John Chapter 21

In the Gospel of John Chapter 21, John tells us of a third appearance of Jesus after his resurrection and the restoration of Peter on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. 

What is another name for the Sea of Tiberius?  Sea of Galilee.

From a reading of Matthew 4:18-22, why does it seem natural that some of the disciples were at the Sea of Tiberius fishing?Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen there when Jesus called them to be disciple. . .and Nathaniel was from Cana in Galilee.

What does Didymus mean and why was it used when Thomas is named (See John 11:16,  John 20:24, John 21: 2)?  It was another name for Thomas’ which means “the twin” in Greek.

What are some possible reasons that the disciples did not recognize Jesus when he called to them from the shore?  It was twilight.  It was foggy.  It was too far.  It was hidden from them by Jesus.

How did John know that it was the Lord who had called to them? Does the record of Luke Chapter 5, verses 1-11 help us understand why John may have recognized Jesus?  Because of the large number of fish…they had been fishing all night long and caught nothing. . . by simply casting the net once more they caught more fish than they ever had – it was a miracle and only Jesus was capable of this miracle and he had done so several years before when he first met them.

Why did Peter jump into the sea?  Because he wanted to see Jesus…he wanted to get there quickly and this was Peter’s nature to do things quickly. . . he did not want to wait for the boat laden with fish to slowly make it to the shore…he figured he could swim faster than the boat could make it.

What or who could Jesus have been referring to when he said to Peter ". . .do you love me more than these?” in verse 15?  The fish that were just caught or maybe his fellow disciples.

Why was Jesus asking Peter the questions about his love for him? Doesn’t Jesus know all things?   Before his famous and foolish denial Peter had previously boasted that he would never deny him (Matt 26:33; Mark 14:29; Luke 22:33) but Jesus knew Peter loved him. Jesus was challenging Peter to demonstrate his love for him by the actions of a pastoral leader in contrast with the actions of his three denials (John 13:38 et al) and the fear in his life after the crucifixion (John 20:19,26).

Who are the lambs (John 21:15) and sheep (John 21:16-17) Jesus refers to?  Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What was it specifically that Jesus wanted Peter to do…what changes in his life was Jesus asking Peter to make, what actions to take?  To feed the lambs of the flock, be a fisher of men and to represent and present Jesus to the world.

Why was this meeting between Jesus and Peter so important?  Jesus would not be around anymore in an earthly manner as a human leader and Peter was needed to lead the Apostles and lead the new church.  Jesus knew it would be a great challenge for these pioneer Christians, especially Peter who would lead them. The Lord states Peter would be martyred just after this restoration.

Why do you think Peter asked Jesus about John?  Perhaps he thought John would suffer a different death than him because John was “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.  Perhaps he loved his friend and was worried about him.  

What does tradition tell us of Peter and John’s deaths?  Peter was crucified upside down [at his request]John was placed in boiling oil but escaped unhurt, John lived the longest.

Did Jesus say John would not die? What does he mean by his statement in verse 23 "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”.  The key word is “IF”. . .Jesus put the extreme in front of Peter as he knew what Peter was thinking and I think he was saying“ . . . even if I let him not see death what is that to you? You need to follow me”.

A question for everyone to answer - (pick one).

• Which character(s) do you identify with most from the Gospel of John, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Thomas, John, Martha, someone else? Why?
• What is your favorite verse or story from the Gospel of John?
• What have you learned about Jesus from this study of the Gospel of John that has blessed you?

John Chapter 20

The Gospel of John Chapter 20 doesn't just contain the purpose of the Gospel of John at it's conclusion.  It contains the greatest story of victory ever told in history - HE IS RISEN!  Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and then appeared to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. Enjoy your study of this magnificent story of victory and truth.

Who rolled away the stone from the tomb’s entrance according to Matthew Chapter 28?  The angel of the Lord rolled away the stone.  Matt 28:1-2: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

What does the Mark 16 tell us about the “we” in verse two of the Gospel of John and why Mary went to the tomb?  There were 2 ladies with Mary when she went to the tomb.  Mark 16:1: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.

