John 12 Saturate Session 10/30/24

In the beginning of this chapter, verse 1 tells us it was six days before the Passover. 

1. What is the significance of the Passover? Read Exodus 12:7-13. 

2. What happened during the Passover according to Exodus 12?

3. What connection can you make between the Passover and what was about to happen, particularly thinking of Jesus as the Lamb of God?

Now, back to John 12. 

4. What did Mary do?

5. In what way was Mary's act an act of worship? What was so significant about the perfume?

6. How did Judas react?

7. How did Mary demonstrate the nature of Christ (Philippians 2:8)?

8. How did Judas reveal his true nature? (John 10:10, John 8:44)

Let's list the differences between Mary and Judas based on what we learn from this chapter. 

9. If we, as believers, decide to live for Christ and act in a way that seems foolish to the world, do you think we would face criticism?

10. Why do you think people criticize those who are willing to give everything for Christ?

11. What happens when we choose to live a life of worship before the Lord? How do people typically react?

Now read 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 and think of Mary as you reflect on living a life of worship. 

Just like Mary's perfume, when we devote ourselves to serving Christ and pour out our lives for Him, some will be attracted to us, while others may see us as the "stench of death."

John 11 Saturate Session 10.16.24

Where was Jesus when this story began (see 10:40)?

Where did Lazarus's family live (11:1)?

What did John say about how Jesus felt about this family (v. 5)?

Why were the disciples hesitant to go 2 miles away from Jerusalem?

If someone in your family was very sick, and if you had a good friend of the family whom you had watched heal many people of many sicknesses, wouldn't you expect that, if he just knew the problem, he'd come fix it?

Rather than Jesus running to the aid, notice what verses 5-6 say, "I love them, I wait... Why?"

What would have happened if Jesus came right away? What would they have missed out on?

What did Jesus do (v. 6)?

When dealing with confusing times, there are two perspectives: ours and God's. The question is, do we trust him?

After two days, what did Jesus say? (v. 7)

What did Jesus tell his disciples he was going to do? (v. 11)

When Jesus reached Bethany, how long had Lazarus been dead?

What would his body be like?

What were Martha's first words to Jesus? (v. 21)

What did Jesus say about the person who believed in him and died (v. 25)?

What was the first thing Mary said when she saw Jesus?

How did Jesus react to Mary's tears and to the tears of the other mourners (v. 33)?

When Mary and Martha invited Jesus to come see Lazarus's tomb, what did he do (v. 35)?

Jesus knew that the sisters would have Lazarus back, alive and well, in a matter of minutes. He knew that the spirits of all his people who had died were with his Father, and he knew that he would one day raise their dead bodies as well. He knew that sin and death would eventually be done away with and all things would be made new. He knew that everything was going to turn out just fine. Still, he was moved by the grief of these people he loved, and he wept. Not only did he feel sorrow for their sorrow, but he also would have felt anger because of death, the result of sin, that spoils his Father's perfect world. What do you think about Jesus being moved with sadness, grief, and anger?

After Jesus prayed at the tomb, what did he cry with a loud voice?

John 10 continued Saturate session 9.25.24

-In the next section of John 10, it's important to remember verses 19-21 in order to understand the attitude of the people.

-Why were the people divided?

-Some people had already decided about Jesus without considering the evidence being presented.

-The Jews continued to challenge Christ and even asked Him in verse 24, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus responds in verses 25-30, using the sheep metaphor again. Jesus' response provides insight into verses 1-21 of John 10.

-How can you distinguish Jesus' sheep from other sheep? (verse 27)

-What does Jesus give to His sheep? (verse 28)

-What promise do we have as Jesus' sheep in verse 29?

-In verse 31, what was the reaction of the Jewish leaders?

-What was Jesus' reaction in verse 32?

-Why did the Jews want to stone Jesus in verse 33?

-Please read and discuss verses 34-42. If you have any questions about this section, we will address them next week.

