The Conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus

Notes for November 24-25, 2018
John 3:1-16

Biblical Background

• Nicodemus: Nicodemus was a wealthy and prominent Pharisee in Jerusalem. Thus, he was well educated in the Jewish law.

• Comes at night: Nicodemus comes at night – in part John seems to be pointing this out as the themes of light and darkness end this section in vv. 17-19. As well, it may have been a practical thing as many Pharisees worked jobs during the day and studied at night. As well, it may be that Nicodemus was being cautious and didn’t want others to see him coming to Jesus for advice.

• Born from above: This was a Jewish way of saying, “born from God.”

• Reborn: Jewish writers spoke of Gentiles as being “newborns” in the faith, but wouldn’t have considered the need for a Jewish person to be reborn in the faith as they were already in. A Jew wouldn’t have had to convert. Thus, Nicodemus struggles at first with Jesus’ imagery – wondering if Jesus means a literal physical re-birth in which someone would have to climb back into his/her mother’s womb.

• Gentile converts were baptized, born of water: Gentiles who converted to Judaism were baptized in order to remove the impurities of their Gentile-ness. Gentiles were seen as unclean. Someone “born of water,” were converts – went through a conversion process.

• Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV): Jesus may be referring to this passage of the Old Testament in this passage as it is now fulfilled through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

• Ezekiel 37: This Old Testament passage refers to the Spirit as wind.

• Nicodemus seems clueless: Not only was Nicodemus having a hard time initially understanding Jesus, but it is also a good literary technique, and one that was used in the day to help the reader follow the argument as Nicodemus helps bring clarity to Jesus’ words through his questions.

• Jesus is an eyewitness to heaven: In Jewish law, only an eyewitness has the credibility to prove a point. So, in this case, only Jesus is able to speak about things in heaven since He had descended from heaven and come to earth.

• “Lifting up”: In the Old Testament, Moses lifts up the serpent to bring healing (Numbers 21:4-9). In a future moment, Jesus is lifted up on the cross to bring our healing from sin, (John 12:32-33).

• “Only begotten”: The literal translation from the Greek of this expression is, “special, beloved.” The translation in English also makes it clear that Jesus was not created as other humans are created by God since He is the Eternal God, who took on human flesh.

Discussion Questions

1. What do we know about Nicodemus from these verses?

2. Why do you think he came at night to see Jesus?

3. How would you describe Jesus’ approach to answering Nicodemus’ questions? Why do you think he handled Nicodemus in this way?

4. When Jesus talks about being born again in this passage what does Nicodemus think he means? Why do you think he misunderstands Jesus on this?

5. What does Jesus mean by the expression, “born again”?

6. What is “the water and the Spirit”?

7. How does Jesus describe the work of the Spirit?

8. Where else in Scripture is the Spirit involved in something being born or created?

9. Why is Jesus alone able to talk about “heavenly things”?

10. What is Jesus saying about Himself to Nicodemus?

11. How is the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – involved in this passage? Why is it important to understand the Trinity’s work in this passage?

12. Would you describe yourself as “born again”? Why or why not?

13. Why did Jesus come into this world? How does knowing His purpose for coming into the world impact your feelings about Jesus?

Centurion of Great Faith

Notes for November 17-18, 2018
Matthew 8:5-12

Biblical Background

• Gospel of Matthew: The Gospel of Matthew is written primarily to a Jewish audience, thus the large number of quotations to the Hebrew Scriptures and prophetic fulfillments mentioned.  In this case, Matthew is throwing off his readers and showing Jesus’ lack of partiality as He finds faith in an “unclean Gentile,” who even worse, is a Roman soldier – one of the occupiers of the land of Israel.

• Capernaum: This was a crossroads city and thus would have had Roman soldiers stationed there to keep the peace and enforce Roman law.

• Centurion: The centurion commanded between 60-80 troops – a “century”.  He was like the Sergeant Major of today’s army and enforced discipline among the troops.  Roman soldiers didn’t marry, but often had servants in their homes to take care of household chores while they were carrying out their duties. Roman soldiers were very disciplined and followed strict regimens.

• “I will come and heal him”: Jesus breaks cultural norms by his willingness to come into an unclean Gentile’s home.  Devout Jewish people would not do this.

• Great Faith of the Centurion: The centurion’s understanding of the power of authority and command/control structures is carried over from the natural world into the realm of the supernatural as he has the faith to believe that Jesus has authority in the supernatural world to command things to happen just as the centurion has authority to command his troops to do things.

• Most Gentiles: to find faith in an unclean Gentile was a surprise to the Jewish people – there were not many Gentiles who followed their one God, although there were a few “God-fearers” around. Most Gentiles would have been pagans who worshipped many different gods including Caesar himself.

• Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: These are the fathers of Israel. If you were descended from them, one assumed you would be at the future banquet in heaven.  However, Jesus dispels this idea stating that it is for those of faith, not just physical birth into the nation of Israel that leads to salvation.

• Outer Darkness: This is the picture of separation from God and having fellowship with him.  The gnashing of teeth may reference Psalm 112:10.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you know about Roman centurions?

2. What is significant about a centurion coming to Jesus for help?

3. How would Jesus’ Jewish audience respond to the idea of Jesus talking with and helping a centurion?

4. Who are the “unclean” people that we encounter in our world who are outside of the church? How does our church respond to them? How do we respond to them?

5. What do you think the relationship was like between the centurion and his servant?

6. What is the request of the centurion to Jesus?

7. How does Jesus respond initially to the centurion’s request? What would be unique about his response in a Jewish context?

8. When have you stepped into a stranger’s home recently, especially someone from a different cultural background? What did it feel like? What happened?

9. Why did the centurion have such trust and faith in the authority and power of Jesus’ words to heal from a distance?

10. What lessons are there in the faith of the centurion for us today?

11. How does Jesus commend the centurion and his faith?

12. Why is it that some Jewish people did not pick up on Jesus’ authority and power?

13. What are the implications from Jesus’ word that people from the East and West will enter the Kingdom of Heaven and partake in the feast of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

14. What are the implications in Jesus’ words that some will not enter the kingdom of heaven but be thrown into the darkness?

15. Why is the truth of heaven and hell important to communicate to people today? After all, Jesus spoke of hell more than any other person in the Bible.

