Read: John 1:19-21, Malachi 4:5, 2 Kings 5:1-8, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Matthew 17:1-13
Explain why the Levites and Priests quizzed John the Baptist on “who” he was. (e.g., Elijah, The Prophet)
How was this related to and not related to the Old Testament? (i.e., wrong identification)
How did the leaders have a closed mind? How does this help to better understand a closed mind and the Gospel?
Read: John 1:19, Matthew 3:1-6, Mark 1:2-6, Luke 1:1-24, 57-80, 3:1-9
How does the Gospel of John introduce us to John the Baptist? How do the other Gospels introduce him?
Why is there such a difference between them? How does it help with context and reveal motives? Be specific.
How does this encounter help you better understand the dynamics surrounding the Gospel today?
Read: John 1:18, 10:30, Exodus 33:17-23, Colossians 1:15
Most of us understand that God is invisible, yet scripture highlights we can also see him. How does this work?
In what way do Christians today have an advantage over Moses? Be specific.
How does this also set Christianity apart for other religions today? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 1:16-17, Colossians 1:15-20
In what way does today’s reading set Jesus apart from any other religions or historical religious leader?
Why is this important to understand the Gospel? What does it prevent from happening? Be specific.
How would you respond to someone who says they embrace all religions? Why won’t Jesus let this happen?
Read: John 1:16-17, Exodus 20:1-17, Matthew 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:10-11, Ephesians 2:8-9
Explain the distinction made between the law and Jesus. How do they relate to each other? (i.e. grace and truth)
Why was this hard for the Jews to accept? How does this make the arrival of Jesus “Good News”?
In what way does this even redefine legalism today? How does this adjust your approach to The Gospel?
Read: John 1:1, 14, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20
Explain how John 1:14 is a verse relating to Christmas. Who was Jesus before Christmas? Be specific.
What does “only son” imply in the ancient culture in terms of Jesus’ relationship to the Father?
Why is this important in relating to the authority of Jesus? How does this elevate your perspective about Jesus?
Read: John 1:12-13, 10:27-28, Matthew 16:24
How was John addressing how the Jews viewed themselves? (i.e. God’s chosen) Be specific.
What does “blood” and “will of the flesh” mean in John 1:13? How is “choice” the replacement?
How can this same deception take place today? (e.g. church attendance, etc.) What choice have you made?
Read: John 1:9-11, 3-5, 5:1-16, 9:13-23, 12:35-36, Luke 13:34-35
Why do you think John highlights that Jesus was rejected by “his own”? How was this also a warning?
What does this imply about Jesus being a disrupter? How was Jesus addressing institutionalized religion?
Why do you think the Jews have rejected Jesus even to this day? How does this adjust your view?
Read: John 1:6-8, 15, 30
In what way has someone been a John the Baptist in your life? What specifically did they say or do?
What does this highlight about the call of every Christian today? How is this happening for you?
Describe how you can be a John the Baptist to someone in your life. What practical steps will you take
Read: John 1:8, 15, Luke 9:43-48
Why do you think throughout the ministry of John the Baptist he had to clarify who he wasn’t?
What does this imply about our tendencies to elevate people? How do you see this taking place today?
How did Jesus teach this same principle to the disciples? What adjustment does God want you to make?
Read: John 1:8, 15, 3:30-31, Acts 18:24-25
How did John view his role in relation to the role of Jesus? Why was this important?
In what way could John have drawn attention to himself? How did he balance a passion and a humility?
Many believe that John 1:8 relates to people who had elevated John the Baptist. How can this happen today?
Read: John 1:6-7, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
What does it imply when you consider that John was the first one to tell people about Jesus? (i.e., no training)
How does the Apostle Paul highlight this same truth when it comes to sharing your faith? (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
In what way might you have complicated talking about Jesus? How will sharing what you know be sufficient?
Read: John 1:6-7, Matthew 11:11a, Romans 10:15
What does it mean that John the Baptist came to “bear witness to the light”? How does it relate to the Gospel?
What does this highlight about Jesus viewing John as the “greatest”? How does this relate to Christianity today?
In what way do you think Christians have redefined spiritual greatness? How does this challenge you?
Read: Luke 1:5-24, 2 Kings 1:7-8, Matthew 3:1-4
In what way was the birth of John unique? Be specific. How was it also miraculous?
Why was John’s appearance unique? What did it ultimately represent to a Jew at that time?
How was John’s birth ultimately pointing to his greatness? How does this change your view of John?
Read: 1 John 5:1-5
According to this passage, what does it mean to love God? What does this say about the nature of love? Is it more than a feeling? If so, what is it?
When is it difficult for you to “keep” (or obey) God’s commands?
“Overcome” is used three times in this passage. In your opinion, what was John’s intention?
What is the connection between believing in Jesus, obedience, and overcoming the world?
Read: John 1:24-27, Matthew 12:1-8
What do you see about how the religious leaders approached John and how it continued with Jesus? (i.e., grain)
What does this highlight about the dangers of bunny trails and the risk to the Gospel? Be specific.
Give an example of how this can happen today when talking to non-Christians. How can this be protected?
Read: John 5:13-15
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your spiritual confidence? Why?
In just a few words, if a neighbor were to ask you, “what does it mean to believe in Jesus,” what would you say?
What does it mean that “God hears us?” How does this passage answer that question?
Read: 1 John 4:7-12
Based on this passage, why should we love others? If we want to love others more, where should we start?
This passage shows at least 3 ways that God showed his love. He sent Jesus, he loved us first, and he paid for our sins. How can we imitate or reflect this kind of love to others? Be as specific as possible!
For you personally, when is it difficult to love others?
Read: 1 John 3:16-18
For you personally, what does sacrifice look like for you? In what ways do you “lay down” your life for others?
What kinds of situations move you to compassion or pity? Do you feel like you show enough compassion toward others? Why or why not?
Make a list of 5 new ways you can love with “actions and in truth” this week.
Read: 1 John 2:15-17
What are some examples of people “loving the world?” What are examples of “lust of flesh,” “lust of eyes,” and “pride of life?”
Lust is the drive for the unhealthy things we do not have--either physical pleasures or mental fantasies. Are these struggles in your life? If so, what triggers you to be tempted?
Where does pride show up in your life?
