Week 30, John 19-21

Reading 1, John 19:1-30

John 19 

The Soldiers Mock Jesus 

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 [ba]Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. 

4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” 

Pilate’s Decision 

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 

6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” 

Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” 

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to [bb]our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” 

8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 

10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have [bc]power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 

11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” 

12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” 

13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 

15 But 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 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus [bd]and led Him away. 

The King of the Jews Crucified 

17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: 

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 

21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ” 

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: 

“They divided My garments among them, 
And for My clothing they cast lots.” 

Therefore the soldiers did these things. 

Behold Your Mother 

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. 

It Is Finished 

28 After this, Jesus, [be]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 

1. Question: Consider all the things that come to mind for you regarding what was included in Jesus statement that, “It is finished,” just before he gave up His spirit. 

Reading 2, John 19:31-20:10

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced 

31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should 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 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was 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 immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” 

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb 

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being 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 the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 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 there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby. 

The Empty Tomb 

John 20  

Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” 

3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,7 and the [bf]handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not [bg]know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. 

2. Question: What do you think it means in verse 8, “for as of yet they did not know the scripture that He must die and rise again from the dead, when Jesus had told them this would happen (Luke 9:21-23)? 

Reading 3, John 20:11-42

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord 

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” 

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 

14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” 

She, supposing Him to be the gardener, 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 [bh]Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” 

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the [bi]disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. 

The Apostles Commissioned 

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were [bj]assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, 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 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send 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 you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 

 3. Question: What do you get out of what Jesus said to His followers in verses 21-23? 

Seeing and Believing 

24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” 

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 

28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 

29 Jesus said to him, [bk]“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

4. Question: What do you get out of verses 25, 27-29 and how can you apply this to yourself? 

That You May Believe 

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

 5. Question: What all do you associate with believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (what else does this imply)? 

Reading 4, John 21

John 21  

Breakfast by the Sea 

After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” 

They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and [a]immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” 

They answered Him, “No.” 

6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 

11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 

14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. 

Jesus Restores Peter 

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of[b]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” 

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [c]love You.” 

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of [d]Jonah, do you love Me?” 

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [e]love You.” 

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of [f]Jonah, do you [g]love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” 

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” 

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” 

20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 

22 Jesus said to him, “If I [h]will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” 

23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” 

 6. Question: What important point or principle do you find in Jesus’ response to Peter when he asks, “But Lord, what about this man (John)?” 

The Beloved Disciple and His Book 

24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. 

Week 29, John 16-18

Reading 1, John 16:1-24

John 16  

Jesus Warns and Comforts His Disciples 

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do [ac]to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when [ad]the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. 

“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. 

The Work of the Holy Spirit 

5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He [ae]will take of Mine and declare it to you. 

1. Question: In verses 5-15, what does Jesus tell His disciples that the Holy Spirit will do when He comes. 

Sorrow Will Turn to Joy 

16 “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.” 

17 Then some of His disciples said among themselves, “What is this that He says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” 18 They said therefore, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not [af]know what He is saying.” 

19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? 20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. 

23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 

2. Question: What did Jesus mean by saying that in a little while they would not see Him, and again in a little while they will see him? 

3. Question: Why do you think Jesus was talking about when He said that in that day they will ask Him nothing but they will ask the Father in Jesus’ name and He will give it? 

Reading 2, John 16:25-17:5

Jesus Christ Has Overcome the World 

25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” 

29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” 

31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his [ag]own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [ah]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

Jesus Prays for Himself 

John 17  

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He [ai]should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together [aj]with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 

       4. Question: What did Jesus tie eternal life to in verse three? 

Reading 3, John 17:6-26

Jesus Prays for His Disciples 

6 “I have [ak]manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. 

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep[al] through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.12 While I was with them [am]in the world, I kept them in [an]Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is [ao]lost except the son of [ap]perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 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. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify[aq] them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 

5. Question: What do you think Jesus meant by, “sanctify (set apart) them by Your truth, Your word is truth.”? 

Jesus Prays for All Believers 

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [ar]will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” 

6. Question: What two important things stand out to you in what Jesus prayed between verses 20 – 26? Do you see the “church” doing what Jesus prayed in this passage?   

Why or why not?  

How can we be obedient in what Jesus prayed? 

