What Promise did Jesus guarantee to Nathanael when he started following Him?

(He would see humanity's relationship with God restored)

How does it hit you that God has given you the same promise?

This promise that your gateway to heaven is secured through Christ.

Share what interested you the most about John 1

You can also use this to invite a friend/non-member to learn along with you. https://padlet.com/tontoburger/every-drop-of-jesus-l9n2au0jdrf8fhw3

Simply click the plus sign (+) next to Day 1, type in your name, and then click publish. Repeat for each day. I will have a sample

I find it comforting Jesus is always with us.

I am thankful for my faith.

Notice how John is proving who Jesus is while giving you some character depth. Think of who would benefit from this kind of depth? The O Rielly's worker? Taco John, Bank teller? Your children, Grandchildren? Your friend with depression? God's word is good for everyone, but who would be especially glad to know these character traits of their Savior?

Jesus is so zealous that the temple would be a place where His word is heard by all. Are you convicted by His zeal, encouraged, or both?

But as my faith grows, I’m beginning to understand just how indescribable and unconditional the love of Jesus is. That love encourages me to want to know Him more and to share with others just how much love He offers them too.

It’s incredibly powerful to know that we have something real to hope for and look forward to — the promise of spending eternity in heaven!

What do you marvel at in this section?

Let’s Talk About John 2

John chapter 2 is a short but really powerful chapter; don’t you think? Once again, here are two key insights so you can get every drop of Jesus out of John’s gospel. First, 150 gallons of alcohol! Ha! That’s how the Son of God chose to reveal himself. For Jesus’ first-ever miracle, he turns water into wine. Not just a cup, not just a drop, but 150 gallons! That’s really important for Jesus’ story. Sometimes you might think of Jesus as being opposed to happiness; you know, he wants you to be holy and not happy. But his first miracle proves that’s not true. I mean, Jesus doesn’t want you to be happy in sinful ways if you have to compromise your faith. But God is in the pursuit of happiness. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah said that the kingdom of God, when the Messiah returns, will be like hills flowing with new wine. It will be a great feast with the best meat and the finest of wines. There’s this celebration idea in the Scriptures that this is what God wants for us: this long-term celebration of joy and happiness. And Jesus, at the very start of his ministry, gives you just a glimpse. I hope you see God that way. Does he want you to grow in holiness? in obedience? Absolutely. But does he want you to grow in happiness? To think, at his right hand, there are eternal pleasures and unending joy? Absolutely. And so my prayer for you is that you would see God as big and beautiful, as all-satisfying and glorious. And this Jesus and his first appearance at a wedding prove you have a God just like that. My second point is this: Jesus is full of truth. You see that as he clears the temple courts in verses 13 and following.

The word truth or truly occurs more than 50 times in the book of John. The book that has the second most occurrences is Matthew, with 30. Read these verses and jot down the insights you learn.

Matthew 5:18,26 26

Matthew 6:2,5,16

Matthew 8:10

Matthew 10:15,23,42

Matthew 11:11 27

Matthew 13:17

Matthew 16:28

Matthew 17:20

Matthew 18:3,13,18 28

Matthew 19:23,28

Matthew 21:21,31

Matthew 22:16

Matthew 23:36 29

Matthew 24:2,34,47

Matthew 25:40,45

Matthew 26:13,21,34

What is Jesus' definition of being born again? What Old Testament picture of Himself does He point to? Does that picture enhance your definition of being born again?

Think of sharing your faith with someone. What parts of this exchange would you want to highlight for that person?

Moses lifting up the snake on a pole.

This picture helps me understand how much I need the Holy Spirit to be believe.

Why is it important to have humility in ministry?

When you speak to people about the Bible, you understand that it is from heaven and is foreign to humanity, yet it is completely truthful and superior to any other word. How does that help you as you share the Word?

To learn more about the location of Aenon and Salim, where John was baptizing (verse 23), do a web search of “Aenon” or “Aenon map.” Any interesting facts to note?

Day 18: 10:01-20:20

Point to Ponder: (Day 17)Can you think of an equivalent example of breaking social barriers like Jesus did to share the gospel?

Point to Ponder: (Day 18) At first, verse 4 does not seem that loaded with the gospel. "Jesus had to go through Samaria." By the end, the Gospel is dripping off the page. Apply that gospel to yourself. How then does that Gospel move your faith?

