Study Guide:Gospel of John / week 7

Week 7 has 4 days of homework

Day 1 / Read John 18:28-19:16

A Roman trial included four basic elements: the accusation (18:29-31), the interrogation (search for evidence) (18:32-35), the defense (18:36-37) and the verdict (18:38). What events or statements from the text are included in each?
Pilate obviously was trying to release Jesus. What specific attempts did he make (18:39; 19:4, 6, 10, 12, 15)?
The Jews' true charge against Jesus comes out in verse 7—"He claimed to be the Son of God." Why do you think Pilate reacted to that statement as he did (vv. 8-9)?
Why didn't Jesus say more to Pilate (vv. 9-11)? Shouldn't he have defended himself more vigorously?
What can you conclude about Pilate's character after reading this passage? What kind of man was he?

How can you respond appropriately to Christ's grace to you?
What does this passage tell you about how you should respond when you are treated unjustly?

Ask God to help you follow his example of grace when you are under pressure.

Day 2 / Read John 19:17-42

Three groups were involved in Jesus' death—the soldiers, the Jewish leaders and Pilate. How would you characterize each one's attitude toward Jesus? In what ways do their attitudes toward Jesus parallel those of men and women today?
How is Jesus' tender care for Mary evident even while he is dying (vv. 26-27)?
What was the significance of Jesus' cry "It is finished" (v. 30; see Jn 17:4)?
What evidence does John give that Jesus really died?
Why was it so important for John to establish the certainty of Jesus' death?

The disciples are not mentioned at the crucifixion; they were probably not there. When it comes to public identification with Jesus, under what circumstances are you tempted to respond in the same way?
What aspect of Jesus' death has made the deepest impression on you, and why?

Thank God for providing salvation to you through Christ's death.

Day 3 / Read John 20

John records three witnesses to the empty tomb: Mary Magdalene, Peter and "the other disciple" (John himself). What important details do we learn from each one (vv. 1-9)?
John also records three appearances of the risen Christ: to Mary, to his disciples and to Thomas. Why do you think Mary doesn't immediately recognize Jesus (vv. 10-15)?
After she does recognize him, what impresses you most about their encounter (vv. 16-18)?
When Jesus appears to his disciples, what specific gifts and promises does he give them (vv. 19-23)?
Finally, Jesus appears to Thomas (vv. 24-29). How does Thomas's attitude—both before and after Jesus appears to him— add credibility to the resurrection?

What do you learn from Jesus' encounter with Thomas about dealing with people who have doubts about Christianity?
Who could you help to understand and believe the claims of Christ?
John tells us why he has written his Gospel in verses 30-31. Of all the "miraculous signs" John has included, which have been most convincing to

Praise God for what he has done in Christ.

Day 4 / Read John 21

What was Jesus trying to show the disciples by allowing them to catch such a large number of fish (vv. 4-6; see Lk 5:4-11)?
When Peter hears that "it is the Lord" (vv. 7-8), he jumps into the water and begins swimming ahead of the boat. What does this reveal about Peter and his relationship with Jesus?
What subtle differences do you notice in Jesus' three questions and Peter's responses (vv. 15-17)?
Why do you think Jesus chose this particular time to predict the kind of death Peter would die (vv. 18-19)?
What does Jesus' rebuke to Peter (v. 22) reveal about the danger of comparing ourselves with other Christians?

What can we learn from this passage about the steps involved in restoring a Christian who has sinned?
How does it help to know that you can still serve and glorify God no matter what your past failures have been?

Respond to God with your heart and life for what you have learned about Jesus in your study of John.