Reading 4, John 18:1-18

Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane 

John 18  

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 

5 They answered Him, “Jesus [as]of Nazareth.” 

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 

7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” 

And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 

8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 

11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” 

Before the High Priest 

12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was [at]expedient that one man should die for the people. 

Peter Denies Jesus 

15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another[au] disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” 

He said, “I am not.” 

18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. 

Reading 5, John 18:19-40

Jesus Questioned by the High Priest 

19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. 

20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where [av]the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” 

22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck[aw]Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” 

23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” 

24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

Peter Denies Twice More 

25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also 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 him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed. 

In Pilate’s Court 

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the [ax]Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” 

30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not [ay]an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” 

31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” 

Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die. 

33 Then Pilate entered the [az]Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 

34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” 

35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” 

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 

37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” 

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 

38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. 

7. Question: What do you think looks like the religious spirit at work in verses 28 – 32 in the actions of the religious leaders? 

8. Question: What do we learn from Jesus’ words in verse 36 about the kingdom of God in this present age until Christ’s future return? 

From what Jesus said about the kingdom of God over time, what are some of the places He said it would be?

Barabbas Released Instead of Jesus 

39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 

40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. 

Week 28, John 13-15

Reading 1, John 13:1-17

John 13

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 

2 And [m]supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” 

7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” 

8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” 

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 

9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” 

10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” 

12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you [n]know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 

Study Note: The job of washing off the dirty feet of the guests was that of the house servant.  At that time and place they did not have shoes, and commonly wore sandals.  People walked the same path or roads as the animals and would have nasty, dirty feet.  When Peter said to Jesus to not only wash his feet but all of me, Jesus said He already had a bath and therefore only needed his (dirty) feet washed.

  1. Question: Putting aside everything you have been may have heard about the purpose of why Jesus washed the disciple’s feet, what did Jesus actually teach them about why He washed their feet in verses 14-17? (see also Matthew 20:28, Luke 22:24-27, Philippians 2:5-11). 

Reading 2, John 13:18-38

Jesus Identifies His Betrayer 

18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats [o]bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 

20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” 

21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. 

23 Now there was [p]leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 

25 Then, leaning [q]back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 

26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 

30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. 

The New Commandment

31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

  • Question:  What is so important about this new commandment to love one another has Christ loved us? 

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” 

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” 

37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” 

38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times. 

Reading 3, John 14:1-18

John 14

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [r]mansions; if it were not so,[s]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 

3. Question: What is so important about Jesus answer to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”? 

The Father Revealed

7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. 

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you [t]ask anything in My name, I will do it. 

4. Question: Why should we take what Jesus taught and demonstrated, as the foundation for everything pertaining to what is on the inside of us and what is one the outside. (verse 10-14, see also Hebrews 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11)? 

How are verses 12-14 related to what Jesus said in verse 7-11? 

15 “If you love Me, [u]keep My commandments.  

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [v]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 

18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 

5. Question: How do you think loving Jesus and keeping His commands are related to the promise of the Holy Spirit in verse 16-17? 

Reading 4, John 14:19-31

Indwelling of the Father and the Son

19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and [w]manifest Myself to him.” 

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. 

6. Question: What is the connection between our love for Christ, or lack thereof, and following His words? 

What does this have to say about the idea that becoming a Christian is Just getting your ticket punched and then getting on with your life to live any way you want because you are under grace? 

The Gift of His Peace

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the[x]Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because [y]I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. 

29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here. 

  • Question: How is it that Satan has nothing in Christ and how can we keep Satan from having anything in us?  (see also Ephesians 4:27) 

Reading 5, John 15:1-25

John 15

The True Vine

 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He [z]takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[aa] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 

Love and Joy Perfected

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. 

  •  Question: 
    A) How do we abide in Christ? (Matthew 22:37-38, John 14:5, John15:12, 1 John 1:7-8) 
    B) How do His words abide in us?  (Luke 6:46-48, Matthew 13:23) 
    C) What is the promise for those that abide in Christ and His words abide in them and why? (John 15:16-17) 

The World’s Hatred

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ 

9. Question: In your world, if you see that “Christians” are hated, is it for testifying of Christ and Him, or is it for another reason?  If another reason, what? 