What is the thing that Jesus lives for? (What is His food?)

Jesus draws you into His work and sets you at the most joyous part, The Harvest! The sower and the reaper get to both rejoice! How does this account help you as you share your faith?

What might this account lead you to do as you see Jesus having a harvest among the Samaritans and not so much among His hometown?

Jesus once again can't help himself when He sees someone in need. (Take that Gospel in) For yourself.

But what was the greater need of the man and the family? (faith)

Notice that a great sign was done, but in a quiet way. Just like at the wedding. (a miraculous healing only a few people saw)

Think of the quiet signs that you might do for someone that could lead to a greater sign (the miracle of faith)

Let's talk about John 4!

Look for the book in your email. Duane would have sent it to you.

Read pages 49 and 50 then do the for further study

Read 1 Kings 11 and following.

Would you try Jesus' line on somebody?

"Would you like to be healed?"

How would you envision the conversation going? (We would not be talking about physical healing, but spiritual).

Have you ever circled back with someone to check on how they were doing?

What if Jesus came back and said, "Hey, I see you are well. Stop sinning, so something worse doesn't happen to you." How would you take that?

Notice the sequence of events, healing...then command. Are we made well before or after? This man is made well, then Jesus commands him. We are not made well based on performance, but by His word.

What are some of the great things God has shown you in your lifetime?

Spiritual and physical

How do you see Jesus laying out grace and Truth here?

What is the point of Jesus ' miracles? Look back at verse 36.

Try to list all the ways Jesus proves to His opponents they are wrong so they might turn and believe in Him.

The Son does exactly what the Father does.

The Father loves the Son.

The Father shows the Son everything He is doing.

The Father will have the Son do even more greater works so that you will be amazed.

Anyone who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life.

The Son has Life in himself.

My miracles speak the truth about me.

John speaks the truth about me.

Moses speaks the truth about me.

The laws that Moses spoke to you show you how you cannot be perfect.

You need a Savior.

I am.

Can you visualize 5,000-10,000 people? Think how long it would take to distribute the food to pick up the extras. This was quite a miracle again. Why do you think Jesus did it this way instead of having bread fall from heaven, or a feast just appear on tables?

In what ways did this event prepare the disciples for the bread of life discourse we are about to talk about?

Lots of denominations are willing to say that you are saved by grace alone, but not many are willing to say by grace alone, through faith alone. Why do you think they aren't willing? Why do they say you are saved by grace and then attach some strings?

Why are you so thankful for passages like this that prove this? There are no strings attached!

What lesson can we learn from the Jews so that we don't have to learn the hard way? (What was their heart set on?)

I think Jesus did the miracle this way because this got others involved. The boy handed over what he had, and Jesus did Jesus work and provided for everyone and more. The boy did nothing, other than to give what was given to him, and Jesus did the heavy work.

What is dangerous about synergism? (Believing that you had a part in responding to God's grace at conversion)

What is comforting about monergism? (that it was all God's work, calling you/drawing you to Himself)

Why we reject synergism:

• Destroys Assurance of Salvation: If salvation depends on a person’s own ability to "do their bit," individuals can never be sure if they have done enough, replacing the certainty of God's grace with doubt

• Denies Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Synergism teaches that man must cooperate with the Holy Spirit to be saved, which limits or rejects the biblical teaching that salvation is a completely free gift from God to spiritually dead sinners.

• Misappropriates the Law and Gospel: Synergism attempts to inject the Law (human work/conduct) into the Gospel (God's grace). This ruins the gospel, making Jesus not the sole author of salvation.

• Changes the Basis of Justification: It makes justification dependent on a person's faith as a work of their own rather than on Christ's work alone.

In essence, synergism places the burden of salvation partially on man, robbing believers of the peace found in a purely grace-driven salvation (monergism).

What points did you find interesting about the video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYpGcLymtZY

Look over these Key thoughts about John 6: Why would Jesus talk this way and not use plain language? HINT( No one can come to me unless the Father draws him)

Here are some key thought about John 6

• Faith is the Focus: The core message of John 6 is that saving faith ("coming to" and "believing in" Jesus) is the bread that gives eternal life, not a physical act.

• Contextual Arguments: When Jesus says "He that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35), he clarifies that "eating" and "drinking" means believing.