John 10 Saturate Session 9.11.2024

- What is this metaphor all about?

- What is the sheepfold?

- What is the door?

- Who is the one who climbs in?

- What are His motives?

- Who are the sheep?

- Is there more than one type of sheep?

- What makes those sheep distinct?

Now, read John 10:7-18, where Jesus interprets this parable.

- In verse 7, what does Jesus mean when He says He is the door? (See John 14:6)

- Verse 9 makes a statement of exclusivity, similar to John 14:6. According to Jesus, how many ways are there to heaven?

- If Jesus is the only way, then what should be the message we spread and who will hear it?

- Verse 14 describes Jesus - how does it do so?

- Verse 14 says Jesus knows His own, and His own know Him. What does it mean to know?

- Let's discuss "know" in the context of Matthew 7:21-23.

John 9 Saturate Session 8.28.24

1. Why did the disciples ask whether the man or his parents sinned, considering that the man was born blind?

2. What caused sickness and death to come into the world?

3. What is Jesus' purpose, and how does this relate to verse 3?

4. Do our sins affect one another?

5. Read Joshua 7:1-4. Why did the hearts of the Israelites melt with fear and what was the cause?

6. Read Joshua 7:7-11. How would it affect your decisions if your sins affect others?

7. Ultimately, we are all born into sin and deal with the consequences of original sin. We have all gone against God's law and brought guilt upon ourselves, thus we are bound over to the wrath of God, and curse of the law, and are made subject to death, along with all spiritual, temporal, and eternal miseries (WCF). Here in John 9:3, Jesus says the man's blindness was not due to the man's specific sin or the sin of his parents, but rather that the work of God might be displayed. How is the work of God being displayed in this passage, both spiritually and physically?

8. Read John 9:6-13. What was the reaction of the people, and do we act the same way when God does something in our lives or the lives of others?

9. How did the Pharisees react in verses 15-16, and how did the blind man react in verse 17?

10. How will/have you react(ed) to the working of God in your life while dealing with social pressures?

11. Read John 9:18-34 and analyze the argument between the Pharisees, the man, and his parents. Consider belief, fear, and social pressures.

1. 12. Lastly, how are you dealing with social pressures in light of the truth of God? Is Jesus your everything? If not, why not?

John 8  Saturate session  8.14.2024

1. In Chapter 8:1-11, what principle is being taught?

2. Read verse 12: Jesus calls himself a light. Why use this metaphor?

3. Read Psalm 119:105 and compare it to John 8 verse 12. What insight do you get concerning light and Jesus take into consideration John 1:1 as well?

4. Verse 13: the leaders begin to question Jesus' authority because he was bearing witness of himself, at least according to them. They know the law in Deuteronomy 19:15 states there must be 2 to 3 witnesses. Jesus makes the case that they do not recognize the witness of God. Jesus tells the leadership that God the Father and the Spirit essentially bear witness to him. Read the job description of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8, Jesus' part in Colossians 1:15-21, and the Father part in John 8:18. Now, discuss how Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit work together to bear witness of each other.

You just discussed the building blocks of the doctrine of the Trinity.

5. What is Jesus saying in John 8:28? What is he referring to?

6. Jesus' wording in John 8:28 is much like John 3:14. Read Numbers 21:4-9. What lesson can you learn from this passage and how does it apply to Jesus?

7. According to verse 31, what is the mark of a disciple of Jesus?

8. How does verse 31 give an accurate definition of a disciple?

9. As a disciple, what will we "know" according to verse 32? Now take the puppet master metaphor we spoke about in our Saturate session and consider what Jesus is saying here.

10. What does being made free mean to you?

11. Read verses 34-37. What is Jesus saying here?

John 7 saturate session 7.31.24

1. Why would the Jews want to kill Jesus? Consider the events in the past few chapters.

2. In what ways are Jesus' actions threatening the Jewish way of life?

         Read verses 2-5 to understand the situation.