26 “But when the [ab]Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. 

10. Question: Who does the Holy Spirit abides within us testify of to the world? 

Week 27, John 10-12

Reading 1, John 10:1-30

John 10  

Jesus the True Shepherd

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. 

  1. Question: Who are the shepherd and sheep?  What do you think it means the sheep know and listen to his voice?  What might be the benefits or consequences of listening vs. not listening to the shepherd’s voice? (See also, John 12:46, Matthew 11:28-29, Romans 12:2) 

Jesus the Good Shepherd

7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came [ce]before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 

2. Question: What do you think Jesus means by saying, “if anyone enters by Me, will be saved?”  What’s our part in receiving and living in either what the “thief” comes to do or what Jesus comes to give? In the context of this parable, how do the sheep/us position ourselves to experience more abundant life Jesus comes to give vs. what the thief/devil comes to offer? 

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a [cf]hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. 

17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” 

3. Question: What did Jesus mean by saying, “I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.” (See also Matthew 26:53 and Matthew 27:45-51) 

19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is [cg]mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 

21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” 

The Shepherd Knows His Sheep

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in [ch]doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, [ci]as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.” 

4. Question: What do Jesus’ sheep do? If a person claims to believe and know Jesus, but does not follow Him, what does that say?  

Reading 2, John 10:31-11:16

Renewed Efforts to Stone Jesus

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” 

33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” 

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’?35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and [cj]believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” 39 Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. 

The Believers Beyond Jordan

40 And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41 Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” 42 And many believed in Him there. 

John 11  

The Death of Lazarus

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 

8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?” 

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” 

12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” 

16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” 

5. Question: Why did Jesus wait to go to Lazarus?  

Reading 3, John 11:17-44

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about [a]two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 

20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 

24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 

27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 

Lazarus Raised from the Dead

28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but [b]was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, [c]saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.” 

32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?” 

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” 

37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?” 

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” 

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone [d]from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” 

6. Question: Why do you think Jesus, the resurrection and the life, who was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, wept in this situation (consider the spiritual situation rather than the natural)?  

Reading 4, John 11:45-12:19

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” 

49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for [e]us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 

53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 

55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him. 

7. Question: Why did the religious leaders plot to have Jesus put to death? 

John 12  

The Anointing at Bethany

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was [f]who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for [g]three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 

7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; [h]she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” 

The Plot to Kill Lazarus

9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. 

The Triumphal Entry

12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: 

“Hosanna! 
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ 
The King of Israel!” 

14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; 
Behold, your King is coming, 
Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 

17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!” 

Reading 5, John 12:20-50

The Fruitful Grain of Wheat

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 

22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 

23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [i]grain.25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 

8. Question: From what you have learned so far, what do you think Jesus meant when He talked about serving and following Him?  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become a better follower of Jesus and serve Him better.  What comes to mind for you that you need to begin practicing or turn away from to follow Him better? 

Jesus Foretells His Death on the Cross

27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” 

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 

29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 

30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am [j]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 

34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 

35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. 

Who Has Believed Our Report?

37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: 

“Lord, who has believed our report? 
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 

39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 

40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, 
Lest they should see with their eyes, 
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, 
So that I should heal them.” 

41 These things Isaiah said [k]when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 

Walk in the Light

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 

44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not [l]believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” 

9. Question: Why did Jesus come as a light into the world (verse 46)?  What do you think Jesus means by saying that whoever believes in Him should not abide in darkness? (see also 1 John :5-7) 

Week 26, John 7-9

Reading 1, John 7:1-31

John 7  

Jesus’ Brothers Disbelieve

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the [au]Jews sought to kill Him. 2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 

6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not [av]yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. 

  1. Question: Why do you think Jesus said, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready… I am not [av]yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 

Why does the world hate Jesus?  Who do you think the people in your world hate more, Jesus or Christians, and why? 

Jesus’ Teaching is From the Father

10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” 12 And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” 13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. 

14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know such writings, having never studied?” 

16 [aw]Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” 

20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” 

21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the Father), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” 

Could This Be the Christ?

25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is [ax]truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” 

28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 [ay]But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.” 

30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” 

Reading 2, John 7:32-8:12

Jesus and the Religious Leaders

32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said [az]to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.34 You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” 

35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?” 