Describe the reaction of the women to seeing the angels from the following verses:

• Matt 28:8 - In a hurry, afraid yet filled with joy
• Mark 16:5-8 - Alarmed, trembling, bewildered, and afraid
• Luke 24:5 - Frightened

What is it that Mary did not understand from a reading of verses 2 and 13 of the Gospel of John?  That Jesus was to rise again from the dead.

What were the two messages Mary delivered that day to the disciples from this Chapter of the Gospel of John? How were the messages received by the disciples?
Message #1 was – They have taken Jesus, which was not believed.
Message #2 was – That Jesus had risen and appeared to her, which also was not believed.

Describe the mindset of Mary Magdalene at the following points in her day:

• When she was on her way to the tomb before sunrise (John 20:1).  Mindset: Hurry.
• After she arrived at the tomb and saw the stone rolled away (John 20:1).  Mindset: Shock.
• On her way to tell Peter and John (John 20:2).  Mindset: Confused.
• After Peter and John left as she stood outside the tomb weeping (John 20:11).  Mindset: Sad.
• After the angels spoke to her (John 20:13).  Mindset: Sad, Confused.
• When she saw the “gardener” (John 20:15).  Mindset: Pleading.
• When she recognized Jesus (John 20:16).  Mindset: Joy.  Mindset: Joy followed by disappointment.

Why do you think Mary stayed at the tomb when Peter and John left, and why do you think she looked back into the tomb (Gospel of John vs 10-11)?  Because she was mourning the apparent loss. She still couldn't believe it so she looked again, perhaps she noticed the angels.

Verse 8 says John “saw and believed.” What do you think it was that he believed?  That he was gone and not that he had risen from the dead but that he was not there in the grave.  Luke 24:11: But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

What facts about Jesus’ in his resurrected body does this chapter of the Gospel of John tell us?

• That you could see him
• That you could recognize him
• That you could touch him
• That you could see his wounds
• That he could speak
• That he could see
• That he could stand
• That he could breath
• That he could appear in a locked room

Why do you think Jesus showed the disciples his hands and his side as provided in verse 20 ?  Perhaps he wanted to make sure they knew he had really died and was therefore rose again from the dead and that it was really him.

Why did Thomas not believe the other disciples?  I am not sure, perhaps because he saw Jesus dead.

Read Acts 2:36-39, 10:39-43; and 13:38-40. What do you think was the disciples understanding of Jesus telling them “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." in verse 23 of the Gospel of John?
That sin is forgiven in the name of Jesus
Acts 2:36-39
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. KJV
Acts 10:39-43
39 "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen-by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." KJV
Acts 13:38-40
38 "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. KJV

Summarize Jesus’ message to the disciples from his two appearances to them after his resurrection in this Chapter of the Gospel of John.

• Verses 19, 21, 26: Peace be with you
• Verse 20: It’s me
• Verse 21: As the Father has sent me, I am sending you
• Verse 22: Receive the Holy Spirit
• Verse 23: If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven
• Verse 26: Peace be with you
• Verse 27: Stop doubting and believe (Thomas)
• Verse 29: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed

John Chapter 19

The Gospel of John, Chapter 19, provides us with the truth of Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, burial. Despite his great anguish and suffering, Jesus asks God to forgive his persecutors and ensures that his mother will be taken care of by asking the Apostle John to take care of her.

What do we learn about Pilate from the following verses in the Gospel of John and the other Gospels?

