Believe (John 20:31-32)

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it say about Jesus that he did many other signs than the ones recorded here in the gospel of John?

2. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Christ?

3. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

4. When we confess that Jesus is the Christ, what are we also confessing about ourselves?

5. What are the implications of belief leading to life in Jesus’ name?

Authentic Community (Hebrews 10:23-25)

“23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Weekly Reflection:

1. Reflect on the grace of God extended to you.

2. Draw near to God and sit underneath the waterfall of God's mercy and meditate on who he is.

3. Plan this week, after you have sat under the grace if God, how you can actively spur on a brother or sister to love and good works.

4. What can you do to encourage others to love and good works?

The Coming King (Matthew 2:1-12)

 “1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

The Risen King (John 20:24-29)

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Discussion Questions:

1. On Sunday Wayne mentioned how, for some unknown reason, Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared bodily the first time. How does isolation from the body of Christ lead us to doubt and disbelief like we see in verses 24-25?

2. Should we, like Thomas, make demands of Jesus to show himself to us to prove himself?

3. How did Jesus respond to Thomas' doubts and unbelief? (Vs 26-27)

4. Do we respond as people of peace to those around us who are struggling to see and believe in the real Jesus? If not, how can we?

The Risen King (John 20:19-23)

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if ou withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think caused the disciples fear to turn into joy/gladness? What application can we draw from this?

2. The first thing Jesus does when he arrives inside is extend to his disciples peace. What is the significance of Jesus extending to his disciples peace twice before he sends them out in verse 21?

3. Jesus is sending out his disciples in the same way that the Father sent him. How was Jesus sent? What implications does that have for how we are sent?

4. Our passage today is the fulfillment of all of Jesus’ previous promises (John 14:18-20, 25-29; 15:18-19, 26-27, and 16:19-22). What does that mean for the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Jesus’ word?

The Risen King (John 20:10-18)

10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

The Risen King (John 20:1-9)

"41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ”

discussion questions:

1. How do we know for certain that the resurrection is true?

2. Why is believing in the resurrection so central and crucial to Christian faith and the gospel?

3. Why do you think John believed whenever he saw “the linen clothes folded up in a place by itself?”

4. What is the significance of the Scriptures prophesying that Jesus “must rise from the dead?”

5. On Sunday Ryan gave a list of verses in the Old Testament that spoke to the resurrection. Read and discuss a few of those.

The Final Hour (John 19:38-42)

Scripture:

“38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.”

Discussion Questions:

1. John tells us that Joseph was a secret disciple because he feared the Jews. Is Joseph’s fear to follow Jesus publicly something you struggle with, as well? What are some things that contribute to this fear?

2. Why is the fear of man dangerous?

3. Why do you think Joseph and Nicodemus became bold enough to become public disciples of Jesus after Jesus died?

4. What is the significance of Nicodemus bringing such an abundance of myrrh and aloes to Jesus’ burial?

The Final Hour (John 19:28-37)

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus cried “I thirst” before giving up His Spirit?

2. In what ways do we try and protect our image like the Jews who wanted Jesus off the cross so they could celebrate the Sabbath?

3. What two quotes does John say Jesus fulfills in verses 36-37? Do you believe Jesus fulfilled them?

4. Why does John want us to see that every minute detail of Jesus’ crucifixion was a fulfillment of Scripture?

The Final Hour (John 19:16-27)

So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,
    and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

The Final Hour (John 19:7-16)

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.”8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

Discussion Questions:

1. The Jews understood that Jesus’ actions were God-like actions (Jn. 3:2), and they understood Jesus was claiming to be God (Jn. 19:7). Yet, they’re still choosing to crucify Jesus. How does this show us that “knowing things about Jesus is not the same thing as submitting to Jesus as Lord?” 

2. How is Jesus’ response to Pilate in verse 11 an example of how we should treat our governing authorities?

3. The Jews are rushing to get Jesus crucified so that they can observe the Sabbath at sundown. How is this an example of hypocrisy? What are some ways that we do something similar in our own lives?

4. How do both Pilate and the Jews forsake the truth about Jesus in order to preserve their own kingdom here? How is that a warning for us today?

5. Which kingdom do you find yourself giving your time, effort, and resources to building up: yours or Jesus’?

The Final Hour (John 18:38-19:6)

“38 After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Pilate make abundantly clear about Jesus in John 18:38b; 19:4, and 19:6? Why does John want us to know this?

2. Who is Barabbas according to Luke 23:19; Mark 15:6-7; Acts 3:14; and Matt 27:16? Why is this important?

3. How does this passage communicate to us the gospel?

The Final Hour (John 18:28-38)

Discussion Questions:

1. The Jewish leaders, in their hypocrisy, tried to use the law to justify themselves while also trying to execute Jesus. In what ways do we use the law to serve ourselves today? How do we guard ourselves from acting in this way?

2. How does the story of the bronze serpent from the OT foreshadow Jesus’s work on the cross? What does it look like “to lift up the son of man” in regards to our evangelism?

3. How does Jesus’s display of power when facing Pilate and the religious leaders compare to the way the world views power? Should this change the way we address conflict in general and in our work for the kingdom?

The Final Hour (John 18:12-27)

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

Discussion Questions:

1. How is Jesus bound in chains not a sign of weakness or immorality, but rather a sign of his power and goodness?

2. How do these verses teach us that Jesus is better? Why is that important?

3. How does Peter’s life teach us that “repeated sin does not disqualify you from being used by God?” How is that comforting for us as believers? What should be our response when we do sin?

4. Is there any sin that you are currently struggling with?

The Final Hour (John 18:1-11)

Discussion Questions:

1. In verse 4, Jesus knows all things that are going to happen, how does this bring comfort and hope to us today?

2. How does this passage emphasize John’s description of Jesus as the Good Shepherd?

3. Why is Jesus drinking the cup that is referenced in verse 11 so significant?

4. What truths from this passage reframe the way we view our own suffering?

The High Priestly Prayer (John 17:24-26)

The High Priestly Prayer (John 17:20-23)

Discussion Questions:

1. Who is Jesus praying for in these verses? How does it make you feel when you hear Jesus prayed for you?

2. How can we experience the unity that Jesus is praying for here?

3. Why does Jesus want all believers to be one?

4. Discuss how “unity does not equal uniformity.” Why is diversity important within the church?

5. According to this passage, how can you be a testimony of God’ love to the world? 

The High Priestly Prayer (John 17:13-19)

But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between joy and happiness? Would you rather have happiness or joy? And why would you rather have one or the other?

2. Why is Jesus’ joy a fulfilling joy?

3. Why do you think Jesus speaks about joy the closer he gets to the cross?

4. Why do we chase the world sometimes instead of the word?

5. How do we deal with being “in the world but not of the world?”

The High Priestly Prayer (John 17:6-12)

6 "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

Discussion Questions:

Outline and summarize Jesus’ prayer here in these verses.

What do we learn about prayer through Jesus' prayer in John 17:6-12?

What is the first request Jesus makes on behalf of His disciples?

How is Jesus’ prayer here comforting for us as believers? 

What do these verses teach us about discipleship?

The High Priestly Prayer (John 17:1-5)

Discussion Questions:

1. Spend a few minutes summarizing verses 1-5. What is the theme of Jesus’ prayer in these verses?

2. What do these verses teach us about Jesus?

3. What does Jesus have authority to give?

4. How does Jesus define eternal life in verse 3? Is his definition different than what you grew up thinking?

5. How do these verses impact your own prayer life?