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [ba]believing in Him would receive; for the [bb]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 

  • Question: What do you think Jesus is saying in verse 38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” ? 

Who Is He?

40 Therefore [bc]many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” 

But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 

Rejected by the Authorities

45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” 

46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” 

47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 

50 Nicodemus (he who came to [bd]Jesus [be]by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” 

52 They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet [bf]has arisen out of Galilee.” 

53 [bg]And everyone went to his own house. 

John 8  

The Adulteress, Her Accusers, and Jesus 

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 

2 Now [bh]early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, [bi]this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now [bj]Moses, in the law, commanded us [bk]that such should be stoned. But what do You [bl]say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, [bm]as though He did not hear. 

7 So when they continued asking Him, He [bn]raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being[bo]convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up [bp]and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers [bq]of yours? Has no one condemned you?” 

11 She said, “No one, Lord.” 

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go [br]and sin no more.” 

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” 

3. Question: What do you think Jesus means by saying, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” and Why? (see also 1 John 1:6-8)? 

Reading 3, John 8:13-36

Jesus Defends His Self-Witness

13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not [bs]true.” 

14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” 

19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” 

Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” 

20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come. 

4. Question: Who is it that will judge all people (John 5:22)? 

What is another reason you find in this passage for not judging other people? 

Jesus Foretells His Departure

21 Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” 

22 So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?” 

23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 

25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?” 

And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” 

27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 

28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift[bt] up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” 30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 

The Truth Shall Make You Free

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 

33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 

34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 

5. Question: In the context of verse 31 – 35,  When Jesus says, “ you will know the truth,” 1) what does He mean, 2) how do you come to know the truth based on what Jesus says above.   3) What are you set free from by knowing the truth? 

Reading 4, John 8:37-9:12

Abraham’s Seed and Satan’s

37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have [bu]seen with your father.” 

39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” 

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” 

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” 

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” 

6. Question: When Jesus said in verse 37, “ you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you,” what do you think He meant by, “My word has no place in you”? (See also Matthew 13:23) 

Before Abraham Was, I AM

48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 

49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” 

52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” 

54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is [bv]your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 

57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 

58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” 

59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going[bw] through the midst of them, and so passed by. 

7. Question: Why did the Pharisees pick up stones to stone Jesus with when He said, “I AM?” (See also Exodus 3:14) 

John 9  

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I[bx] must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 

6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 

8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was [by]blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?” 

9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said,[bz]“He is like him.” 

He said, “I am he.” 

10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 

11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to [ca]the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.” 

12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?” 

He said, “I do not know.” 

8. Question: Why was this man sick?  What are some different reasons you can think of the Bible and otherwise for people getting sick. 

Reading 5, John 9:13-41

The Pharisees Excommunicate the Healed Man

13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 

16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not [cb]keep the Sabbath.” 

Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 

17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” 

He said, “He is a prophet.” 

18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 

20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 

24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” 

25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” 

26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 

27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” 

28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” 

30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 

34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they [cc]cast him out. 

True Vision and True Blindness

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of [cd]God?” 

36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 

37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” 

38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. 

39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” 

40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” 

41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains. 

9. Question: In the context of the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees, what do you think Jesus meant by saying, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind”? 

Week 25, John 4-6

Reading 1, John 4:1-39

John 4  

A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria. 

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” 

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” 

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” 

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 

17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” 

Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” 

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” 

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father inspirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” 

  1. Question: What do you think God is looking for in a true worshipper, one that worships in Spirit and Truth, rather than this place or that?  (See also Matthew 22:37, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 8:8-10, Psalms 100:1-2, Matthew 15:8-9)  

The Whitened Harvest

27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?” 

28 The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 

31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 

32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” 

33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” 

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” 

  • Question: What important things stand out to you in verses 34-38 where Jesus talks about doing the Father’s will, work, and harvesting? 

Reading 2, John 4:39- John 4:15

The Savior of the World

39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word. 

42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed [w]the Christ, the Savior of the world.” 

Welcome at Galilee

43 Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast. 

A Nobleman’s Son Healed

46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain [x]nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 

49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 

50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” 

52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. 

54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. 

John 5  

A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, [y]Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, [z]paralyzed, [aa]waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 

7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 

8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. 