• Matt 27:19, 24 -- His wife asked him to leave Jesus alone; He abdicated his authority to the mob.
• Mark 15:4-5, 9-10, 15, 44 -- He expected Jesus to help him by defending himself; He understood that the chief priests were envious of Jesus; He wanted to satisfy the crowd.  He did not realize the extent of Jesus’ suffering.
• Luke 3:1 -- He reigned in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar.
• Luke 13:1-2 -- He persecuted the Galileans.
• Luke 23:20-25 -- He wanted to release Jesus; He was more persuaded by the mob than the evidence.
• John 19:19-21 -- It was Pilate who had the notice fastened to the cross.

What is flogging and why did Pilate order Jesus to be flogged in John 19:1?
The punishment was horrible, the victim being bound to a low pillar or stake, and beaten, either with rods, or, in the case of slaves and provincials, with scourges, called "scorpions," leather thongs tipped with leaden balls or sharp spikes. The severity of the infliction in Jesus' case is evident from His inability to bear His cross.(from Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)
Pilate wanted to avoid killing an innocent man. He thought that by flogging him he would appease the Jews and they would consent to Jesus' release.

What law did the Jews have in mind when they stated that Jesus broke it when he claimed to be the Son of God?

Lev 24:16 16 anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.
Deut 18:20 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death."

When Pilate heard the Jews state that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, John 19:18  says he "was even more afraid". What was Pilate afraid of to begin with and why did this make him even more afraid?
First he was afraid of the Jews in that they were bringing him a man who they knew was innocent and were trying to persuade Pilate to execute. I believe Pilate thought this might incite a riot among the people as Jesus was a very popular figure.
I believe Pilate thought Jesus might have been like gods of his superstition who came down from the gods above and this really scared him especially since his wife had warned him of her dreams.

Jesus states in verse John 19:11: "Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." Whom is he referring to?
Caiaphas and his fellow priests

If God's will was that Jesus should die on the cross, then why was it a sin for Pilate and the Priests to crucify Jesus?
God is sovereign and is in control of all things; however, man can and will sin and God's foreknowledge can allow for that sin to eventually render good.
Some examples are: in Genesis we read about Joseph being sold into slavery, which eventually saved Israel from a worldwide famine; an avowed atheist named Josh McDowell set out to prove God did not exist and became a great Christian apologist; and in Deuteronomy we learn of Sihon king of Heshbon who refused Israel¡¦s peace offering and would not let them pass through his country to the land God gave them because God made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to deliver him into the hands of Israel.
Murder, condemnation without evidence, lying and malice are all sins, but God can create goodness out of evil. We are reminded of this when Joseph meets his brothers years after they sold him into slavery and tells them that they meant his slavery for evil, but God meant it for good.

What is the difference between Pilate's, Caiaphas' and Judas' sins?

• Pilate's sin was abuse of his authority - condemning an innocent man
• Caiaphas' sin was malice and envy - accusing an innocent man
• Judas' sin was betraying the Lord - leading the accusers to him for money

Why do you think Pilate posted the notice to the cross that said "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"; and why do you think the chief priests objected to it?
Perhaps Pilate was berating the Chief Priests for compelling him to crucify a man they both knew was innocent. Most likely it was of an accusatory nature.
The Chief Priests were upset because the decree was true. He was the King of the Jews.

What scripture was fulfilled by Jesus' statement of thirst and his subsequent drink?
Psalm 69:21 - They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

In verse 30, Jesus stated "It is finished". What was he referring to?
The pain and suffering, the sacrifice, the completion of his mission for God.

Verse 35 says: "The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe." What does this verse mean and why was it written here?
John likely had heard at the time of his writing that some said Jesus was not really dead. He was stating here that he was an eyewitness to the spear piercing and that he can certify that Jesus was actually dead already when pierced. This was said so that others might believe that Jesus was dead and did rise from the dead.

