Read: John 13:6-9
Why was Peter the only one who seemed to speak up? What does this imply about the disciples being humbled?
In what way could Peter have thought he was being humble to resist Jesus? What does this highlight about pride?
How can this easily happen in Christian circles today? Give an example. What is the deeper lesson for you?
Read: John 13:1-5, Luke 7:36-50
How did Jesus show the “full extent of His love” to the disciples? How did he also do this to a prostitute?
What does this highlight about the requirements for a Jesus style approach to love? How did the religious leaders respond?
How comfortable are you with a Jesus approach to loving others? Why? What risky step can you take today?
Read: John 13:1-5, Philippians 2:1-13
What did it require emotionally and spiritually for Jesus to wash the disciples’ feet? What did this also expose?
How did the entire life and ministry of Jesus demonstrate a foot washing approach toward others? Be specific.
What does this suggest to Christians about “how” to love others? How can you practice this today?
Read: John 13:1-5, Luke 22:20-24, Mark 9:33-37, 10:35-39
Explain why people had their feet washed in ancient culture. What would be a modern-day example of it today?
Given Jesus waited until the meal started to wash the disciples’ feet, what does this highlight about their humility?
How will a competitive spirit prevent biblical love from taking place? How can you prevent this from happening?
Read: John 12:49-50, 14:6, Matthew 10:28, 23:15, 2 Peter 2:4-9
What is eternally at stake when a non-Christian decides to follow Jesus? Be specific.
What does this highlight about counting the cost? How can this get lost today? (e.g. deconstruction)
How does reframing the Gospel in terms of a commandment challenge deconstruction? How does it challenge you?
Read: John 12:44-48, 3:16-17, Matthew 25:31-46
Describe the purpose and mission of Jesus and His coming 2000 years ago. How will it be different at His return?
In what way did Jesus try to build credibility with the crowd He was speaking to in John 12:44-48?
How was it also a warning? Why do most non-Christians today avoid this truth? Why is this critically important?
Read: John 12:42-43, 19:38-42, Acts 6:7, 15:1-5
Why did John contrast the unbelieving crowd to some believing Pharisees? Why were the Pharisees challenged?
What does Acts 15:1-5 highlight about the spiritual baggage that can take place? Be specific.
In what way can these same challenges occur today? Give an example. How can you prevent this in your life?
Read: John 12:37-41, Matthew 13:10-15, Luke 8:9-15, 1 John 2:19
Why did Jesus start teaching in parables after He was well into His ministry? How does this relate to John 12:37-41?
In what way does the Parable of the Sower also emphasize this truth? (i.e., open heart, types of seed, etc.)
How can keeping an open heart, surrendered heart, and teachable heart apply to both Christians and non-Christians?
Read: John 12:36b-38, Isaiah 53, Matthew 23:37-39
How does John 12:38 support John 12:37? What does this highlight about the need for Isaiah 53 to be fulfilled?
Why will unbelief always be part of sharing the Gospel? How does God feel about this truth? (Mt. 23:37-39)
How does this help your perspective when talking to non-Christians about Jesus? Be specific.
Read: John 12:36a, Romans 1:18-25
In what way was Jesus highlighting an urgency for the crowd to make a decision? What would happen if they delayed?
What does this highlight about God drawing people to Himself? (i.e., timing to respond)
How is this a warning for every non-Christian? How might God be challenging you to respond today?
Read: John 12:35-36a, Luke 9:57-62, 14:25-27
What decision was Jesus challenging the crowd to make? In what way was it a yes or no decision?
What does this reveal about the requirement for becoming a Christian? How did Jesus teach this during His ministry?
How can this get confused today with going to church or being raised a Christian? Have you made a decision?
Read: John 12:32-34, 23, Psalm 89:35-37, Isaiah 9:7, Daniel 7:11-14
Why were the Jews confused about Jesus being the “son of man”? How did they misinterpret “lifted up”?
In what way were they missing the central message of the Gospel and redemptive mission of Jesus?