16. How might you grow in faith? Discuss.

Mary of Bethany

Notes for Nov. 10-11, 2018
John 12:1-8

Biblical Background

• Bethany: This small village is near Jerusalem on the other side of the Mount of Olives and would be a place for pilgrims to Jerusalem during the major festivals to stay.

• Reclining at meals: People ate while reclining in the 1st century, laying on their left side, propped up on their left elbow and eating with their right hand.  One would never eat with the left hand as that was used for unclean activities.

• Traveling teachers: Rabbis would travel as Jesus did and often be asked to be the guest of honor in return for giving a teaching for the guests.

• A Pound of Ointment: The size of this ointment would be around 12 oz of expensive perfume. A flask of perfume normally carried about 1 oz. so this is an extravagant amount of ointment/perfume being poured out.

• Value of the oil: This perfume was probably worth about a year’s worth of wages for a common laborere.  Thus, this was a very expensive gift to Jesus in monetary terms.  This represents a major sacrifice on Mary’s part and displays her love for Jesus – valuing Him above all others.

• Treatment of Feet: It was a common practice to provide water for people to wash their feet upon entering a home as people would be traveling on dirty, dusty roads.  However, the washing of feet with oil that was normally used for the anointing of one’s head would be unique.

• Oil for anointing the head: A symbol of honor would be to anoint a guest with a drop of oil on their head to freshen them up.

• Judas and the Finances: Rabbis would need money to finance their teaching and school.   These funds would be entrusted to a trustworth person to manage. Judas’ character is exposed here as he is described as a thief.

• Anointing of dead bodies: The anointing of a dead body with oil was meant to do two things:  1) show dignity and honor to the body (all physical bodies are created by God and thus are not to be desecrated) and 2) provice some sanitary and hygenic purpose by cleaning the body as once it began to decompose in the tomb it would begin to smell.

• Poor always with us: Jesus is alluding to Deuteronomy 15:11 and is not condemning generosity to the poor, but rather pointing out the importance of what Mary is doing to him by anointing him with oil as a symbol of his upcoming death and burial.

Discussion Questions

1. What do we know about this scene? Who is Lazarus, Mary and Martha? Where is Bethany? What is the Passover?

2. Why do you think a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor?

3. What was Martha doing during the dinner? Why is this an important role to play?

4. What was Lazarus doing? What was his role in the dinner?

5. Knowing the value of the perfume that Mary pulled out and then poured out on Jesus’ feet, how would you have responded if you’d seen this during the dinner?

6. What do you think Mary’s motivation behind this extravagant act was? What is she expressing to Jesus?

7. What senses are being used to take in this entire experience? Why is this important?

8. What is Judas’ response to this extravagant act? Why did he respond this way?

9. Why did John as the author of this Gospel share more about Judas and his character in this story?

10. What is Jesus’ response to Judas’ critique of this extravagant act of Mary?

11. How is this act of pouring perfume/oil on Jesus’ feet symbolic of his eventual burial?

12. How might the wise men’s gift of myrrh, another expensive perfume foreshadow this story?

13. Why is this act of love important for us to know about?

14. In what ways can we express our love for Jesus in extravagant ways?

The Rich Young Ruler

Notes for November 3-4, 2018
Matthew 19:16-29

Biblical Background

• Good: Judaism described one of God’s primary attributes as goodness and even used “Good” as a title for God. Thus, Jesus is pointing out that only God is ultimately – “Good.”

• The Human-directed commandments: Jesus begins by asking the young man if he has kept the commands directed toward human to human relationship to which the young man responds affirmatively.  It is possible that the young man felt that he had kept these human directed commandments in an outward fashion.

• God-directed commandments: Here Jesus is honing in on the heart of the young man as it is God who reads the heart and can determine one’s obedience to the commandments to follow God above all other idols.

• Jesus’ demand to sell all, give to the poor and come follow me: Jesus’ request is radical and beyond that of any demands put on Jewish people for the cause of charity.  It is also rare in Greek teaching for a teacher to demand this kind of asceticism.  Jesus is clearly getting to the heart of the man’s ultimate love and loyalty.

• Young Man’s response: the young man expects as many comfortable, wealthy young men would – not willing to give up their comfortable life and turn his life over to God.

• Camel going through the Eye of a needle: While there is a gate in the old city wall of Jerusalem by which a camel would need to kneel down to go through – “the camel’s gate,” that gate dates to the 2nd century AD after the time of Jesus.  This legend of the “camel’s gate” doesn’t work for this passage. Jesus is referring to an actual “needle” used in sewing.  The Babylonian Talmud speaks of the impossibility of an elephant going through the eye of a needle, even in a dream. Archaeology has discovered some 1st century needles which were used for sewing and used for carpet thread and were tiny. The contrast is between one of the largest animals in the Middle East and one of the smallest openings one could see which points to the near impossibility of the proposition.

• Hyperbole: Jesus is using the communication technique of hyperbole (extreme contrast) to get his point across.  God demands all of us, not just our things and few are willing to give it all to place under God’s control.

• God’s reward: Jesus makes it clear that the reward for giving everything up to follow Him is greater than anything that we could ever keep on this earth.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the nature of the young man’s question to Jesus? What do you think is the reason for his question?

2. What do you think was the young man’s view on how one obtained eternal life?

3. Which commands does Jesus first ask the man about in verses 18 and 19? What do these commands have in common?

4. Have you obeyed these commands for the most part in your life? Could you justify the following of these commands as did the young man? How do you think most people would answer concerning the obedience to these commands in our culture today?

5. What is going on in the young man’s mind when he asks, “What do I still lack?”

6. What is Jesus’ demand upon the young man’s life? Go through this demand line by line and reflect upon it – what is Jesus asking him to do?

7. Rather than rationalize this demand of Jesus away in applying it to our own situation as wealthy Americans (Most Americans are among the world’s top 10% wealthiest in the world – if you’re even lower middle class), reflect upon how you might respond to this demand if Jesus were to ask it of you today.

8. What does the young man’s response to Jesus’ demand show about his heart – what is going on inside his inner self?

9. What does Jesus mean when he states that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get into heaven? Discuss

10. Is Jesus’ statement still true today? Why or why not? Discuss.

11. What is the response of the disciples to this exchange between the rich young man and Jesus? How might we respond if we were to witness this exchange today?