3. How are Jesus' brothers provoking him?

4. What was Jesus' response to his brothers in verse 6?

5. Why is the phrase "my time has not yet come," in the book of John so important, and what does it mean?

6. Read verse 7 to understand why the world hates Jesus.

7. How does Jesus' life expose the world look back at John 3:19-21 for a hint

8. Why do you think the world would hate a Christian? (Seek Pastor Nick's input on H & T)

9. Read verses 10-13 to understand what's happening and why the people might be scared of the Jews.

10. In verse 14, it says that Jesus went to the feast not provoked by man, but led by God. He then speaks again concerning His authority. Read verses 14-24, and consider the incident with the man at the pool, Jesus' argument to the leaders, and the reason why the leaders were trying to kill Jesus.

11. How is Jesus justifying His authority?

12. To whom does Jesus appeal?

13. What is Jesus' accusation?

14. How do the people respond to Jesus' statement in verse 19, and why did they respond that way?

15. Read verse 24 and consider the Jewish leaders, what they stood for, what they appeared to be, and their actions in comparison to Jesus.

John 6 saturate session 7.17.24

Chapter 6

According to verses 1-2, why were the people following Jesus and why do motivations of the heart matter? Consider why you follow Jesus or why you do not.

In verse 6, we learn that Jesus tests Philip. Why would Jesus test Philip, and does God test us? Is testing a good practice? See James 1:2-4 and Corinthians 13:5.

What was gained from the interaction between Jesus and His disciples in the scenario in verses 6-14? How would you react if you were there with them? How did the people react in verses 14-15?

Why do you think Jesus withdrew Himself? Read the following excerpt from Genesis 14:22-24 and consider the attitude of Abram, comparing it to Jesus' underlying motivation. Do you find yourself always striving to be someone rather than trusting God to make you someone?

In verses 16-21, we just went through a faith-building lesson with the feeding of the five thousand, and now the disciples are facing a storm. Have you ever found yourself filled with faith and then dealing with a storm of life that tested your faith? We need to be looking for Jesus in the storm and remember he is saying "do not be afraid" to you and me as well. Do you have a testimony you want to share where you were filled with faith, then afraid, and found Jesus showing up?

In verses 22-24, we read that the people kept looking for Jesus. Again, what was their motivation? Read how Jesus calls them out in verses 25-27. What should be our motivation to seek after Jesus? Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and discuss.

What is the work of God according to verse 29? How did the people respond to Jesus in verse 30, and how does their response expose their heart's motivation?

In verse 31, the people refer to the manna given from heaven in the book of Exodus. Who did they give credit to and how did Jesus respond? Jesus compares himself with bread. Discuss this metaphor.

Now read verses 35-40. How does bread satisfy hunger? How does drink satisfy thirst? Why is Jesus comparing himself to these bodily needs? How does Jesus fulfill? Read verse 40 and ask yourself this question: have you looked upon Jesus? Looking on Jesus comes with what hope according to verse 40?

John 5:30-47 session question 7.3..24

Pray for the Lord to open your mind and heart as you read His word. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through the reading of the word and answer the following questions. If more questions come up, write them down and bring them to the group.

1. What is Jesus saying in verse 30? Think about our discussion last week concerning justice.

2. Now read verses 31-34. Jesus is establishing authority in the words He is saying. Now read Philippians 2:1-5. Be prepared to discuss unity based on the foundation of us all hearing God’s word and meeting th30:ere as our starting point.

3. In verse 35, what does it mean to be a shining lamp? Read Psalm 119:105.

4. Break down the metaphor of Psalm 119:105. How is the word like what it describes, and how is it helpful?

5. Now consider John the Baptist as that lamp. Take what you read from Psalm 119:105 and discuss how John was a delivery man of God’s word to the people of that day.

6. Read verses 36-38. Jesus declares His testimony is greater than John’s. Why? Consider Psalm 119:105 and John 1:1.

7. Who was John the Baptist ultimately declaring? Read John 1:14.

8. Jesus declares His authority is witnessed in His unity with the Father. He accuses the religious leaders essentially of not listening to God at all. Why? Read verses 37-38.