And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” 

11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ” 

12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” 

15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 

  • Question: Why do you think Jesus told this man he healed to go and sin no more or something worse would happen to him, since He did not say this to everyone He healed? 

Reading 3, John 5:16-47

Honor the Father and the Son

16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, [ab]and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” 

18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 

  • Questions: There were a number of reasons the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus.  What two reasons were given above in verses 16-18)? 

Life and Judgment Are Through the Son

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. 

  • Question: From what you have been learning in the Gospels from Jesus’ teachings, how should we interpret verses 28-29 (see also Matthew 7:22-24)? 

The Fourfold Witness

31 “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not [ac]true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved.35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 

  • Question: Why did the Jewish leaders not benefit from searching the scriptures? 

41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” 

  • Question: Why do the Pharisees not have the love of God in them (see also 1 John 4:7-8)? 

 Reading 4, John 6:1-40

John 6  

Feeding the Five Thousand

After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.[ad]3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 

4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 

7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” 

8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” 

10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them[ae]to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 

  • Question: At the time of verse 14, what did these men believe about Jesus? 

Jesus Walks on the Sea

15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. 

  • Question: Why was it not the Father’s will at this time for Jesus to be made king by the force of the people (see also Matthew 20:28)? 

16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about [af]three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. 

The Bread from Heaven

22 On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except [ag]that one [ah]which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone— 23 however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks— 24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 

26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” 

28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 

29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” 

30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 

32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will [ai]by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” 

10. Question: Why do you think Jesus’ response to, “what shall we do to do the works of God,” was “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent”? 

Reading 5, John 6:41-71 

Jesus is Rejected by His Own

41 The Jews then [aj]complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” 42 And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 

43 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, [ak]“Do not murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who [al]has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes[am]in Me has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” 

52 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” 

53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.55 For My flesh is [an]food indeed, and My blood is [ao]drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” 

59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. 

11. Question: What do you think Jesus was talking about when He compared himself to mana that came down from heaven to feed and give life to Israel in the desert, with Jesus being bread come down from heaven and being real food?  

Many Disciples Turn Away

60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a [ap]hard saying; who can understand it?” 

61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples [aq]complained about this, He said to them, “Does this [ar]offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 

66 From that time many of His disciples went [as]back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the [at]Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. 

12. Question: What can we learn and apply to our everyday lives from what Jesus said in verse 63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. “ 

Week 24, John 1-3

Reading 1, John 1:1-19

John 1  

The Eternal Word 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [a]comprehend it. 

John’s Witness: The True Light 

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That[b] was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His [c]own, and His [d]own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the [e]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

  1. Question: What do you think we actually letting go of in order to truly receive Christ as Lord and Savior, in the way that God accepts and gives us the right to become His child and His family? Hint, you might think of this as some things we would let go of because they are the type of things that say we don’t need Christ.  What type of things we would turn away from because they repel us away from Him (or are mutually exclusive).  
     
    The Word Becomes Flesh 

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me [f]is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 

16 [g]And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten [h]Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. 

Reading 2, John 1:19-42

A Voice in the Wilderness 

19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 

21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” 

He said, “I am not.” 

“Are you the Prophet?” 

And he answered, “No.” 

22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 

23 He said: “I am 

‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 
“Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ 

as the prophet Isaiah said.” 

24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 

26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, [i]is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” 

28 These things were done in [j]Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 

The Lamb of God 

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who [k]is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” 

32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 

2. Question: Why would John testify of Jesus that He was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world? How would Jesus be different from the lambs the Jews had been offering year after year to atone for their sins (see also 1 Peter 1:18-20, Acts 8:32)? 

The First Disciples 

35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” 

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 

39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the [l]Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. 

Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of [m]Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, [n]A Stone). 

Reading 3, John 1:43 – 2:12

Philip and Nathanael 

43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 

46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” 

Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” 

48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 

49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 

50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter[o] you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” 

Water Turned to Wine 

John 2  

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 

6 Now there were set there six water pots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” 

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and [p]manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. 

12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. 

Reading 4, John 2:13 – 3:12

Jesus Cleanses the Temple 

13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers [q]doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house [r]has eaten Me up.” 

18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” 

19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 

20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 

21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this [s]to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. 