12. What is the response of Peter to Jesus’ demand? Does Peter follow through on this throughout his life?

13. What rewards are there for those who give up all to follow Jesus?

14. Share examples of people that you know who you think have given up all to follow Jesus.

15. Reflect upon this question: Are you willing to give up all to follow Jesus? Read the quote by C.S. Lewis and Jim Elliot and for more insight.

Come to Me, Rest

Notes for Oct. 27-28, 2018
Matthew 11:25-30

Biblical Background

• The wise and understanding vs. the little children: Jesus is echoing the Old Testament teaching on wisdom which begins with “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7) and “the beginning of wisdom,” (Psalm 111:10). It is not those who have become wise in their own eyes, but those to whom God has revealed His truth that have wisdom. Thus, one must approach God as a little child does his parents in order to learn knowledge and gain wisdom.

• Rest to the weary: Jesus offers a rest beyond anything other teachers could promise. He provides the kind of refreshment described in Isaiah 40:28-31. True Sabbath rest which restores the soul and rejuvenates a weary.

• The yoke: The yoke was a symbol of obedience in Judaism to the law of God. It was a heavy load which ultimately no one could carry. In contrast, Jesus offers a yoke that is easy to carry (through his grace). Jesus’ teaching is in contrast to the heavy-handedness of the Pharisees who through legalism weighed the people down.

• Gentle and lowly in heart: Meekness is the ability to know one’s self, yet remain in a position of humility with strength – much like a powerful stallion who is able to control his power to carry a child.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is the good news of Jesus Christ hidden from those with “wisdom and understanding”?

2. Why does God reveal things to “children”? What does this mean?

3. What can hinder us from understanding God’s wisdom and understanding today?

4. Who are the “wise and understanding” in our world today that people turn to who may not understand the things of God?

5. What does it mean that it was “God’s good pleasure,” to do something?

6. What is the relationship between God the Father and God the Son? Describe it in detail.

7. Why is it important to understand this relationship in the Trinity?

8. What does it mean to be weary, burdened and heavy laden in this context?

9. Who was laying burdens upon the people?

10. Who places heavy burdens on you to carry?

11. What does Jesus mean when He tells us to take up His yoke?

12. How does a yoke work? How could it be made easy and light?

13. How does a yoke uniting two animals together work to make the work easier? How might this apply to Christian discipleship?

14. What does it mean that Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart? Why would this be a good thing for you?

That They May Be One

Notes for Oct. 6, 2018
John 17:20-26

Biblical Background

• Unity of God the Father and God the Son: The unity of the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is an essential aspect of God’s character. Thus, God’s people are to reflect this same character of unity or oneness as they worship the same Trinitarian God. As God’s people are united in purpose and worship they demonstrate that they are part of God’s family and become witnesses to the world of God’s goodness and loving character.

• So that the world may believe: When Christians are united in true unity through their common faith in Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life, the only way to reconciliation with God, they give the world a reason to believe. Christians as well will always be a minority in the world as a whole, yet it is their love for one another that will attract others to the faith.

• Before the foundation of the world: Jesus, as part of the Trinity, was not created as we are or as our world was created. Rather, Jesus created the world and has existed for eternity. It is for this reason that we use the word “begotten” when describing Jesus the Son of God. Begotten points to his everlasting existence before the foundation or creation of the world as we know it.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is Jesus praying for in this prayer?

2. How can we as believers join in Jesus’ prayer for those who will believe?

3. What is the goal of Jesus’ prayer?

4. What does it mean for Christian’s to be united?

5. Watch the Youtube video to get J.I. Packer’s understanding of Christian unity. What comments do you have after watching his short commentary?

6. Whose example of unity are we to follow?

7. How do God the Father and God the Son reflect unity and love for one another?

8. What is needed for authentic, true Christian unity? What does it look like in our world today?

9. What does false unity in Christian circles look like? Share some examples.

10. How does authentic Christian unity point others to faith in Jesus Christ? Why and how is it attractive?

11. Share specific times or moments when you have experienced Christian unity in your life. What made these moments stand apart?

12. What are some specific ways this week that you can display authentic Christian unity in your workplace? Home? Neighborhood?

13. Take some time to pray for unity in our church, the church of Greater Washington, D.C., the global church.

Link to Sermons

The Prayer of Jesus

Notes for Sept. 30, 2018
John 17:1-19 

Biblical Background

• Prayer Posture: “He lifted up his eyes to heaven,” - this posture in prayer is spoken of in other Jewish literature, especially in the intertestamental books of the Apocrypha. Our physical posture does play a role in our prayers and may vary on the situation. In the Bible we find people praying standing up, with arms raised, prostrate on the ground, and in other positions of prayer as well.

• Jesus’ Relationship with the Father: Jesus is unique and receives glory from and gives glory to the Father. The Father has also given Jesus all authority to grant eternal life. These are clearly signs of Jesus’ deity and position in the Trinity.

• Glory: The Old Testament states in Isaiah 42:8 and 48:11 that God does not give His glory to another. Jesus’ claim to share in the Father’s glory is a clear statement about His deity.

• Manifested the Name of God: In the Old Testament, the name of God, “I am,” which is the essence of being is holy and displayed through His character and actions. Jesus through his word and deed displays God – reveals God – manifests God.

• Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples: this prayer describes the battle Jesus’ disciples will be in against the world. The Qumran community that was the source of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” wrote of the battle between the children of God (light) and the children of darkness. This spiritual idea is given more meaning through Jesus’ prayer.

• “Son of destruction”: The expression “son of …” is an idiom that associates a person with a particular quality or trait. Thus the “son of destruction,” in v. 12 may be a reference to Judas, also seen in a reference in John 13:18. This may also be an allusion to Psalm 41:9 which dealt with apostates.

• Being Sanctified: This word means to be “set apart,” for righteousness. The children of Israel had been set apart from the other nations for God and now Jesus is asking that His disciples be set apart or sanctified as they are identified in contrast to the people of darkness in the world.

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Discussion Questions

1. What posture was Jesus in when he prayed in this passage? Why is this important?

2. What postures do you use when you pray? Describe why you pray in various postures.

3. What is the relationship between Jesus and the Father? Describe

4. What kind of authority does Jesus have? Why is this important to know? How does this impact the way you live your life? Do you view Jesus more as a friend or a person with the ultimate authority?

