Guided Reading - John

Guided Reading for John

1. Read John 1.

a. List the things we learn about the “Word” in verses 1-18. (briefly!)

The Word has eternally existed with God and the Word was God. All things were made through him, and in him was life and light. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us revealing his glory.

b. How does John the Baptist describe Jesus? (1:19-34)

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

2. Read John 2-4.

a. How does the writer summarize Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine? (see 2:11) What does this tell us about John’s purpose in writing?

The writer summarizes Jesus’ first miracle as a means of manifesting His glory. This indicates that all the miracles were used to reveal Jesus Christ being divine.

b. What do you think Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is meant to indicate in the context of Jesus’ ministry? (2:12-22)

Jesus Christ is identifying himself as the new temple, and being the new temple, the Jewish people will inevitably destroy His body.

c. In what way might Nicodemus represent the attitude and inadequacies of the Jewish leadership? In what way does Jesus correct him? (ch. 3)

Nicodemus had an attitude of trusting in his intellect and legalism. Jesus clearly calls Nicodemus’ heart into question, and that He had to be born again through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit.

d. What do we learn about the nature of Jesus’ ministry from his conversation with the Samaritan woman?

Jesus is crossing the cultural divide and the good news of Jesus is received by those who are outcasted in society.

3. Read John 5-7.

a. Why does the healing at the pool of Bethsaida provoke a confrontation with the Jewish leadership? (What had Jesus done?) What is the main theme of Jesus’ statement about himself in 5:31-47?

Jesus provoked the Jewish people to anger by not observing the Sabbath according to their legalistic traditions. Jesus reveals that He is the fulfillment of all that is written in the pages of scripture (Jesus is saying He is the Word that became flesh).

b. The feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle which occurs in all four Gospels. Here in John, how do the people respond to the feeding? (chapter 6) What is the connection between the feeding and the discourse which follows? (6:25-59)

The people respond to the miracle by believing that Jesus was the Prophet, aka, like Moses. Jesus relates the feeding to Moses leading the Israelites in the wilderness and witnessing the Lord providing manna.

c. Identify the various questions and conclusions the people and the leaders draw concerning Jesus in 7:14-52? Is John using irony in verses 41-42? If so, explain how.

Question: How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?

Conclusion: Jesus is a demon!

Question: Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?

Conclusion: They believe there will be a “real” Christ to appear later.

Question: Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him?

Conclusion: He may be going to the Dispersion among the Greeks to teach the Greeks.

Galilee was a highly unlikely place for the Christ to come from. Jesus was not born there, so actually He isn’t coming from Galilee.

4. Read John 8-10.

a. What claim does Jesus make about himself in 8:48-59 (especially in v. 58)? You may need to follow cross references here, or consult a study Bible or a commentary.

Jesus makes the claim, “I AM.” This is an echo of the burning bush where the Lord spoke to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Quite a bold and unquestionable usage of the Hebrew language which claims absolute divinity.

b. In what ways does the blind man who was healed testify concerning Jesus before the religious leaders? (chapter 9)

He began comparing Jesus to “the Prophet,” however, as the narrative continues, this former blind man affirms that Jesus was from God.

c. What metaphors does Jesus use to describe himself in 10:1-18? What characteristics do they bring out?

Jesus is the door of the sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd. These characteristics bring out the humility and uniqueness of Jesus Christ’s mission on earth.

5. Read John 11-12.

a. What response does the raising of Lazarus provoke among the Sanhedrin? (see 11:45-57)

They were concerned that if they allowed Jesus to go free without arresting Him, that everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both their place and their nation.

b. Chapters 11-12 represent a transition from the “Book of Signs” (chs. 1-10) to the “Book of the Passion” (chs. 11-20; or, 13-20). How do the raising of Lazarus, the anointing at Bethany, the Triumphal Entry, and Jesus’ words in 12:23 indicate this transition?

Jesus is beginning to reveal that His glorification is coming very soon.

6. Read John 13-17.

a. What is the significance of the washing of the disciples’ feet in the context of Jesus’ ministry?

It was a demonstration of the humility of Christ to serve others.

b. What role will the Holy Spirit have in the life of the disciples? (see 14:15-27; 16:5-15)

The Holy Spirit will help the disciples keep His commandments, and the Holy Spirit will be a helper to them.

c. What does the vine and branches metaphor (ch. 15) teach concerning Jesus’ relationship with the disciples (briefly!)

That when the disciples abide in Jesus, they will keep His commands. The unity with Jesus Christ is one that cannot be separated. The fruit of that union is obedience to His commands.

d. List some of the things Jesus prays for his disciples in the “high priestly prayer” of chapter 17.

He prays for the lost, He prays for them to be sanctified in the truth.

7. Read John 18-19

a. How does Jesus define his kingship at his trial? What do you think this means in the context of John’s theology?

Jesus defines his kingship as being not of this world. This aspect echos what John’s prologue explains that the light has come into the world and the world rejects him.

b. Identify the events which occur while Jesus is on the cross. Compare the accounts of Matthew and Mark which you have studied previously and make a note of John’s emphasis.

John seems to note the special efforts of the kingship of Christ to be censored or redefined upon the inscription of the cross.

8. Read John 20-21.

a. How does the account of the resurrection appearance to Thomas prepare the way for the statement of purpose in John 20:30-31?

Thomas needed to see first hand in order to be convinced. This was ultimately the reason for all the signs recorded in the book of John.

b. Chapter 21 serves as an epilogue to the book. What do you think is the significance of Jesus’ commission to Peter to “feed my sheep”?

God promised not only to come as His people’s true shepherd, but also to give them many faithful under-shepherds to care for those in the flock of God.

9. Based on your overall reading of John, try to summarize his Christology (his perspective on Christ) in a few phrases or sentences.

John’s Christology can be summarized in Jesus revealing himself to both Jew and Gentile. Jesus was able to do this through the seven signs and seven discourses that Jesus gives. Jesus is proved to be rejected by the Jews. This rejection was the only means of His glorification because it would entail severe suffering.