• Sacramental Necessity: If John 6:53-56 referred directly to the Lord's Supper, it would mean that receiving the sacrament is absolutely required for salvation. This would exclude Old Testament believers, infants, and people who die before having access to it.

• Different Terminology: The Greek terminology for "eating/drinking" and the body/blood in John 6 is not identical to the vocabulary used in the actual institution of the Lord's Supper in the Gospels and 1 Corinthians.

• The Flesh Context: In John 6:63, Jesus states, "It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." We interpret this as reinforcing the idea that spiritual understanding and faith matter, rather than just physical consumption.

What did you want to highlight from the different accounts of calming the storm?

Can you imagine your own brothers trying to get you killed at the big festival? Maybe that wasn't their intention, but do you see how big Jesus' heart is for them and for those at the festival?

Marinate on that.

As far as highlighting something from the different accounts of calming the storm, it is interesting that in John's account, John only mentions the words that Jesus says, "It is I. Do not be afraid."

who does Jesus think he is? He always thinks he's so perfect. Somebody needs to teach him a lesson. He needs to get with it. You think you're so special, then why don't you come to the festival and show everyone?

Jesus did not bother with their petty jealousy and kept His focus on God's Work.

What double standards do you see in the world at large? What double standards do you see creep into the church?

What double standards might you have?

Can it be that the rulers really know that He is the Messiah? When you are witnessing, you can have a perfect witness, but it does not mean they will believe. There is overwhelming evidence, but the leaders still will not believe. Even in this extremely hostile environment, more people believe. Dear freidns trust the word to work!

As much as we would have liked to live at the time jesus was on earth, what grace do we have living at this time?

Can you think of a time you were so frustrated that you lost your character/ composure? Do you think pride had something to do with it?

For the church, people often want a church to be run well, but individuals are not always willing to help with the tasks that allow for a church to run well.

For myself, I find myself complaining about the amount of work someone has put into something, but then realize I haven't put much work into something myself. And I often find myself complaining about who ate the last cookie, but that's because I wanted to eat the last cookie.

At the same time, it reminds me of how deeply I need Him. I don’t always live out what I believe, and that’s exactly why I need Jesus—why we all do, so we can turn to God to help us judge rightly, instead of by our own standards, AND with His sufficient grace as well!

What did you learn about the festival of booths?

How would Jesus be the center of that festival?

Can you imagine being the woman in this account? We, men, have a harder time with this.

Has there been a time when your sin was so utterly exposed for all to see? Something so embarrassing you wanted to disappear?

Now, think of how Jesus handles that? All the accusers silenced... Pardon, freedom, mercy, grace.

Hold this account in your pocket to comfort and evangelize

Why would Jesus directly approach the Pharisees with an I Am statement?

Why does Jesus re-engage the Pharisees?

As awesome as it would be to have a rich heritage in the word of God and be a Jew at the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, think of the cultural ideas and baggage they had that kept them from a correct belief in Jesus.

What cultural baggage do we have that can get in the way of our belief in Jesus?

America is built on practicality, on keeping things going, getting things done. What things in American society that are commonly accepted even among Christians might actually be wrong?

What OLD Testament pictures does Jesus point us back to in Chapter 8, and what comfort do they bring us?

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

What is Jesus really doing for this man?

What are some dangers of legalism?

What do you think Jesus will point these blind Pharisees to next to try to help them see?

They were just presented with a miracle, but they threw it out.

What confirmation bias could you have?

If you can read the whole book of Job, what do you want to share with us?

How is Jesus loving them by calling them thieves and robbers?

How is He prying their eyes open?

Look through Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34. How do these sections shed light on our current discourse in John 10

Notice, it does not matter how gracious and loving Jesus is. If people are hardened against Him, they will never believe.

What do you think is behind their hardening? What are they scared will happen if Jesus is the Savior?

Look up the song "He will hold me fast."

This is the song our class sang at our seminary graduation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=936BapRFHaQ

Soak up the comfort/Gospel for a rainy day.

At the festival of the dedication, the people have the presence of God walking around... but they try to stone Him and arrest Him. But then out in the desert, Jesus finds a gathering of believers. Where is Jesus? He is in our midst. He is not far off. We do not need to hike a mountain to have His presence; we simply need to believe, wherever we happen to be. The irony here is that the temple was the place to experience God, but it was rejected there and experience in the desert.