Which verses refers to fulfilled Scripture?
Passage John Chapter 19:23-25
Scripture Fulfilled:
Psalm 22:18 - They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Passage John Chapter 19:28-30
Scripture Fulfilled:
Psalm 69:21 - They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.
Passage John 19:33-37
Scriptures Fulfilled:
Psalm 34:20 - he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
Exodus 12:46 - "It must be eaten inside one house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.
Zechariah 12:10-"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Why did Jesus say to his mother in verses 26 and 27, "Dear woman here is your son." and to John "Here is your mother."?
He was obeying the commandment to honor thy father and mother

What facts do we learn about Joseph of Arimathea from the following verses?
Mark 15:43

he was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin

he was a believer

he was a brave man

Matt 27:57-60

he was a rich man

he was a disciple

he buried Jesus

he placed body of Jesus in his own tomb

Luke 23:50-51

he was a good and upright man

he did not consent to the Sanhedrin decision and action regarding Jesus

he came from Arimathea

John 19:39

he knew Nicodemus

he was accompanied by Nicodemus when he buried Jesus

We will likely never suffer, as Jesus did, in accomplishing God's will in our lives. However, how can we take comfort if we do we suffer when we accomplish God's will? What scriptures help us?(Hint: They are not necessarily found in the Gospel of John. Look in I Peter, Philippians, and II Corinthians.)
2 Cor 1:3-73
Phil 1:29-30
1 Peter 1:3-93
1 Peter 2:19-23
1 Peter 3:13-17
1 Peter 4:16-19

John Chapter 18

John 18 records the story of Jesus' betrayal, his resulting arrest and trials by Annas and the Roman governor Pilate, and the heartbreaking denials of the Apostle Peter that he knew him. 

How did Judas know where to find Jesus?

Where they went every evening according to Luke

Luke 21:37-39:

37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.

Why did the arrest occur at night outside the city and not while Jesus was at the temple teaching during the day?

Because the plan was to arrest Jesus when no crowd was present

Luke 22:1-6:

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Matt 26:3-5:

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. 5 "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people." KJV

What does John 18:4 tell you about Jesus Christ?

That he willingly laid down his life and chose to submit to The Father’s will; He was focused on the victory

In John 19:5-7, Jesus asks the mob, twice, “Who is it you want?”.   What possible reasons are there for the mob falling back after the first response?

Several theories are possible for their falling down but no one knows for sure which is correct. Some of the theories are:

• His disclosure of himself was sudden and unexpected; and while they perhaps anticipated that he would make an effort to escape, they were amazed at his open and bold profession.

• Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against him if he chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of his mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth. Thus by the blast of God they might have perished, and by the breath of his nostrils they might have been consumed: Job 4:9. Adam Clarke's Commentary

• Struck down by a power such as that which smote Saul of Tarsus and his companions to the earth (Acts 26:14). It was the glorious effulgence of the majesty of Christ which overpowered them. 'This,' as Meyer well remarks, 'occurring before His surrender, would show His power over His enemies, and so the freedom with which He gave Himself up.'Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary

What scripture did John reference in John 18:9 and what does it say about Judas Iscariot?

John 17:12 - Judas was not given to Jesus by God

12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. (likely Psalm 109:6-19)KJV

8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

Why do you think Peter drew his sword and cut off Malchus’ ear?

Peter had just earlier in the evening asserted his allegiance to Jesus even if it would cost him his life. Jesus states his allegiance is not what Peter thinks it is and he will deny Jesus three times that night.  Here, Peter could have been trying to show his allegiance; it was a brave act, misguided though it may have been.

Why when Jesus was arrested might it have been a confusing event for the disciples?

Jesus had committed no crime.  Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus was the Messiah and had been hailed as King and Messiah upon his entry to Jerusalem, raised a man from the dead, walked on water, rebuked a storm, and vanished at will on previous attempts to arrest him.  THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT HE CHOSE TO LAY HIS LIFE DOWN

Why did Peter follow Jesus and why was that remarkable?

I think Peter may have: still wanted to prove his loyalty to Jesus, still wanted to protect Jesus

By reading the following verses, what do we learn about the wrongdoing Jesus was accused to have committed?