3. Question: What can we learn from the way Jesus responded to the Jews when He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” What does this say about the way Jesus may answer or talk about things, and how we may need to perceive it? 

The Discerner of Hearts 

23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. 

4. Question:  It says in verses 23-25 that many believed on His name when they saw the many signs, but Jesus did not commit Himself to them because He knew all men and what was in man (see also Matthew 16:13-19)?  What do you think was missing in their belief that Jesus did not commit Himself to them? 

John 3  

The New Birth 

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born [t]again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 

9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 

10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 

Reading 5, John 3:13-36

13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man [u]who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should [v]not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” 

5. Question: What is the difference in the kind of belief that those had that Jesus would not commit himself to in John 2:22-25, as compared to those who believe (John 1:12-13) and are born into the family of God, forgiven, don’t perish, but have ever lasting life (John 3:15-16)? 

John the Baptist Exalts Christ 

22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison. 

25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” 

27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” 

6. Question: How do you understand verse 36? 

Week 23, Luke 22-24

Reading 1, Luke 22:1-34

Luke 22  

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. 

3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude. 

Jesus and His Disciples Prepare the Passover

7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be [j]killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” 

9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?” 

10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.” 

13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. 

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the [k]twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 

17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, [l]I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” 

23 Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 

Study note: For some background information on 30 pieces of silver for which Jesus was betrayed, check out the following link:  https://www.grandrapidscoins.com/blogs/entry/how-much-were-judas-iscariot-s-30-pieces-of-silver-worth 

Question: Why was a betrayer needed for the religious leaders to have Jesus crucified? 

The Disciples Argue About Greatness

24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. 

Question: How should we think and act if we want to be great in the kingdom of heaven? 

28 “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me,30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” 

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

31 [m]And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 

33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 

34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” 

Reading 2, Luke 22:35-71

Supplies for the Road

35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” 

So they said, “Nothing.” 

36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be [n]accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” 

38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” 

And He said to them, “It is enough.” 

Study note: The money bag, knapsack, and sword were minimum items one would need to flee from one place to another.  The sword would be for protection from bandits.  Christ their shepherd would be smitten and his disciples scattered and flee (see also Matthew 26:31). 

The Prayer in the Garden

39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 

41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 [o]Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 

45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” 

Question: How do you think prayer can help us to not enter into, or fail in temptation? 

What do you see in the Lord’s prayer that would help you not enter into temptation (see Matthew 6:9-15)? 

Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane

47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 

49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 

51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 

Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly

54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” 

57 But he denied [p]Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 

58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” 

But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 

59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” 

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” 

Immediately, while he was still speaking, [q]the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster [r]crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly. 

Jesus Mocked and Beaten

63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. 64 [s]And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?” 65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him. 

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

66 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” 

But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68 And if I [t]also ask you, you will by no means answer [u]Me or let Me go.69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.” 

70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” 

So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.” 

71 And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.” 

Reading 3: Luke 23: 1-43

Jesus Handed Over to Pontius Pilate

Luke 23  

Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting [v]the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” 

3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 

He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” 

4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” 

5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.” 

Jesus Faces Herod

6 When Pilate heard [w]of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his [x]men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other. 

Taking the Place of Barabbas

13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, for [y]I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him” 17 (for[z] it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast). 

18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. 

20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” 

22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” 

23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men [aa]and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released [ab]to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 

King Jesus on the Cross

26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus. 

27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” 

32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 [ac]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” 

And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 

36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 

38 And an inscription also was [ad]written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: 

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, [ae]“If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [af]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” 

Reading 4: Luke 23:44- 24:27

Jesus Dies on the Cross

44 Now it [ag]was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was [ah]darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in [ai]two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ”Having said this, He breathed His last. 

47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” 

48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. 

Question: What does the veil of the temple being torn in two have to do with what Jesus did for us on the Cross (see Hebrews 10:19-23)? 

Question: Christians often talk about us having forgiveness because Christ died for us.  However, some will say that it does not matter what we do, because we are forgiven.  What do these two scriptures reveal about the purpose of Christ’s suffering regarding forgiveness and living right before God in 1 Peter 2:24-25 and 1 John 3:4-9? 

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb

50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. 51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who[aj] himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. 

55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. 

