourself before seeing what Andy says. Who do you identify with/wish you could be like?

2. Take some time to use your imagination and picture what the world would be like today if Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead.

#21 - Epilogue - John 21

To listen to a reading of John 21, click here: https://youtu.be/c0yz16H0Gpo

Question: Many things in this chapter have symbolic significance: for example notice the repetition of ‘three’ or ‘third.’ Identify as many as you can. What do you think was the significance of each one? (You may want to do this before watching the video.)