• John 18:19-20 -- Conspiracy
• Mark 15:3 -- Accused of many things
• Luke 23:2 -- Subverting the nation, opposed a payment of taxes to Caesar, Claimed to be Christ a king
• Luke 23:5 -- Stirs up the people all over Judea
• Luke 23:13-14 -- One who was inciting the people to rebel
• John 18:30 -- A criminal

 What do John 18:22, 28 tell us about the Jewish authorities?

Verse 22: they were zealous more for the pride of an official than the truth

Verse 28: they were zealous more for the symbol of their redemption than their redemptive savior

 From reading verses 28 through 31, why did the Jews bring Jesus to Pilate, the Roman Governor?

Because they wanted to have him killed

Peter faced certain punishment and death if he was to admit Jesus was the Christ.  Later in life Peter was crucified for his admission.  Today we sometimes act like Peter did and deny Christ. What consequences do we fear for proclaiming Jesus as the Christ and how can we overcome or welcome those consequences?

Being mocked, judged, discriminated against, 

John 18:32 says Jesus prophesied about his death. What verse is it where we see this prophecy recorded?

Matt 20:17-19: Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

Matt 26:1-2:  When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away-and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

Luke 18:31-33: Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. 33 On the third day he will rise again."

What do we learn about Jesus’ kingdom from verses 36 and 37 of Chapter 18 of the Gospel of John?

• It is not of this world, it is of another place
• Jesus has servants in his kingdom
• They can and will fight to protect Jesus
• Jesus was born to be a king

John Chapter 17

This is the last of four chapters in this Gospel of John Bible study where Jesus teaches his disciples after the Last Supper. Jesus teaches his disciples through a prayer to the Father. Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples and for all believers - He even prays for you and me and He also defines eternal life for us.

List the things that Jesus states in the prayer that he has accomplished while on earth.

• Verse 4 - I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
• Verse 6 - I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world.
• Verse 8 - For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.
• Verse 12 - While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.
• Verse 14 - I have given them your word…
• Verse 18 - As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
• Verse 22 - I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.
• Verse 26 - I have made you known to them, …

List the things that Jesus specifically asked God the Father to do in his prayer in the order they appear in this chapter of the Gospel of John.

• “Glorify your Son” – Verse 1.
• “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence” – Verse 5.
• “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” – Verse 11.
• “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them

from the evil one” – Verse 15.

• “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” – Verse 17.
• “May they also be in us” – Verse 21.
• “May they be brought to complete unity” – Verse 23.
• “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory” – Verse 24.

What is eternal life?

Life with God; To know the only true God and His son Jesus Christ (see verse 3).

What do we learn about God, the Father’s, power and abilities from the following John 17?

• From Verse 11 – He can protect by the power of His name,
• From Verse 15 - He can take people out of the world and protect people from the evil one.
• From Verse 17 – He can sanctify people by the truth.
• From Verse 23 - He can love people.
• From Verse 24 - He can give people to Jesus, give glory, and love people.

Cite the verses John 17 that tell us the following about the world and those in it from Jesus’ prayer.

• Jesus has authority over them - Vs. 2.
• The Father has not been revealed to them by Jesus nor given to him by God Vs. 6, 9, 25.
• The world can bring harm to believers but God can protect them - Vs. 11,12.
• The world hates believers and they are not of the world nor is Jesus Christ - Vs.13 ,14, 15, 16.
• The disciples are sent into the world but yet are set apart from it - Vs. 18,19.
• The whole world can believe that God sent Jesus Christ -- Vs. 20, 21, 23.
• God loved Jesus before the world was created -- Vs. 24.

Jesus mentions glory/glorify 9 times in this prayer. What does glory mean?

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary:

Glory is defined as beauty, power, or honor; a quality of God's character that emphasizes His greatness and authority.