How can this be overlooked today when people are making a decision to become a Christian? Give an example.
Read: John 12:31-33, 6:44, 1:47-49, 2:1-11, 4:1-19, Ephesians 2:1-5
Explain what Jesus meant by “drawing all people” to Himself. How did this happen to the disciples?
Why does this need to happen for someone to become a Christian? (c.f., Ephesians 2:1-5)
Why is this also important to recognize when it happens? How did this happen to you? Be specific.
Read: John 12:31, 3:14-15, 14:30, 16:11, Ephesians 2:1-2, 6:12
Who is the “ruler of this world”? Explain the spiritual victory that took place at the cross.
How would the Christian life be different today if Satan wasn’t defeated? (i.e., spiritual warfare)
In what way have you overlooked this truth in your life? How does this truth encourage you in today’s world?
Read: John 12:27-35, Mark 14:32-36, 9:2-8, Matthew 3:16-17
Why did Jesus say His soul was “troubled”? How does His prayer time in Gethsemane help clarify?
In what way did God validate Jesus? How has this happened before? Why was this important?
What does this highlight about obeying God and comfortable Christianity? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 12:25-26, Luke 18:18-23
In what way did the discussion between Jesus and the rich ruler directly relate to John 12:25-26?
How does this rich ruler demonstrate the same struggle we have in Orange County, California?
What does this imply about the risk we all face? How has God been speaking to you this week? Be specific.
Read: John 12:26, Ephesians 4:30-32, Galatians 5:22-26
In what way will God’s Spirit prompt us to biblical obedience? What will it ultimately look like? Give an example.
What spiritually happens when disobedience takes place? What does this imply about Christianity that works?
How would you rate your level of biblical obedience? What is God teaching you about getting in step with Him?
Read: John 12:26, 15:5-6, 10, Galatians 3:24, Luke 14:27
What do you picture relationally when it comes to a servant and master? How would you describe a good servant?
Given Christians are called to follow Jesus like a good servant, what does this imply about obedience?
Why is this a different discussion than legalism? Be specific. What area of your life do you need to be a better servant?
Read: John 12:24-25, Philippians 2:3-12, 1 Peter 5:6
Why will humility always be the way to a fruitful walk with Jesus? How was Jesus the ultimate example of this?
In what way does this relate to John 12:24-25? How does this help you better understand dying to self?
How might God be humbling you this week? What choice can you make to stay under God’s “mighty hand”?
Read: John 12:24-25, Matthew 16:24-28, Luke 12:16-21
What priority lesson was Jesus teaching when it comes to “loving” and “hating” life? Be specific.
How can this potentially be taken out of context? How does verse 24 keep verse 25 in context?
In what way does this challenge your current focus and priorities? How does this encourage you to change today?
Read: 2 Chronicles 34:1-21, 2 Timothy 3:14-17
What benefit did Timothy have over Josiah? How are you helping children to have that same benefit?
What was Josiah’s attitude towards God’s Word? How is that same honor reflected in your life and time spent in it?
How do we receive the benefits from God’s Word listed in 2 Timothy? How can we pass on those benefits to others?
Read: Matthew 18:1-6, Mark 10:13-16
In these passages Jesus extols childlike faith. Why is it important? How have you grown out of it?
How can childlike faith be restored? What are the attributes of childlike faith? Which do you need to work on?
Why does Jesus seem to value children so much? Does your attitude reflect His? What are you doing about it?
Read: Deuteronomy 6
What are the “gods of the people around you” in our culture? In what ways have you fallen into worshipping them?
Why is it important to live out the faith while also teaching your children (or others’ children)?
How would you answer the question in v. 20? Do you share your testimony of God’s faithfulness with others?
Read: Joshua 24, Judges 2:7-11
What happened between the generation of Joshua and the generation that came after? Could that happen today?
How can we make sure that the generation to come knows the Lord? What are you doing to ensure that happens?
Pray and ask God to give you specific steps to take in passing on the faith. How will you step into those?