5. What does it mean to glorify someone? How do Jesus and the Father glorify one another?

6. How do you glorify your Heavenly Father? Describe

7. Who gave the disciples to Jesus? What are the implications for us in understanding this idea?

8. Who is Jesus praying for? Knowing that you are a disciple of Jesus, what do you think Jesus is doing now for you? How does this impact the way you live your life?

9. What is Jesus’ prayer for His disciples? You?

10. What does it mean to be in the world?

11. How can we be protected by Jesus from the world? Describe

12. What does it mean to be “sanctified”?

13. How can we be “sanctified” and what does it look like?

14. How can you join Jesus in praying for His disciples today?

15. Take time to pray for everyone in your group using the prayer of Jesus.

Grace and Bearing One Another's Burdens

Notes for June 10, 2018
Galatians 6:1-6

Biblical Background

• Brothers and sisters: Paul is addressing disciples of Jesus Christ. While all people are created in the image of God, not all people are children of God. We must be adopted into God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ. Only then do we become children of God and thus brothers and sisters in Christ. There are expectations for brothers and sisters in Christ that are different from non-believers – the reason being that we have the Holy Spirit within us and are also family.

• Accountability within the church: Paul is establishing an approach and attitude toward mutual accountability in the church. It is based on a mutual love and care for one another rather than a hierarchical “holier than thou” approach.

• Gentleness or Humility: This fruit of the Spirit is essential for Christian character and life. Judaism had always valued humility, however, that wasn’t always the case in the Greco-Roman world.

• Keep watch on yourself: It is easy to find fault with others, however, as a Christian, we are called to be aware of the sinful habits and temptations in our own life, in humility ask the Lord and others for help. If we see sin in another, we are better to help them in humility, gently confronting them on their issue as we confess that we too are in need of mutual accountability.

• Bearing or Carrying Burdens: Roman soldiers were allowed to order civilians to carry things for them – thus the idea of placing a load on someone else to carry. This image would be a daily image as people in the 1st century were always carrying loads. The image is one of subservience – serving someone else. In this example, however, it is placed in the context of helping someone else overcome sin in their life.

• Carry your own load: Greek literature stressed independence, much like American culture. Self-sufficiency was exalted and taking care of yourself. However, Paul twists this concept and while he says we need to carry our load, we also need to carry the load of others. In other words, within the church rather than people being totally independent, we are called to be interdependent – being responsible for our life, yet at the same time ready to help others and also be helped.

• Support your teachers: In Greek culture, many teachers required a fee for their services. In this case, Paul is telling Christians to give back to our teachers, pastors, in practical ways by remunerating them. Teaching is a service and “the worker is worth his wages.”

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Discussion Questions

1. Who is Paul writing to in Chapter 6 – “brothers and sisters”?

2. What should be the relationship between brothers and sisters in Christ? Describe

3. How does it feel to get caught in a sin?

4. How does it feel to catch someone in a sin?

5. What is to be our response when we catch someone sinning?

6. What does it mean to be a spiritual person as described in v. 1?

7. What is Paul’s warning to those who catch someone in sin? What does this warning remind you of from Jesus’ teachings?

8. What is a burden? Describe different kinds of burdens.

9. How can we help carry other people’s burdens? What does this look like?

10. What does it mean to carry our own load?

11. When should we allow others to help us carry our load?

12. How can we persuade others to let us help carry their load?

13. What is the basic principle at work here? Summarize

14. How are we to treat our teachers, pastors, mentors according to v. 6?

15. Identify people in your life today that you might be able to help in carrying their load. Pray for the Lord’s leading in this area.

Grace in Marriage

Notes for June 3, 2018
John 2: 1-11

Biblical Background

• On the third day: This beginning of the passage “on the third day” in reference to the wedding celebration could be a hint foreshadowing Jesus’ promise in John 2:19 that the resurrection will occur after three days. This is probably not referring to the third day of the week as in Jewish culture, virgins were married on the 4th day of the week and widows on the 5th day of the week.

• Cana: This village would have been near to Jesus’ home town of Nazareth, thus the invitation to come to a wedding of friends or relatives of Jesus’ family.

• Weddings in 1st century Jewish culture: Weddings were large celebrations and lasted 7 days. It was common to invite dignitaries and rabbis to such events.

• Running out of wine: It would be scandalous for the host of the wedding to not provide enough wine for the event – for the full seven days. So, Jesus’ miracles helps this family avoid a social gaffe.

• Wedding gifts: Fortunately for the hosts of a wedding, one of the social responsibilities was for the guests to provide wedding gifts (money, valuables, presents) that could help defray the overall cost of the wedding. In this case, Mary notices the problem and helps defray some of the expenses through her son’s miracle.

• “Woman”: This would have been comparable to our polite, “Mam”. It was a sign of respect, but not necessarily a term one would commonly use with your mom.

• What does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come: Jesus’ hour is a reference to the future when he will be crucified and pay the penalty for our sin. So, Jesus knows that when the miracles begin, his journey to the cross begins. Thus, he let’s his mom know that this is an important point of demarcation.

• Mary is persistent: Just as many characters in the Old Testament (Jacob, Moses, and others) Mary is persistent in asking God for a miracle. She is demonstrating strong faith in Jesus’ ability to do this miracle.

• Stone Jars: These large stone jars were large enough to fill a Jewish “Mikvah” the pool where people could go to for ceremonial cleansing and purification. There may be some symbolism here in that these large purification jars are providing wine – the symbol of Jesus’ blood in the future that purifies us from sin. Stone jars were also more sanitary than other types of ceramic jars for example.

• Master of the banquet: this was a position of honor bestowed on someone. One of their duties was to distribute the wine in quantities of sufficiency to provide refreshment, but not so much as to get people inebriated.

• Best wine normally first: After drinking wine, one’s palate is desensitized so that one doesn’t discern as many notes in the wine. Thus, the best wine was normally served first. In this case, Jesus’ miraculous wine is better than the finest wine available for the wedding. Additional punctuation on the power of the miracle.

• Jesus’ first sign: Just as Moses’ first sign introduced his ministry to the children of Israel and (the turning of water into blood), so Jesus’ first signal that he has begun his ministry is the turning of water into wine – which in the Lord’s Supper would symbolize the blood of Jesus.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why would the writer, John, begin this narrative with the expression, “on the third day”?

