April 26, 2015  – John 3:22 – 36

Download discussion questions:  John 3_22-36 Increasing and decreasing

Once again John the Apostle and writer of the Gospel shifts focus back to John the Baptizer (for the last time in this Gospel).  John is still baptizing, and his loyal followers became concerned about the competition (as they probably saw Jesus and His followers and their baptizing activities).  The discussion with a Jew (v. 25) might have intensified their concern – which baptism was best?  Do I need both, first by John and then by Jesus?  Which one provides the most effective purification?  We don’t know the exact nature of the conversation, but it may have been along those lines. Continue reading →

April 19, 2015 – John 3:9 – 22

Download discussion questions:  John 3_9-22 For God so loved

In our discussion group the previous week, several members had asked to receive the text of the passage and discussion questions before the meeting.  (You can download the handout for each week from the links in each of these blog entries.)  One of the goals I have had for the group is to grow in desire and skill for independent Bible study and for every participant to gain confidence in leading a group study.  I sent out the passage, encouraging each person to look at the text and learn for themselves.  I also suggested they think about how to help others see more about the passage.  So this week’s discussion had a new dimension, with several members taking the role of asking questions to help each other dig deeper into the text of a very familiar passage. Continue reading →

April 12, 2015 – John 2:23 – 3: 15

Download discussion questions:  John 2_23 – 3_15 Nicodemus

In the first chapters of the Gospel of John we have seen brief interactions that Jesus had with others – calling His disciples, saving a wedding party from embarrassment, overturning tables in the temple.  In this passage we begin to see more of Jesus relating to others, sometimes individuals, sometimes groups.  Some are genuinely interested.  Others are openly hostile.  One of the themes we can pursue through the Gospel starts with the question, “How did Jesus interact with others, and what can we learn from Him?”  We will see more of these conversations throughout John’s Gospel. Continue reading →

March 22, 2015 – John 2:1-12

Download discussion questions: John 2_1-12 wedding at Cana 

One of the comments near the end of our discussion of this passage was that it was “easier” than some of the earlier sections we looked at.  This passage is a narrative, a story, without the theological metaphors or Jewish challenges to John the Baptist.  Jesus is a guest at a wedding where an embarrassing situation arises when the refreshments run out. Continue reading →

March 15, 2015 – John 1:35 – 51

 Download discussion questions:  John 1_35-51 calling disciples

The stage has been set with the deep theological or philosophical introduction and then by the early confrontation between the religious committee from Jerusalem and John the Baptist.  Now, in this passage, we first see the subject of the theological prologue and the object of John’s controversial preaching, Jesus Himself.  The tone changes.  The rest of the chapter takes on a much more relational atmosphere, presenting a half-dozen personal encounters, some between various soon-to-be disciples, some with Jesus. Continue reading →

March 8, 2015 – John 1:28 – 37

 Download discussion questions:  John 1_28-37 Lamb of God

After the confrontation with the investigating committee from the Pharisees, the action turns to a narrative about the ministry of John the baptizer, mostly in his own words.  Seeing Jesus, John points Him out as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”  He identifies Jesus as fulfilling his previous preaching about One coming after him, and he describes his entire ministry as relating to Jesus. Continue reading →

March 1, 2015 – John 1:19-28

 Download discussion questions: John 1_19-28 testimony of John
 Background Resources

John shifts gears (if that is an appropriate metaphor for first-century Palestine?) from his provocative and even mysterious theological and philosophical language about Word and Light and glory and truth and grace.  Now he describes a very down-to-earth encounter or confrontation between religious officials and a wandering preacher.

Continue reading →

February 15, 2015 – John 1:8-18

 Download discussion questions:  John 1_9-18 prologue B

The writer of the Gospel (he hasn’t said much about himself yet) continues developing his metaphorical themes of “the Word” and “the Light.”  He has a lot to say about what this Word and this Light have done – coming into the world, enlightening people, giving, dwelling, providing truth and grace.  He has a few things to say about humans as well – not knowing Him, not receiving Him (but some did).  The two consistent themes provide clear pictures.  One is of the continuously initiating, intentional, giving God.  The other is the less than enthusiastic response (if any) of the very world He created. Continue reading →

February 8, 2015 – John 1:1-10

 Download discussion questions:  John 1_1-10 prologue A

Taking a fresh look at a familiar passage in the Bible can be a challenge.  It is tempting to read verses we may even know by heart (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…”) and keep going.  We may not say out loud, “I already know what that means,” but that can be what is in our heart.  “Read that, know that.”  That can make the Bible boring. Continue reading →

The Gospel of John – Winter 2015
(This same approach is useful for any text of Scripture)

“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
John 20:30-31

Our approach

Inductive Bible study is primarily asking questions and looking for answers in the text.

• Observation – What does it say?
• Interpretation – What does it mean?
• Application – What does it mean for me?

(More detail in the handout:  Inductive Bible Study – A few general ideas)

Asking questions is key to good Bible Study Continue reading →