9. You will encounter many teachers in school and college who claim to know something of the Bible but are like these religious leaders. Read 1 Corinthians 2:14 and discuss the reasons they are like these leaders according to this verse.

10. Read verses 39-40. What is Jesus' accusation here?

11. How are we like the religious leaders in verses 39-40?

12. How is Jesus life?

Statement about verse 41: Today, people continue to look for their own glory. Social media is all about our own glory "look at me!" Religious leaders, musicians, athletes are all about branding to further their popularity. Jesus says he is not all about that.

13. Now read 42-47. Jesus closes this section of scripture with a pointed accusation. What is He saying?

14. Read verse 47 again. How does this verse connect with John 1:1 and 1:14?

John 5 Saturate session question 6.19.24

Pray for the Lord to open your mind and heart as you read His word. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through the reading of the word and answer the following questions. If more questions come up, write them down and bring them to the group.

1. Why did people gather at this pool?

2. What was so special about this pool?

3. How long had the man whom Jesus decided to speak with been at this pool?

4. How does verse 6 act as evidence of Jesus’ omniscience (all-knowingness)?

5. Jesus asked the man a question, did Jesus know the answer? If so, why ask the question?

6. All those who gathered at the pool fought to get to the pool. What is the difference between getting to the pool and Jesus in these verses?

7. What is the difference between striving (struggle or fight) and resting?

8. What was the difference between the man’s interaction at the pool and with Jesus?

9. No pool had to be stirred, no racing to get in the water. What did it take for the man to be healed?

10. How are we like the paralyzed man and what can we learn from his interaction with Jesus?

The Jews were mad because Jesus told the man to pick up his mat. The reason they were mad was that they were supposed to cease from work on the Sabbath. Read verses 10-17 and take note of Jesus’ interaction.

11. How did the man react to the questioning from the Jews?

12. Read Acts 5:29 and ask the question: How would you react if you were that man?

13 Can you think of a modern-day scenario where you could be questioned and found in a position between obeying God or man?

14. When Jesus found the man, what did He say to him?

15. Read vs 18. Why did Jews want to kill Jesus?

16.How is Jesus making Himself equal to God?

17. Now read vs 19-29 and discuss Jesus’ authority.

John 4 Saturate session questions 6.5.24

It's summer! What an awesome opportunity to delve into God's word and nurture your relationship with Him. Start by reading John 4:1-45 and pray for the Lord to open your mind and heart as you read His word. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through the reading of the word and answer the following questions. If more questions come up, write them down and bring them to the group.

1. In verse 6, how does this passage act as evidence of Jesus' humanity?

2. Why is it important for scripture to speak concerning Jesus’ humanity? Back in Chapter 1, what did it say concerning the Word becoming? How does that speak concerning Jesus’ humanity?

3. What was the hour the women came to the well? Why is it odd? (You might have to Google the time for the answer.)

4. What would be the best time to gather water from the well? (Think heat.)

5. Who started the conversation, and why was that odd? Think culturally? (Google biblical times Jews and Samaritans.)

6. Why did she question that a Jew would give water to a Samaritan?

7. Read Galatians 5:19-21. What does it say concerning divisions? What is divisions? It is a work of what?

8. Now read Galatians 5:22-24. What are those who belong to Christ called to do? Why do we divide? What areas in life do we divide?

9. In verse 10, what is Jesus alluding to, and how does it speak of His divinity?

10. The women pointed out Jesus did not have a pail to draw water. What type of water is Jesus talking about?

11. How can we connect what we know about water and why Jesus uses this illustration?

12. Natural and spiritual connection. What will this water Jesus speaks of do?

13. In verse 15, how does the woman respond to Jesus? Do you see her confusion?

14. In verses 16-19, Jesus pivots the conversation to help with the confusion she is dealing with. What do we find out about this woman? How did Jesus respond to the woman? Why did Jesus ask about her husband?