2. Why were Mary, Jesus and disciples attending a wedding?

3. What is the importance of the wedding celebration in biblical culture? What do you know about Jewish weddings in Jesus’ day? How about today?

4. What do we learn about Jesus and his mother, Mary, and their relationship from this story?

5. Jesus hadn’t yet done any miracles, why do you think Mary approaches him now?

6. How do you interpret the dialogue between Jesus and Mary? What is going on here?

7. What is significant about Jesus having water poured into what were probably ceremonial cleansing stone jars?

8. Can you think of other biblical stories in which a miracle with water was performed in the Old Testament? How might that be a foreshadowing of what Jesus does here?

9. How do you think the servants felt about this when Jesus asked them to take the water to the host?

10. How did the host feel when he tasted the water turned into wine?

11. How might the quality and the quantity of the wine reflect the character of Jesus?

12. Why did Jesus’ first miracle take place at a celebration of a wedding?

13. What did the miracle reveal? Why is this important?

14. What was the response of Jesus’ disciples to this miracle?

15. In what ways have you experienced the joy and celebration of Jesus in your life? What do you think he rejoices about in your life? In the life of our church?

16. How can we give extravagantly and generously to help others celebrate the joys of life?

Grace and Friendship

Notes for May 20, 2018
John 15:12-17

Biblical Background

• Greek and Roman Stories: Greek and Roman literature viewed the act of dying for one’s friend as heroic and was the greatest act of friendship. An example is story in which Pythias offered to be killed in place of his friend Damon, or the story in which Achilles goes into battle to avenge the death of his best friend Patroclus. These heroic friendship stories would have been known by many within the Hellenistic Jewish community.

• Friendship in Roman times: The Greeks and Romans valued friendship and emphasized an equality of standing and ability to share intimately with others. Loyalty was the primary attribute of friendship in this culture. Servants were not considered on the same level as a friend.

• Friends of God: In the Old Testament, Abraham and Moses were called, “friends of God,” attesting to their intimate relationship with God.

• Jewish rabbis didn’t choose their disciples – Jesus did: In 1st century Judaism, disciples would choose the rabbi that they wanted to follow. In Jesus’ case, however, he chose his disciples – he took the initiative.

• Chosen by God: Judaism emphasized the idea that the Jewish people were the “chosen people,” those chosen by God to represent God to the world.

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Discussion Questions

1. What is Jesus’ commandment to his disciples?

2. How did Jesus love his disciples? Give examples

3. What can we learn from Jesus’ love for his disciples?

4. What is the greatest example of love? How did Jesus model this for us?

5. How can you and I lay down our lives for our friends on a daily basis?

6. What are the implications for us if we do not obey the commands of Jesus?

7. What does a friend of Jesus look like?

8. What does it mean to you to be a friend of Jesus? How does this affect your everyday life?

9. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus chose you rather than the other way around?

10. What does Jesus expect you to do now that He has chosen you?

11. What does it mean to bear fruit?

12. What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What does this look like practically speaking on a daily basis?

13. How are we to be equipped to live lives that are in obedience to Jesus and to bear fruit?

14. Why would Jesus tell us to ask the Father for things? How did Jesus model this?

15. Share examples in which you have seen people lay down their lives for others as Christ commanded.

Grace Toward Our Enemies

Notes for May 13, 2018
1 Peter 3:8-22

Biblical Background

• List of virtues: It was a common practice for both Greek and Hebrew ethicists and moralists to create lists of virtues in their writing. We see this in verses 8-9 of this passage.

• Psalm 34:12-16: Peter quotes this portion of the Psalm as he encourages Christians to turn from evil and to live righteous and holy lives.

• God not only hears the righteous but he opposes those who are evil: It is an important biblical truth that God is active in this world opposing evil, and encouraging the righteous. God is not passively watching like the God of Deism, but rather is taking action in His way, all the while honoring and respecting the freewill that He gave all human beings to choose to good or evil.

• A Literary Chiasm: Peter uses a literary tool called the chiasm in verses 3:16- 4:2.

A – Slanderers will be ashamed (3:16)

B- Suffering though innocent God’s Will (3:17)

C- Christ suffered for unjust (3:18)

D- Christ triumphed over evil spirits (3:19)

E- Noah saved through water (3:20)

E- You are saved through water (3:21)

D- Christ triumphed over evil spirits (3:22)

C- Christ suffered (4:1a)

B- Suffering is God’s will (4:1b-2)

A- Slanderers will be ashamed (4:3-5)

• Jesus preached to the spirits in prison: In the Apostle’s Creed we proclaim our belief that Jesus “descended into hell.” This part of the creed is based on 1 Peter 3:19 and 4:6 which states, “For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.” Acts 2:27 and Romans 10:7 also inform this part of the creed. Most evangelical scholars believe that “spirits in prison” are either fallen angels or sinful people who were in “Hades” or “Hell” – separated from God upon death, but preached to by Jesus following His crucifixion – the act by which salvation was then made possible to all who put their trust in Him – both pre- and post-crucifixion. The predominant view of this text is that Jesus proclaimed his triumph over evil to the fallen angels in hell. Others believe that Jesus preached to the dead in hell – a view held by many church fathers. A minority view believes this means Jesus preached through Noah to the people in Noah’s day (view of most of the Reformers). This is a difficult passage that has some mystery to it.

• Salvation through Water: This is a common symbol in Scripture – Noah saved by ark from flood; people of Israel saved through parting water of the Red Sea; Baptism – a symbol of spiritual salvation.

• Right Hand of God: The place of honor at a table in the biblical world was just to the right of the host. Thus, to be at the right hand of God means that one has been put in the most honored place. Jesus, the Son of God, sits at the right hand of God the Father, a symbol of their unity, and the honor given to Jesus – a place of authority and power as well.

• Authorities and Powers: The Bible consistently speaks of angels, demons and other created beings in the spiritual realm who rule and fight over nations and regions of the world. See the book of Daniel for this and Revelation.

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Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to repay evil and insults with a blessing? What does this look like?

2. Share examples in which you have seen this done. What was the end result?

3. Why is it hard to repay evil and insults with a blessing? How can we develop this discipline and practice?

4. How does Peter’s quote of Psalm 34 support the verses in 2:11 – 3:9?

5. What stands out to you in this Psalm?

6. How would you describe God’s role on this earth in regards to evil and good people, angels and principalities?

7. What does it mean to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”?

8. Do you feel equipped to share the Hope of Jesus with all who ask? If so, how have you been equipped? If not, what do you think you need to be able to be prepared to give an answer to all who ask?