The word glory is used in three senses in the Bible:

• God's moral beauty and perfection of character. This divine quality is beyond man's understanding (Ps 113:4). All people "fall short" of it (Rom 3:23).
• God's moral beauty and perfection as a visible presence. While God's glory is not a substance, at times God does reveal His perfection to man in a visible way. Such a display of the presence of God is often seen as fire or dazzling light, but sometimes as an act of power. Some examples from the Old Testament are the pillar of cloud and fire (Ex 13:21), the Lord's deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea (Ex 14), and especially His glory in the tabernacle (Lev 9:23-24) and Temple (1 Kings 8:11).
• Since the close of the Old Testament, the glory of God has been shown mainly in Christ (Luke 9:29-32; John 2:11) and in the members of His church. Christ now shares His divine glory with His followers (John 17:5-6,22), so that in their lives Christians are being transformed into the glorious image of God (2 Cor 3:18). Believers will be fully glorified at the end of time in God's heavenly presence (Rom 5:2; Col 3:4). There the glory of God will be seen everywhere (Rev 21:23).
• Praise. At times God's glory may mean the honor and audible praise which His creatures give to Him (Ps 115:1; Rev 5:12-13).

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers

Why did Jesus offer this prayer to God the Father?

So that the disciples might have the full measure of Jesus' joy within them (see verse 13).

Questions to ponder:

In verse 3 Jesus tell the Father that he has glorified him by completing the work that God gave him to do. What work has God given to you that will glorify God when you complete it?

John Chapter 16

This the third of four chapters where Jesus teaches his disciples after the Last Supper. Jesus tells the Apostles they will be persecuted, but they will see Him again! He states that He has already conquered the world and they will have their sorrow turned to joy. 

At the beginning John 16, Jesus says “All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.” List three things, from the Gospel of John, Chapters 13, 14 and 15 (one from each) that Jesus told them that might have helped them to not go astray?

John 13:34-35 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 14:1 - ”Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”

John 15:12-17 - “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  This is my command: Love each other.”

Why will the Holy Spirit convict the world?

▪ For not believing in Jesus Christ which is sin

▪ For righteousness

▪ For judgement

John 16:8-11 - “he (Holy Spirit) will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

In your own words, explain righteousness.

Right standing with God; The qualification of a person as being correct in the eyes and judgment of God,

How are sin, righteousness and judgment related?

All who reject Jesus Christ are dead in their sins. 

All who believe in Jesus Christ are righteous,  despite their sin.

All who do not believe in Jesus Christ are judged for their sins.

From John 16:13-14, list, at least, three things Jesus tells the disciples about the Holy Spirit.

• He will guide you into all truth
• He will not speak on his own
• He will speak only what he hears
• He will tell you what is yet to come
• He will bring glory to Jesus by taking from what is his and making it known to the disciples

Cite, at least, three prophecies provided by Jesus in John 16:22-28:

• Verse 22– “but I will see you again”
• Verse 22– “and you will rejoice”
• Verse 22– “and no one will take away your joy”
• Verse 23- “In that day you will no longer ask me anything”
• Verse 23– “my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name”
• Verse 25- "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father”
• Verse 26- “In that day you will ask in my name.
• Verse 28– “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father”

Why do you think Jesus spoke to the disciples using parables?

Because they could not know or understand that he was to die as part of God’s plan to redeem mankind, they would not have understood the concept.  Moreover, we don’t always comprehend the spiritual aspects of life or the reality of the spiritual truths that God fully revealed to Jesus and the only way to make us understand was to use parables.

What was it specifically that Jesus did that made the disciples believe that Jesus came from God?

John 16:25-21 - "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."

31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.

List 3 reasons Jesus gave in this chapter for the things he told his disciples?

• In verse 1 Jesus said “All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.”
• In verse 4 Jesus said “I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you.”
• In verse 15 Jesus said “All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”
• In verse 33 Jesus said "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome theworld.”

Questions to ponder:

How have you suffered as a result of your faith as a Christian?

