Study Guide: Gospel of John / week 3

Week 3 has 4 days of homework

Day 1 / John 7:1-52

The first blast of hostility against Jesus comes from his own family (vv. 1-13). How would you characterize the statements made by Jesus' brothers (vv. 3-5)?
When Jesus makes his presence in Jerusalem known, people begin to challenge the origin (and, therefore, the authority) of his teaching. According to Jesus, how can we verify the truth of his teaching (vv. 16-18)?
What other opinions or questions do people have about Jesus in verses 20-36?
How does Jesus respond to each one?
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, large vats of water were poured out on the pavement of the temple court as a reminder of God's provision of water in the wilderness. With that custom in mind, how would you explain the significance of Jesus' remarks in verses 37-39?

What counsel would you give a believer who faces spiritual opposition from his or her family?
Which of the opinions about Jesus you have identified in this chapter are still expressed today, and in what way?
Based on Jesus' example, what should our response be to such reactions?

Pray for wisdom as you face various reactions to Jesus.

Day 2 /Read John 7:53-8:11

What do we know about the character and motives of those who bring this woman to Jesus?
While it is obvious that the woman is guilty, what elements of injustice can you find in this situation?
The Pharisees and teachers were often very self-righteous. Why do you think they went away rather than stoning the woman (vv. 7-9)?
How would you describe Jesus' attitude toward the woman (vv. 10-11)?

What can we learn from this passage about Christ’s attitude toward us—even when we feel awful about ourselves?
What does it teach us about forgiving and accepting others?
Who do you need to offer your forgiveness to?

Ask God to show you what it means to forgive.

Day 3 / Read John 8:12-59

The Pharisees challenge the validity of Jesus’ claim (v. 13). How does Jesus answer their challenge (vv. 14-18)?
Jesus' reference to his Father leads to his second claim—that he came from God. How does this claim heighten the tension between Jesus and the Jews (vv. 19-30)?
Jesus makes another startling claim in verses 31-32: "If you hold to my teaching . . . then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Why does holding to Jesus’ teaching lead to true knowledge and freedom?
Jesus' opponents also claim to have both Abraham and God as their father. According to Jesus, how does their conduct contradict their claim (vv. 39-47)?

Why is our conduct the truest test of our beliefs?
In what ways does your lifestyle validate (or invalidate) your claim to be a follower of Christ?

Ask God to help you change the parts of your life that don't match your beliefs.

Day 4 / Read John 9

Based on the question the disciples ask Jesus (v. 2), how do they view the relation between sickness and sin?
What is Jesus' view of the same issue (vv. 3-5)?
Why do you think Jesus goes through the process of making mud and instructing the man to go wash, instead of simply healing him instantly?
On what grounds do the Pharisees object to this miracle (vv. 16, 22, 24, 29)?
How do the Pharisees react when the genuineness of the miracle becomes undeniable (vv. 28-34)?

When might Christians today exhibit the Pharisees’ attitude to a marvelous work of God's grace or power?
What principles in this chapter could help you improve your spiritual eyesight?

Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you might respond as the man did, "Lord, I believe."