9. What should be our attitude when sharing our faith with non-Christians?

10. Share good examples in which you’ve been able to share the hope of Christ and give an answer for your faith.

11. What reasons do we have for hope even in the midst of suffering?

12. How does Christ’s example encourage us when in the midst of suffering and pain?

13. How do you hope to live out this passage this week?

Like New Wine for the Thirsty

Notes for March 18, 2018
John 2:1-12

Biblical Background

• On the third day: This beginning of the passage “on the third day” in reference to the wedding celebration could be a hint foreshadowing Jesus’ promise in John 2:19 that the resurrection will occur after three days. This is probably not referring to the third day of the week as in Jewish culture, virgins were married on the 4th day of the week and widows on the 5th day of the week.

• Cana: This village would have been near to Jesus’ home town of Nazareth, thus the invitation to come to a wedding of friends or relatives of Jesus’ family.

• Weddings in 1st century Jewish culture: Weddings were large celebrations and lasted 7 days. It was common to invite dignitaries and rabbis to such events.

• Running out of wine: It would be scandalous for the host of the wedding to not provide enough wine for the event – for the full seven days. So, Jesus’ miracles helps this family avoid a social gaffe.

• Wedding gifts: Fortunately for the hosts of a wedding, one of the social responsibilities was for the guests to provide wedding gifts (money, valuables, presents) that could help defray the overall cost of the wedding. In this case, Mary notices the problem and helps defray some of the expenses through her son’s miracle.

• “Woman”: This would have been comparable to our polite, “Mam”. It was a sign of respect, but not necessarily a term one would commonly use with your mom.

• What does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come: Jesus’ hour is a reference to the future when he will be crucified and pay the penalty for our sin. So, Jesus knows that when the miracles begin, his journey to the cross begins. Thus, he let’s his mom know that this is an important point of demarcation.

• Mary is persistent: Just as many characters in the Old Testament (Jacob, Moses, and others) Mary is persistent in asking God for a miracle. She is demonstrating strong faith in Jesus’ ability to do this miracle.

• Stone Jars: These large stone jars were large enough to fill a Jewish “Mikvah” the pool where people could go to for ceremonial cleansing and purification. There may be some symbolism here in that these large purification jars are providing wine – the symbol of Jesus’ blood in the future that purifies us from sin. Stone jars were also more sanitary than other types of ceramic jars for example.

• Master of the banquet: this was a position of honor bestowed on someone. One of their duties was to distribute the wine in quantities of sufficiency to provide refreshment, but not so much as to get people inebriated.

• Best wine normally first: After drinking wine, one’s palate is desensitized so that one doesn’t discern as many notes in the wine. Thus, the best wine was normally served first. In this case, Jesus’ miraculous wine is better than the finest wine available for the wedding. Additional punctuation on the power of the miracle.

• Jesus’ first sign: Just as Moses’ first sign introduced his ministry to the children of Israel and (the turning of water into blood), so Jesus’ first signal that he has begun his ministry is the turning of water into wine – which in the Lord’s Supper would symbolize the blood of Jesus.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why would the writer, John, begin this narrative with the expression, “on the third day”?

2. Why were Mary, Jesus and disciples attending a wedding?

3. What is the importance of the wedding celebration in biblical culture? What do you know about Jewish weddings in Jesus’ day? How about today?

4. What do we learn about Jesus and his mother, Mary, and their relationship from this story?

5. Jesus hadn’t yet done any miracles, why do you think Mary approaches him now?

6. How do you interpret the dialogue between Jesus and Mary? What is going on here?

7. What is significant about Jesus having water poured into what were probably ceremonial cleansing stone jars?

8. Can you think of other biblical stories in which a miracle with water was performed in the Old Testament? How might that be a foreshadowing of what Jesus does here?

9. How do you think the servants felt about this when Jesus asked them to take the water to the host?

10. How did the host feel when he tasted the water turned into wine?

11. How might the quality and the quantity of the wine reflect the character of Jesus?

12. Why did Jesus’ first miracle take place at a celebration of a wedding?

13. What did the miracle reveal? Why is this important?

14. What was the response of Jesus’ disciples to this miracle?

15. In what ways have you experienced the joy and celebration of Jesus in your life? What do you think he rejoices about in your life? In the life of our church?

16. How can we give extravagantly and generously to help others celebrate the joys of life?

The Act of Grace

Notes for Feb. 25, 2018
2 Corinthians 8:1-11

Biblical Background

• Paul’s previous comments on giving: In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul tells the Corinthians about the need to collect funds to help Christians in need.

• Positive Role Models and Comparison of rivals: Paul uses a standard rhetorical technique for his day which was to offer models for the audience to compare themselves to. In this case, he highlights the positive generosity of the Macedonian churches as an example to follow. In this case as well, there was a regional rivalry in the culture between Macedonia and Corinth, so it might be like telling Washington Redskin fans about the generosity of the Dallas Cowboys as a means of spawning some healthy competition.

• Hardship in Macedonia: The Macedonian church had endured some persecution and hardship, so their example of generosity toward other churches – even giving beyond their means – was a stirring example of sacrifice for the kingdom.

• Giving alms according to one’s ability: The Old Testament encourages giving, each according to one’s ability to give (Deuteronomy 15:14; Ezra 2:69) but here the Macedonians give beyond their ability.

• Privilege of Giving: The Macedonians see their giving as a means of showing hospitality toward others and counted it a privilege rather than an obligation.

• In service to the saints: The Macedonians saw giving as a means of serving the Christians who had less than they had.

• Titus began the appeal: Titus had asked the Corinthians earlier to help out the churches in need.

• The grace or gift of giving: Giving is a spiritual gift just as is teaching, faith, etc…

• Not commanding the act of giving: Biblical giving occurs when a person’s motivation comes from the heart, from within. It is not forced or coerced or manipulated.

• Christ the ultimate example in giving: Christians should be giving as a means of imitating their Lord

• Corinthian Church was a wealthy church: The Corinthian church had means and wealth and so Paul is encouraging to share with those churches that don’t have as much.