He Is Risen

Luke 24 

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, [ak]and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were [al]greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” 

8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like [am]idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths [an]lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. 

The Road to Emmaus

13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was [ao]seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 

17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you [ap]walk and are sad?” 

18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” 

19 And He said to them, “What things?” 

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” 

25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [aq]expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 

Reading 5: Luke 24:28-53

The Disciples’ Eyes Opened

28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He [ar]indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 

30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 

32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was [as]known to them in the breaking of bread. 

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 

40 [at]When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish [au]and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. 

The Scriptures Opened

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, [av]and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city [aw]of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” 

Question: What was the message Jesus said should be preached in His name to all nations?   

What do we need to do the works of Jesus and carry His message wherever we go? 

How can we grow in being an instrument for the Holy Spirit to use to do the works of the Father and tell the good news? 

The Ascension

50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple [ax]praising and blessing God. [ay]Amen. 

Week 22, Luke 19-21

Reading 1, Luke 19:1-27

Luke 19 

Jesus Comes to Zacchaeus’ House  

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up [bx]and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, [by]make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he [bz]made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all [ca]complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 

8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 

9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 

1) Question: What was Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus inviting himself over to Zacchaeus’ house in verse 8 (also note Jesus’ commentary of what happened in verses 9-10)? 

The Parable of the Minas

11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten [cb]minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ 

15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ 

20 “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are[cc]an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 

24 “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ 25 (But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’) 26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ” 

2) Question: What one or two things do you get out of this parable of the minas?   

Reading 2, Luke 19:28-48

The Triumphal Entry

28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to [cd]Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here.31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ” 

32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” 

34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 

37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: 

“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ 
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 

40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” 

3) Question:  Who was cheering Jesus on at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and why (see also verse 11)?  Who was not cheering Jesus on and why? 

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 

4) Question: What do you think Jesus was talking about as he wept over Jerusalem in 41-44?   

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who [ce]bought and sold in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house [cf]is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” 

47 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, 48 and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him. 

Reading 3, Luke 20:1-26

Luke 20 

Jesus’ Authority Questioned

Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” 

3 But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” 

5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why [cg]then did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from. 

8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” 

5) Question: Why do you think Jesus did not give an answer to these religious leaders who questioned where his authority came from to do the things He did? 

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to [ch]vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 Now at [ci]vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out. 

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” 

And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!” 

17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: 

‘The stone which the builders rejected 
Has become the chief cornerstone’? 

18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” 

19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they [cj]feared the people—for they knew He had spoken this parable against them. 

6) Question: Notice that this parable is a follow on to what is happening in verses 1-8.  What do you think this parable of the vineyard is about? 

Also note that the reference of Christ as the cornerstone is foretold in the Old Testament in Psalms 118:21-31 and Isaiah 28:16. 

The Pharisees: Is It Lawful to Pay Taxes to Caesar?

20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. 

21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 

23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, [ck]“Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” 

They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” 

25 And He said to them, “Render[cl] therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 

26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. 

7) Question: What are ways in which we can render to “Caesar” that which belongs to him and render to God that which belongs to Him? 

Reading 4, Luke 20:27-21-4

The Sadducees: What About the Resurrection?

27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 28 saying: “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second [cm]took her as wife, and he died childless. 31 Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven [cn]also; and they left no children, and died. 32 Last of all the woman died also. 33 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife.” 

34 Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” 

39 Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” 40 But after that they dared not question Him anymore. 

41 And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? 42 Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: 

‘The Lord said to my Lord, 
“Sit at My right hand, 
43 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’ 

44 Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?” 

8) Question: What do you think Jesus referring to when He talks about “those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead” in verses 35-36? 

Beware of the Scribes

45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” 

9) Question: What do you think was at the root of the behavior of the scribes that Jesus warned His disciples to beware of them? 

Luke 21 

The Widow’s Two Mites  

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.[a]3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings [b]for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” 

10) Question: How is God’s view of giving to Him different than the way people tend to look at giving to God (see also 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)? 

Reading 5, Luke 21:5-38

Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, and the Signs of the End of the Age 

5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was [c]adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” 

7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’[d]Therefore do not [e]go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” 

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will [f]answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or [g]resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls. 

The Destruction of Jerusalem

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

Study note: This description of the destruction of Jerusalem foretells what would happen in 70 AD when the temple also would be destroyed. 