Jesus is the door to the sheep pen; everything has to get past Him first before it can mess with us... why do we try to get ourselves out of the safe sheep pen?

It puzzles me that the people ask Jesus for a "plain" answer when He has already spoken the Truth to them, and then are angry at Jesus for the answer that He gives.

If they believe that Jesus is the Savior they might be scared that their sins are too terrible to be forgiven.

Why is God delaying helpful to us?

What glory is there in dying in faith?

As you think of Jesus weeping and anger what do you think that would do for someone who has lost a loved one?

The Bible tells us not to pray out loud for show? When would you pray out loud? Think through what an unbeliever would hear/internalize in your prayer.

In what places is it hard to follow God's Lordship over your own?

How would you try to prepare a young adult in catechism to follow God's lordship when it comes to dating and marriage?

How might you have them practice it?

How would you model it?

You want to grab them before they get to a spot like the Jewish leaders, and raising someone from the dead just furthers their need for lordship instead of their surrender to God's.

What verse/s of 1 Corinthians 15 do you want to memorize for yourself, and why?

Think about giving your entire year's wages for one week's offering. At the same time, think about if Jesus were to visit you. How would you prepare? The one who gave you spiritual and eternal life? What would you want to give him? I'm thankful that Mary did that. I pray I would have done something similar and not been too practical.

The old man is represented in Judas, the new man in Mary.

Because no matter the situation, you want to stand firm in faith in Jesus.

When it looks like the forces of evil are winning in this life, how would you use this Scripture reference?

Why is Jesus' response fitting when at first it seems out of place?

Why would Jesus use such strong language, "Hate your life"

What are some of the fruits that are bearing fruit in your life right now?

How does the Christian thought of glory differ from the world's view of Glory?

(Think of the cross)

How does this help you not crave signs to bolster your faith?

Reread Exodus 10-11 What paralles do you see between Pharaoh and these religious leaders

Here are the references to John's discussion of light and dark. Read them together and take them to heart. Share what you notice.

John 1:4-9

3:19

8:12

12:35

12:46

Can you imagine Jesus eating supper with you, then going to pick up dog poop, change the litter, and unclog the toilet? Wouldn't we insist that Jesus stop! What is He showing /modeling to His disciples?

Serving in a big way can be appealing, and sometimes it is the appropriate action. As you think of how to serve in any given situation, think of the long-term effects of one big act versus continuing ongoing acts. Also, think of the gifts and talents He has given you.

A friend's husband dies, and you buy a massive flower arrangement. Or you mow the lawn for the next 5 years. Think of the opportunities each would present you with. The flowers might wow the people for a day. The neighbors might never know about the flowers, but they will see you mowing and might be curious.

But what would motivate you to do either? The clean heart and share that you have with Christ!

In many ways, the "smaller" ways to serve become bigger because they mean more. What is the bigger thing, the fancy dinner date on your anniversary or the small things you do the whole year?

I think it is also important to examine my motives for giving a gift. My motives should always be love. As we have learned, agenda-less relationships are important, and according to 1 Corinthians 13:13, And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

What do you think would have happened if all the disciples knew what Judas was up to?

Sometimes it would be overwhelming if we understood all of God's word at once.

If Jesus asked you to lay down your life, what things would you do to get ready?

Do a Google search: what percentage of Christians think there is another/other way to heaven other than Jesus?

What does that say about the importance of teaching and reviewing doctrine?

How do you think some churches go off the rails with Verses 12-14?

How does that reflect a theology of glory?

Instead, the greater thing looks humble, like washing feet, caring for the sick, and forgiving sinners.

What do you think of the verse "I will not leave you alone"

Isn't that a great fear to be alone? How does Jesus tackle that fear? Imagine yourself lost in a dark forest. Think what they would mean to you then.

When you might be tempted to say God where are you. He is in you! We are never alone!

What makes you anxious? What do you look to for peace?

Jesus gives you a couple of things to look to. The innerrancy of Scripture. His Peace. The Holy Spirit is coming to teach you. In the next section, the previous section, and the section coming as well. Take to heart all these things for yourself. Create a list of all the specific comforts as they come.

Never leave you alone.

Jesus is in you.