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Discussion Questions

1. What is the “grace of God” given to the Macedonian churches?

2. Paul shares the example of the Macedonian Churches giving generously to churches in need. Why does he do this do you think?

3. What can we learn about giving from the Macedonian churches?

4. How did the Macedonian churches view the act of giving?

5. What does it mean to “given oneself first to the Lord and then to us”?

6. How can we do God’s will according to this passage?

7. What gifts had God given the Corinthian church?

8. What gifts has God given our church?

9. Why doesn’t Paul command the Corinthians to give?

10. How is Jesus Christ a model for us in giving? Why is this an important point?

11. How often does Paul ask the Corinthians to give to churches less fortunate than their own?

12. What are some examples in which you’ve seen wealthy churches like the Corinthian church give generously to other churches who may be in need?

13. How might God be calling our church to give generously to other churches who not as well off financially than ours?

14. How might God be calling you to give generously toward the work of God?

15. Share an example of biblical generosity.

Grace and Generosity

Notes for Feb 18, 2018
Philippians 4:10-23

Biblical Background

• 1st church in Europe: Philippi in the province of Macedonia was the first place in Europe to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were loyal to Christ and to Paul and supported him throughout his missionary journeys. Acts 16:9-40 speak of the founding of this church.

• Thessalonica: The Philippians sent money and other aid to Paul to help him when he was in Thessalonica, a large city on the Eastern Coast of Greece. They are a great example to the church today as local churches are encouraged by Paul to seek to care for their brothers and sisters in places where they don’t have the same provisions.

• Partnership: Paul is using the language of the ancient business world as an analogy to say that the Philippian church was in partnership and shared the mission that Paul had to spread the Gospel. They were active in sharing their resources as Paul was willing to share His knowledge and all that he had with them.

• Content in plenty or want: Paul had experienced hardship and abundant material blessing and had learned that in all situations, Christ is still in control and that He didn’t need to worry or be covetous for more. Christ can empower us to be content and joyful in all situations.

• I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me: We have the power to accomplish all that Jesus wants to do in and through our lives. Paul understood this and saw Jesus show up in amazing ways throughout His life. This concept allows us to live without fear and trust that Jesus will give us all that we need to accomplish His purposes for our life.

• Epapharoditus: He was a messenger and courier who delivered supplies and aid to Paul from Philippi.

• Fragrant Offerings: Paul is using the picture of the temple in Jerusalem in which offerings were burnt on the altar as a form of offering thanksgiving and praise as their aromas filled the air.

• Caesars Household: Paul in prison had managed to share the Gospel with some who worked in Caesar's household. This would be like the White House staff and guards coming to faith in Christ and others who worked in the halls of power.

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Discussion Questions

1. How does Paul respond to the concern showed for him from the Philippians?

2. What does it mean to be content?

3. How can be content when we are in need physically? Emotionally?

4. Describe times when you have found contentment in wealth? In poverty or need?

5. What does this verse mean, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”?

6. How did the church at Philippi support Paul?

7. How did the church enter into a partnership in giving and receiving? How can we engage in partnerships with other believers, ministries, churches through giving and receiving?

8. What did Epaphroditus bring to Paul from the Philippians? How did Paul respond to these gifts?

9. What needs did God supply for Paul? What is God’s promise about filling needs? What does this mean?

10. Who is a saint? How can you greet other saints? Why is this important?

11. Paul had reached members of Caesar’s household with the Gospel. Why do you think Paul mentioned this? How can we best influence those in power?

12. How does Paul end this letter? Why does he end with “grace”?

13. What have you learned about ways to care for others in the church from Paul’s letter?

Approaching a Holy God of Grace

Notes for Jan. 28, 2017
Luke 18:9-17      

Biblical Background

• Prayer Times at the Temple: Daily prayer times were scheduled for the morning and evening sacrifices in the temple. As well, people could go up to the temple at any time of day for private prayer. Being a very public place, you could be seen by all, or stand in a corner so as not to call attention to yourself.

• Pharisees: These were religious leaders, some of whom were scribes, and they were very observant in keeping both the Mosaic Law and the traditions or religious laws made by the religious leaders to “fence-in” the law. In other words, they created laws to keep you from breaking the Law. They were viewed to be the most pious of people in Jewish culture.

• Standing Prayer: This was a common prayer posture with head lifted up and hands lifted up to the Lord.

• Fasting twice a week: this became the “law” or practice of some religious leaders in which they would fast on Monday and Thursday, some going without water. They made a show of it letting everyone know that they were fasting.

• Tithes: This could be between 10-20% of one’s income given to the temple.

• Gratitude for one’s righteousness: Rather than take credit for one’s righteousness, it was accepted to thank God for one’s piety and righteousness. Thus, the Pharisee praying, “Thank God I’m not an unrighteous person” might have seen normal. It is Jesus’ pivot on this statement that provides the contrast and clear pointing out of pride and sin.

• Beating one’s breast: This was a symbol of grief, anguish or contrition. It was a visual lamentation that could be seen within the Jewish community.

• Tax Collectors: In the 1st century world of Palestine, the Jewish tax collector was seen as a traitor to his own people as he was an employee of the Roman Empire. Many tax collectors were corrupt and would take a “piece of the pie” above the tax to make a significant living. As someone who dealt with Roman coins, they were seen as “unclean” in some circles and as a sinner.

• Shock of the parable: Those hearing the parable for the first time in 1st century Palestine would have been shocked by Jesus’ parable. It inverted the roles of who was considered righteous.

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Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever been in a situation in which someone looked down upon you – thinking that they were more righteous than you? Describe

2. Have you ever thought that you were more righteous than someone and looked upon them with contempt? Describe

3. When have you witnessed self-righteousness to be a problem in the church? What did you do about it?

4. Who would be the possible “Pharisees” in this story in our church today?

5. Who would be the “tax collectors” in this story in our church today?

6. What seems to be the issue with the prayer, fasting and tithing of the Pharisee?

7. What should prayer, fasting and tithing look like in the life of the believer?

8. Why would this story be shocking to the first century audience? How should it shock us today?

9. What qualities of the tax collector are Jesus affirming and encouraging? Why?

10. What does this parable say about the character of God and how He views us?

11. Why is it shocking to the disciples that Jesus would spend valuable time with babies and little children?

12. What is our attitude toward little children in our worship services, church life? How does this reflect Jesus’ view of children?