John Chapter 15

The Gospel of John Chapter 15 is the second of four chapters where Jesus teaches his disciples after the Last Supper. Jesus speaks of the relationships of believers to himself, to each other, and to the world.  Jesus also promises to send a helper, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus states in verse 1 that he is the true vine. In other chapters, of the Book of John, he was also referred to as the true ________. Fill in the blank and cite the verse(s).

Jesus is the true light

In Chapter 1 of the Gospel of John, verse 9 tells us that Jesus is the true light: "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."
In the Gospel of John Chapter 6, verse 32 we read: "Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven."

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

Jesus is the true bread

All three references allude to the true life of the believer

Read Galatians Chapter 5, verses 22 and 23.  What are the fruits of the Spirit?

Patience Kindness Goodness

Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control

• All are virtues

• All are the result of behavior or obedience to Jesus Christ

• All are interrelated and mutually supportive

If Jesus had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin…They have no excuse for their sin
If Jesus had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father

How are all the fruits of the Spirit related? What is the greatest of these fruits and why?

The greatest is love – See I Corinthians Chapter 13.

What do you think Jesus meant when he said the Father prunes branches that bear fruit so that they will bear even more fruit?  He takes away some things that are not a blessing to Him in your life as you turn to Him and do His will and bear fruit.

List the commands of Jesus to his disciples in the following verses: Verse 4: Remain in me. Verse 9: Now remain in my love.  Verse 12: Love each other as I have loved you.  Verse 17: Love each other.

What are the results of following these commands of Jesus as cited in the following verses?  Verse 5: You will bear much fruit.  Verse 8: The Father will be glorified and you will be shown as Jesus’ disciple.  Verse 10: You will remain in Jesus’ love.  Verse 14: You are a friend of Jesus.  Verse 16: Your prayers will be answered

Why did Jesus tell his disciples to remain in his love?  So that he might have joy in their obedience and that their joy might be complete (see Chapter 15, verse 11)

How can we lay down our lives for our friends?  Put others before ourselves; Uplift and support one another.

Who do you think Jesus is referring to when he uses the word “world” and “they” when he is speaking to the disciples in Chapter 15:18-25?

Jesus is referring to those that do not believe in him as we see in Chapter 15, verse 19:“As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

What do we learn about the world and those in it from the following verses?  Verse 18: They hated Jesus first.  Verse 19: They love those who belong to it.  Verse 20: They will persecute Jesus’ disciples just as they persecuted Jesus.  Verse 21: They do not know The Father who sent me.  Verse 23: They hate The Father as well as Jesus (See Chapter 15, vs 18)

For what 2 reasons did the world have no excuse for their sins?

Chapter 15, Verse 22:

Chapter 15, Verse 24:

Jesus commands us to love one another. How do we sometimes let things of this world prevent us from loving one another?

Hurt, disappointment, tragedy, and betrayal.

What passage of scripture is referred to in Chapter 15, verse 25?

Here are three possible answers:  Ps 35:19>BR> 19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.  Ps 69:4:>BR> Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.  Ps 69:4:>BR> 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'

What things do we learn about the Holy Spirit from Chapter 15, verse 26?

He had not come yet - "When the Counselor comes…”  Jesus will send him - “…whom I will send to you…”  He comes from The Father - “…from the Father… who goes out from the Father…”  He is the Spirit of Truth - “….the Spirit of truth…”  He testifies about Jesus - “…he will testify about me.”

3. To whom do you think the Holy Spirit was to testify as provided in verse 26?  The disciples (See Chapter 15, verses 26 and 27)

What is the difference between what was done in laying one’s life down for his friends in that ancient culture or today’s culture and what Jesus did for his friends?

The difference in what Jesus did is significant and eternally important to all mankind.

His death was for those that were his friends then (his disciples) and those who were yet to know him (such as you and I). He didn't just die for his friends - he gave them eternal life! He gave his life for sinners so that God might be worshiped for eternity.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die(Romans 5:7).