The inerrancy of Scripture

...

See Jesus determination to accomplish our Salvation in the last verse? He wants the world to know and see that.

How can you help your neighbors see Jesus ' love and determination for them?

Share what you found interesting.

What offense might someone have to this section? "Apart from me, you can do nothing"

After getting over that initial offense, why is this so liberating?

What aspect of the Gospel did you enjoy the most?

How do you enjoy being loved?

How do you envision yourself loving others?

Is there persecution for the faith that you fear?

How does Jesus respond?

Look to the next chapter as well.

How is this section comforting when you are distressed by your own sin?

What might you pray for in regard to this section?

How would you use this section when talking to your Pentecostal friend who thinks you need to speak in tongues in order to be certain of your salvation?

How might you use these words to comfort someone when you can't alleviate their situation?

How would having the last verse memorized Help you as you go through life?

Why are the 1st and 3rd commandments highlighted among all the rest?

If God were going to use you as a missionary, what people group would you like to serve? Why?

Are you a missionary? Why or why not?

How would unity in the church be attractive to an outsider and give God glory?

What struggles can there be in maintaining unity?

When there is a disagreement over new church carpeting.

Or somethign like moving church locations.

Love, Glory, and Unity are all intertwined.

God says the greatest of these is love. What has to happen in order for unity to remain in place? What might you have to do in love to maintain unity? (Positive and negative things from an earthly point of view) Is there glory and love in doing elder work? Is there glory and love in laying down your preference?

There are a few Ironic things going on here. See what you can find.

I pray that the devil's voice is not a temptation to me. I pray for the strength to fight my sinful nature and for forgiveness, through Jesus, when I fail to follow God's commandments.

Why are you thankful for this short section?

Why is this another proof that the Bible is not made up?

If you were Peter and you were not going to deny Jesus, what would you say to the last question about cutting off the ear? With all the hindsight we have, what witness would you have given?

The legalism of the religious leaders is obvious to us.

What about the double standards we might have? Really, sins we justify because we do other godly things.

I saw a guy wearing a shirt that said "Free Barabbas." If you were wearing that shirt and someone asked you about it, how would you use it to witness to them?

Yet He hands Jesus over!

What about the phrase of the Chief Priests We have no King but Caesar!

Where in life are we tempted to let the end justify the means?

What is ironic here?

Can you imagine casting lots for The Savior's clothing?

What was Jesus wearing on the cross?

The soldiers showed more concern about not damaging the clothing of this world, and disregarded the "man" (True God Jesus) dying on the cross. My sinful nature can cause me to concern myself with things of this world, making sure I get my share of the blessings God allows me to have, and not focusing on Jesus. In this way, I can imagine casting lots for our Savior's clothing, because I spend lots of my time concerning myself about the things of this world. As to what Jesus wore on the cross, I would say He was clothed in the sins of the world so that "It is finished".

How do we care for the widow and the vulnerable? Would we take them into our home or the like?

Think of all the times you could share "It is Finished" to comfort someone who is struggling with all the pressures of life. Keep that in your comfort toolbelt/evangelism

How long was it from the time of the prophecy to its fulfillment in Jesus?

How does that help you be in awe of God?

Is it okay to be a secret disciple?

Are you going to get Tetelestai Tatooed on your Body?

Why record the Linen clothes?

If you were in deep sorrow, what Comfort would you find here?

No, I will not be getting a tattoo. Jesus said, "It is finished." So I don't need to.

As much as we would like Jesus to physically appear to us, what does Jesus say about that?

Point to Ponder:

Why would Jesus come to Peter in this way and not just come in a regular way? What's the significance?

What picture of Jesus does this give you?

Peter saw Jesus later that day

The other woman who was in the group that went to the tomb - Mary, mother of James, Salome, Joanna

What is Jesus doing by asking Him 3 times?

Would you like Jesus to tell you how you are going to die? Would that help you follow Him or not?

What does Jesus tell us to focus on?

Pick out some of your favorite parts from Chapter 8. How does it all flow together?

What's the point of the misunderstanding Motif?

How would you use it with a neighbor running after the world? Which ones would you pick out?

Pick out some of these one-on-one encounters for yourself. Drink them in. Then think through how you would lay them out for the one who feels unworthy of God's love

Joseph was able to save the Israelites and Egyptians.