13. What does Jesus mean when he says that we need to come to Him as little children?

14. In what ways can we evaluate our attitudes toward ourselves, others and children? How can we be sure that our church is full of grace, truth and love towards those who may be different from us?

Desperate for Grace

Notes for Jan. 21, 2018
Ephesians 2:1-10

Biblical Background

• Dead in sin: Paul is stating that everyone outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ are spiritually dead – meaning there is no spiritual life in them. This is the consequence of both original (inherited) and willful (by choice) sin in a person’s life.

• Ruler of the kingdom of the air: Most 1st century Jewish people believed that Satan ruled the whole world except for Israel and that evil spirits were active in the world. The “Air” was the atmospheric heaven – above the sky- which was lower than the higher heavens where God and his angels abode.

• The World, The Flesh and the Devil: Ephesians 2:1-2 identifies the three enemies of God and truth. Any one or combination of the three can influence people toward sin.

• The Old Testament picture of God: Deuteronomy 7:6-9 is reflected in vv. 4-7 as God delights in showering His love and grace upon His people.

• To be seated with Christ: This is a powerful image as Christians are seated above the evil powers on earth or in the air. Thus, the status of the Christian, emboldened by the love and grace of God needs no longer fear evil, Satan or his demons.

• God redeems before good works occur: In the Old Testament, God first redeemed Israel from the bondage in Egypt before giving them the law. In the same way, the Christian does good works, not to come into relationship with God, but rather God redeems the believer first, then good works flow out of the Spirit of God at work in us.

• GRACE: God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

• Word Study on Grace: See this link to Precepts study on “Grace”

• Workmanship: the Greek word sometimes is used when describing a “work of art.”

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Discussion Questions

1. You were dead in sin. What does this mean? Describe

2. Who do we follow when we live in sin? Describe each of the powers that can lead us into sin.

3. In what ways are you aware of the world, the flesh and the devil and their attempts to lead you in the path of death?

4. The ruler of the kingdom of the air – where does Satan rule from? In position to God?

5. How are all human being alike? Why is this important to know?

6. What are human beings in God’s eyes when they are following the ways of the world, the devil and the sinful nature?

7. Why is God’s wrath an important truth to teach and to be aware of? How does God’s wrath and His love go hand in hand?

8. But God… How did God respond to the sin and death in your life as a believer?

9. Why did God have to take the initiative to make us alive – to resuscitate us?

10. How does Jesus Christ’s experience of death and resurrection relate and compare to our experience?

11. How much work must a person do to be saved?

12. How is a person saved?

13. What is the relationship between performing good works/deeds and God’s grace?

14. How does Paul define “grace”?

15. How can you communicate this message of salvation by God’s grace to others? Pray that God would give you an opportunity this week to share this good news with a non-believer.

God’s Glory – God’s Grace

Notes for Jan. 14, 2017
John 1:6-23         

Biblical Background

• John the Baptist: John was the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25;39-45;57-80). He was a miracle baby in that God opened up the womb of Elizabeth who was past menopause. Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. John was clearly sent from God to prepare the way for the Messiah – Jesus.

• Witness: This was a legal concept both in the Greek and Jewish worlds. Isaiah spoke of the people of God testifying/witnessing to God’s redemption during the end times.

• Light and Darkness: The images of light and darkness were commonly used in Jewish culture (Qumran Community – Dead Sea Scrolls as an example) to talk about good and evil, truth and falsehood.

• The world did not recognize him: The people of John’s day would have God in their midst (Jesus) and not recognize him. In Jewish tradition (not Scriptures) there was an idea that God had revealed the law to all the nations, but only the Jews accepted it. In the case of Jesus, all the nations, including Israel, the chosen people, would not receive or recognize who Jesus really was. Thus, all nations are under judgment for sin and all nations are in need of a redeemer. This idea that even the Jews would miss God’s revelation in Christ would be startling to John’s readers from a Jewish background.

• Spiritual birth/descent: In contrast to the idea in Israel that one’s status before God came from one’s ethnic/Jewish heritage as a member of the chosen people, John is changing the landscape with the idea that it is not human descent, but spiritual descent from rebirth through Christ that will be the deciding factor in one’s position before God.

• The Word: The “logos” in Greek refers to Jesus who John makes very clear is God, existed from eternity, was not created.

• Became Flesh: Jesus, God Himself, takes on human form, but he is not created as He has always existed.

• Dwelt among us: This expression is used of the tabernacle in the Old Testament as the Tabernacle represented God’s presence to the people of Israel as they traveled through the wilderness. Jesus is presenting God to the people of Israel by being physically present among them as God incarnate.

• Jesus’ Glory: Moses reflected God’s glory after meeting with God on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 33:20), but nothing compares to the glory of Jesus who is God Himself.

• John defers to Jesus: As a prophet, John the Baptist points to Jesus as God, the Messiah and seeks to decrease in status among the people so that people can turn to Jesus. He is the one prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 who calls people to get ready for the Messiah.

• Normally younger defers to older: In ancient culture, the younger person (Jesus in this case) would typically defer to the older (John the Baptist), but it is clear in this case that Jesus, being the eternal God, trumps John the Baptist in actual eternal age.

• Grace and Truth: God has always displayed and communicated both grace and truth throughout His relationship with His people as seen in Exodus 34: 6, “The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” However, the fullest expression of grace and truth comes through Jesus Christ.

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Discussion Questions

1. What do you know about John the Baptist?

2. What is exceptional about John the Baptist’s character and message?

3. How does the apostle John use the image of light in this passage?

4. What was the world’s response to Jesus?

5. What was the response of the nation of Israel to Jesus? Why would this be shocking to John’s readers?

6. What does it mean to “receive” someone? Describe

7. How do we receive Jesus?

8. How do receiving and believing go hand in hand?

9. What does it mean to be born of God and called a “child of God”?

10. What people are not children of God? How does this conflict with the notion that all people on earth are God’s children?

11. What does it mean that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”? Ponder that thought for a moment and describe the magnitude of this.

12. How does someone full of “grace and truth” act and talk?

13. How does Jesus supersede Moses, the prophet of the Old Testament?

14. How would you answer the question, “How can someone come to know God?”

15. Have you been born again and become a child of God? If not, you may consider praying with the people in your group to repent of your sins and surrender your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior.