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Study Guide:Gospel Of John / week 2

Day 1/ Read John 4

What is surprising about Jesus’ question to the Samaritan woman (vv. 8-9)?
Why does the woman suddenly change the subject and begin talking about the controversy over the proper place of worship (vv. 16-20)?
From verses 27-42, do you think the Samaritan woman genuinely believed? What do you see in the passage that supports your position?
After his encounter with the Samaritan woman, what specific lessons does Jesus apply to his disciples and to us (vv. 34-38)?
What does the "second miraculous sign" Jesus performs (vv. 43-54) reveal about him?

What has Jesus taught you in this chapter about meeting the specific needs of those around you?
What present-day situations might arouse the same racial, religious and sexual prejudices as the Samaritan woman did?
How could you reach someone who has been rejected by the world, as Jesus did?

Ask God to help you be aware of the "Samaritans" around you. Ask him to help you reach out to them.

Day 2 / Read John 5

Discovering the Word

Based on the scene and conversation around the pool, how would you describe the feelings and attitudes of the invalid (vv. 1-15)?
The seventh commandment said: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (see Ex 20:8-11). In their zeal to apply this command, what were the Jews failing to see (vv. 5:9-15)?
What insights do verses 19-23 give us into (a) the Father's devotion to the Son and (b) the Son's dependence on the Father?
What "witnesses" does Jesus call forward to testify on his behalf (vv. 31-47)?
What counter-accusations does Jesus make against those who are attacking him?
According to this chapter, what really influences our verdict for or against Jesus?

When have you been more concerned about a religious activity than the reality behind it? Explain.
How can you avoid the kind of religion that is outwardly pious but inwardly bankrupt?

Ask God to help you discover true religion.

Day 3 / Read John 6

Discovering the Word

Read John 6:1-15. How would you characterize Philip's and Andrew's response to the problem of feeding this enormous crowd (vv. 5-9)?
Imagine that you are one of the disciples, rowing the boat in dark, rough waters (vv. 16-21). How would your concept of Jesus have been altered by seeing him walk on water?
The next day the people were hungry again, so they came seeking Jesus (vv. 22-25). How does he try to redirect their thinking (vv. 26-33)?
Based on the remarks of some in the crowd (vv. 41-42), do you think they finally understood what Jesus was saying? Explain.
When Jesus said, "This bread is my flesh," the crowd could think only of cannibalism (v. 52). What do you think it means to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood (vv. 53-59)? Is this something we do once for all time, or is it an ongoing process? Explain.
In verses 60-71 Jesus turns away from the crowd and focuses on his disciples. How would you describe their responses to his "hard teaching"?

Which response in question 6 best describes your present attitude toward Jesus? Explain.
Jesus has contrasted the two appetites found in every person—the appetite for food that perishes and the appetite for food that endures. In what ways has Jesus satisfied the spiritual hunger in your heart?

Praise God for satisfying all your needs.