The Signs and Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 

The Parable of the Fig Tree

29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 

Study note: The Greek word for generation can be used to mean about 40 years, or can refer to the human race.  The above prophecy is fulfilled in both ways: the destruction of Jerusalem would be in about 40 years from when Jesus spoke this, and His words would all be fulfilled before heaven and earth pass away and God makes all things new. 

The Importance of Watching

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with[h]carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may [i]be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him. 

Study note: The word in verse Luke 21:36 for escape is ekpheugó, which means have strength, overpower, prevail. This verse could mean have the strength to overcome all these things and stand before Christ, or escape and be raptured out before these things take place.  If you want to dig into this further, go to the following link and look under the Bible Study section: https://biblehub.com/luke/21-36.htm 

11) Question: From what you have learned from Jesus’ teachings, what do you think Jesus meant in verse 36 by “watch” and how do you think watching and praying will help you have the strength to overcome or escape, and stand before Christ? 

Week 21, Luke 16-19

Reading 1, Luke 16:1-17 

Luke 16  

The Parable of the Unjust Steward

He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was[ax]wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’ 

3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’ 

5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred[ay]measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred [az]measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 

9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous[ba]mammon, that when [bb]you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? 

13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” 

1) Question: What do you think is the main point of this parable of the unjust steward in verses 1-9?  

What important things do you get out of Jesus’ teaching on not being able to serve two masters in verses 10-13?  

The Law, the Prophets, and the Kingdom

14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they [bc]derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 

16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one [bd]tittle of the law to fail. 

18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery. 

Reading 2, Luke 16:19-17:10 

The Rich Man and Lazarus

19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and [be]fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with [bf]the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 

24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ 

27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, 7.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” 

2) Question:  What stands out to you in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus? 

Luke 17  

Jesus Warns of Offenses

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no [bg]offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should [bh]offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins [bi]against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns [bj]to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” 

3) Question:  What do you think offending another person or offending one of these little ones is all about?  What might that look like? 

Some Christians believe that verses 3-4 teach us that we don’t have to forgive people that don’t repent or say they are sorry.  How do you reconcile Jesus’ teaching us to forgive those who say they are sorry or repent, and forgiving others so we be forgiven (Luke 6:37), and to forgive as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you in Ephesians 4:32? 

Faith and Duty

5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 

6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded[bk]him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” 

4) Question: What are two things stand out to you in Jesus’ response to their request for more faith (5-10)?  

Reading 3, Luke 17:11-37 

Ten Lepers Cleansed

11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 

14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 

17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” 

5) Question: What was the good and the bad of the 10 leper’s actions? 

The Coming of the Kingdom

20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, [bl]‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is [bm]within you.” 

22 Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.23 And they will say to you, [bn]‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them.24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 

31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his [bo]goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife.33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two [bp]men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 [bq]Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” 

37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” 

So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” 

6) Question: In the above passage, Jesus talks about the present kingdom of God and His return.  How is the kingdom of God within you?  

What stands out to you about His second coming? 

Reading 4, Luke 18:1-17 

Luke 18  

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor [br]regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, [bs]‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will [bt]avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 

6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”” 

7) Question: Why do you think Jesus gave this parable of the persistent widow to teach us to always pray and not give up?   

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be [bu]humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

8) Question: What would repentance look like for the above Pharisees to believe on Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven? 

Jesus Blesses Little Children

15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 

9) Question: How do you think adults would try and complicate coming into the kingdom of God that would not be acceptable to God? 

Reading 5, Luke 18:18-43 

Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 

19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness, ’Honor your father and your mother.’ ” 

21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 

22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 

23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. 

24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 

26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” 

27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” 

28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left [bv]all and followed You.” 

29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” 

10) Question: How do you understand verses 29-30 in the context of the rich you ruler?  See Mark 10:23 as a reminder of Jesus’ commentary on What Jesus said about the rich you ruler that He said needed to give away all that he had to enter the kingdom of heaven.  

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection a Third Time

31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be [bw]accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” 

34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken. 

A Blind Man Receives His Sight

35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 

He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 

42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 

11) Question: From what you read in this account of the blind man being healed, what things lead up to him receiving his sight?