Gospel of John Reading Guide Week 3

Chapter 8 1. In this chapter we see Jesus faced with a no-win situation. The Pharisees have tried to trick him. If Jesus condemns the adulterer to death he will be in trouble with Rome, because it would usurp their authority by demanding the death penalty. But, if he doesnt condemn her, then he is contradicting the Law of Moses (Gods Word) and then they could disprove to the people that he is from God. How does Jesus handle their set up?

Many scholars believe that when Jesus bent down in the ground that he was writing down the sins of the accusers from the oldest to the youngest. Soon they all wanted to get out of there before their sin was exposed! If you were one of these accusers, how would Jesus response have affected your view of Him? Would you be angry, frustrated, amazed? Jesus response is amazing! He had every right to condemn her but doesnt. What does this insight reveal to you about Jesus? How does Jesus deal with her sin?

How do you think this scenario affected the life of this woman? How can this story affect your view of how God views you and wants you to respond to sin?

2. In verses 31-47 what major distinction does Jesus reveal about God and Satan? - - God is the father of truth and the Truth will set us ____________. Satan is the father of ______________, and prevents the Pharisees from believing the truth.

3. In verse 47 Jesus says, Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you (Pharisees) do not hear is that you do not belong to God. Wow. The Pharisees who were extremely moral and studied Gods word constantly, couldnt hear from God because their heart was in the wrong place. The scary part about this is that they truly believed that they were doing what God wanted; when in reality they were sons of the devil. - Take time to examine your own heart. We need to be careful that we dont develop a form of religiousness that makes us feel like we are ok with God, yet we are actually living for the enemy of our soul. 4. Is there anything in your life that might be hardening your heart to Gods voice? - Describe the last time you know God spoke to your heart? What did you do with the truth he revealed to you? Did you apply the truth and make any changes?

5. What does Jesus say that makes the Pharisees attempt to kill him? - Why would they do this? (hint: By using the phrase "I am," He was identifying Himself as the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush Exodus 3:14).

Chapter 9 1. All of us have asked the question at some point in our lives, Why is this happening to me? In this chapter, the disciples believed that the reason the beggar was blind since birth was because of sin. They just werent sure if it was his fault or his parents. Neither of these statements was true. Why did Jesus say the man was born blind?

The same can be true in your life. We live in a messed up, sinful and broken world. Bad things happen to good and bad people alike. But just like the man in this story, God can take the hardships in our lives and turn them into something beautiful. Sometimes our struggles and pain can be getting you ready for a miracle. Without a mess there wont be a miracle! Read Roman 8:28-38 to see how God uses the hardships in our lives. What truth do you learn from this passage?

2. It's easy to look at a physically challenged person and see his or her limitations and feel sorry for that person. But as Jesus pointed out time and again, it's possible to be physically whole yet spiritually disabled. - Do you know someone who hasn't yet meet Jesus? - Are you afraid to share your faith with your friends of family that dont know God? Why?

- Read verses 24-34. The healed blind man had boldness! He didnt have all the answers but he shared what he knew, I was blind, but now I see. The healing in his life was obvious to all and revealed Jesus supernatural power. Each of us have a story of how God is working in us, healing our soul and transforming our lives. God can use your story to restore your friends / familys sight and show them the hope you now see through Jesus. Pray about who God has placed in your life that He wants you to reach out to. - Take some time to write down your story of how God has been working in your life!

Chapter 10 1. In the beginning of this chapter Jesus uses the analogy of being a Shepherd to reveal many characteristics about himself. Write down at least 5 things we learn about Jesus and why he came to earth?

If we are going to live whole-heartedly for God, it will require sacrifice. So often we falsely believe that following God means missing out on experiencing an exciting life. Yet, notice verse 10, Jesus says that he came to help us to experience life to the fullest. Do you believe that this is true? Why?

Can you think of some examples of how living for God actually makes life exciting and fulfilling?

2. Throughout chapter 10 we learn a lot about who Jesus (Shepherd) is and the characteristics of a true follower of Christ (sheep). Here are just a few phrases that represent Jesus sheep:
My sheep follow me because they know my voice; and they will never follow a stranger. (4-5). I know my sheep and my sheep know me. (14) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (27-28)

Jesus clearly says that His sheep know Him and recognize His voice. Not only that, but once they hear Him, they follow Him wherever he goes and will never follow anyone else. These phrases demonstrate an intimacy between Jesus and His followers. Are you able to recognize Jesus voice? Do you regularly hear God speak to your heart? Explain.

When you hear Gods voice speak to you, are you quick to follow his direction, or do you make excuses as to why you will obey later?

What has God been telling you recently that you need to stop ignoring and just obey?

Chapter 11 1. This chapter has the famous passage of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The interesting thing is that Jesus was warned about Lazarus being sick before he dies, but Jesus does nothing. Why do you think that Jesus waited 2 days in order to go see him?

Jesus responds to Martha by saying, I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me shall never die. Believing in Jesus isnt just intellectually acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God; it requires us to surrender our will to His. Real faith changes everything! We have been raised from spiritual death to a new life in Christ. Does the way you live your life represent the new life that Christ purchased for you on the cross?

Read, Reflect on and Memorize Galatians 2:20 today. I am crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, the life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me!

2. When the Pharisees hear that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead they didnt try to disprove it because it was a fact. Instead of acknowledging Jesus was from God, what do they do? - What was the Pharisees biggest concern? - Why do you think they were so focused on hanging onto the temple when it was obvious that something even greater (the Messiah) was among them?

What lesson can we learn from the Pharisees? How can you avoid being like them?

3. John 11:35 reminds us of Jesus humanity. Throughout most of John it is obvious that Jesus IS GOD. This chapter reminds us that Jesus is also human; he feels and experiences human emotions. Check out some other verses from the New Testament that illustrate Jesus humanity Philippians 2:6-11 and Hebrews 4:15. - How does this affect your view of Jesus?

One amazing truth we learn from Philippians and Hebrews is that when Jesus walked on earth as a human that he gave up His rights and powers as God. He was the perfect example to show us how we can live everyday filled with the Holy Spirit. Throughout John, Jesus often uses the phrase, I only do what my Father in heaven tells me to do. Jesus is demonstrating to us how to be in such an intimate connection with God that he hears Gods voice and immediately obeys him. How can this encourage us in our walk with God?

What can you do differently this week to stay in constant connection with God, and listening to His voice?