Greetings! Below you will find questions which reference the sermon preached on Sunday, January 26th, 2014 at The Park. This week we studied chapter 1:19-34. Have someone in your group read this section of scripture.
Each week new questions are posted to track along with the sermons. Work hard to facilitate discussion. Listen to the hearts around the room and close with prayer.
Intro to Gospel of John:
This Gospel is unique with regard to the 4 first-hand accounts of the life of Jesus. It was likely the last of the 4 written and focuses much of it’s view on the deity of Jesus. Like today, the question of Jesus’ nature and source of power is constantly being debated and the heart of John’s gospel is to give us a clear, concise, unashamed view of the Son of God. It is here in John that Jesus makes claims like, “I am the Bread of Life”, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, and “I am the Light of the world”. Reading the Gospel of John will provide you with an exalted view of Jesus as God in the flesh, sent to proclaim the good news.
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- What are some observations you had from this section of scripture?
- Were there any new insights you learned about the passage from the sermon?
- There is a lot of theology regarding Jesus the Christ in John chapter one. What are some of the defining pieces of your theology (Christ’s preeminence, creative work, Immanuel, etc.)?
- What did you learn about God from reading this section of scripture?
- The religious leaders try and give John the baptist a couple of titles: Messiah, prophet, Elijah. What is the significance of these titles (Daniel 9:25; Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Malachi 4:5-6)? Why did he reject these titles? What did John call himself?
- Bonus: Make a list of all the titles Christ is given in chapter 1.
- Read Matthew 3:13-18 to find the account of Jesus being baptized by John. What are some of the important things in both accounts (Matthew 3 & John 1)? Why do you think John chose to exclude the story of Christ’s baptism and only refer to it in his gospel?
- Describe to your community your own baptism experience and how it impacted your walk with Christ.
- What is the significance of John’s statements in verses 31 & 33? What important part of Christology does this reveal?
- The Gospel of Luke begins with the birth of Jesus. Why did John choose to begin his Gospel with Jesus right before his ministry began (age 30)? How does this affect the message John is trying to convey?