15. How can we connect the issue of always drinking and never being satisfied with this woman who had many husbands? Where in life do we find people continuing to drink but never satisfied?

16. Look at this illustration: John D. Rockefeller, Sr., one of the richest men in history, was once asked how much money it takes to make a man happy. Rockefeller's famous reply was, "just a little bit more." He was worth, in comparison to today's economy, 138 billion dollars. It was always a little bit more. Will it ever be enough?

17. How did the conversation turn to worship? How does a true worshipper worship?

18. What steps can we take to worship in spirit and truth?

John 3 Saturate session questions 5.15.24

Please read John 3:1-21 and pray for the Lord to open your mind and heart as you read His word. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through the reading of the word and answering the following questions. If more questions come up, write them down and bring them to the group.

In this chapter, we are introduced to a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Pharisees were religious leaders, like pastors, who believed in resurrection and followed legal traditions.

John 3:1. Why do you think he came by night?

"In verse 2, what does Nicodemus say about Jesus?"

"Verse 3: How does Jesus respond?"

"What must we do to see God's kingdom, according to Jesus?"

Read Vs 4-7

How did Nicodemus respond?

Is Jesus speaking spiritually or physically?

Please read 1 Corinthians 2:14, How does this particular verse help us to understand what Jesus is talking about?

Read Vs9-15

Jesus is attempting to explain spiritual concepts to Nicodemus, a spiritual leader, but Nicodemus is struggling to comprehend. Jesus uses familiar biblical stories to help Nicodemus understand. Read Numbers 21:6-9.

Why do you think Jesus connects this story to himself?

John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse in the Bible. Can you discuss its significance?

Vs17 Why did God send His son according to this verse?

According to verse 18 this salvation is conditional, what is that condition?

Who are condemned, who are not condemned?

What is this judgment in vs 19?

Who is the light and what did we learn about the light in chapter 1?

Vs 20 What does the wicked do in the light, and why?

Vs 21 why do people come to the light?

What is the work carried out by God? Go back to vs14-15 and make the connection.

(stop)

John 2 Saturate session questions: *complete*

Please take note of the following text: Read John chapter 2!

2:1-2 Notice that the disciples of John are now part of Jesus’ disciples. What do you think is an important lesson we can learn from this?

2:3-5 is loaded with allusions about what is to come. Here are some areas to look at to help you break it down:

- What was Mary’s response to an apparent problem?

- What was Jesus’ response?

- What did Jesus mean when He said that His time had not come?

- How did Mary react to Jesus’ statement?

- What allusions do you see?

Verse 6: What were the stone jars used for, and why was this important in this culture? (Mark 7:3)

Verses 7-10: What happened? What did Jesus do? 

What does this mean concerning Jesus’ power over nature?

With what we learned about Jesus in John 1:3, does this surprise you? 

Does Jesus still have control over the elements? 

If Jesus can change the chemical makeup of water to wine, what can He do with humankind?

 Why was the master of the feast astonished?

Last Wednesday, I spoke of how my tastes were transformed from wickedness to righteousness. Where are the areas you know to be sin that our culture needs Jesus’ transformative power?

Verses 11-12: What was manifested, and how did the disciples react?

Verses 13-17: Why was Jesus going to Jerusalem? 

When Jesus came to the temple “church”, what did He find? 

What was Jesus’ reaction, and why do you think He acted this way?

What does it mean to have zeal?

Verses 18-19: What were the Jews looking for, and why were they looking for this? 

What was Jesus’ reply?

 Why was Jesus' statement shocking?

 What was Jesus really speaking about, and how did the Jews respond?

Verses 23-25: Why didn’t Jesus entrust Himself to these people? 

Why is it easier to believe in someone when they do something you see as a “sign” rather than take them for their word? 

Why do you think Jesus would not entrust Himself to them?