THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Questions For Twenty-Six Lessons

By Murray Wade

Make a commitment to yourself, to your brethren, and to God that you will diligently assemble for class, study the lesson text, and answer the discussion questions. If everyone does their part we will all grow (Ephesians 4:14-16) and be edified!

John Discussion Questions for Class #1

Text: John 1:1-18

1. Who was responsible for the creation of the heavens and the earth? When did this happen? Why is this important to remember? (Also read Colossians 1:15-18 and Hebrews 1:2-3).

2. From our lesson text, what contrast does John tell us about?

3. Who sent John the baptist? Explain how God sent John to the world?

4. What was John's mission?

5. From the lesson text, how does one become a child of God?

6. What does verse 16 mean?

7. How did grace and truth come through Jesus?

8. In what way can our lesson tonight make you a better Christian tomorrow?

John Discussion Questions for Class #2

Text: John 1:19-51

1. From the lesson text, list things that indicate the jews did know about the Christ (or Messiah) and were looking for Him.

2. What job did God give John the baptist? (see Luke 1:76-80 and Mark 1:4)

3. From verse 25, what do the jews know the Christ will be doing?

4. What does the phrase, "the Lamb of God" tell us about Jesus?

5. Thought question: How does John know that Jesus is "the Lamb of God"?

6. List the different names Jesus is called in our lesson text.

7. When Andrew and Philip find out about Jesus, what do they do?

8. From our lesson text, which men confess that Jesus is the Son of God?

John Discussion Questions for Class #3

Text: John 2:1-25

1. How do we know that Jesus turning the water to wine at the wedding feast was a miracle?

2. Did Jesus condone (or approve of) drunkenness at the wedding feast? Please explain your answer.

3. Who went with Jesus to Capernaum?

4. Why were the money changers selling animals in the temple?

5. Why did the money changers activities anger Jesus?

6. What is Jesus referring to in verse 19?

7. What did the signs which Jesus performed cause?

John Discussion Questions for Class #4

Text: John 3:1-15

1. Research Question: Nicodemus is mentioned in verse one of our lesson text. What does our lesson text say he was? Is he ever mentioned again in the Bible? If so list the occasion(s) and accompanying passages.

2. What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that "unless one is born again, he cannot inherit the kingdom of God" ?

3. What is Jesus talking about when He tells Nicodemus "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" ?

4. What does verse 8 mean?

5. Why does Jesus say the Son of Man must be lifted up?

6. Using our lesson text and other scriptures, explain what one must do to have eternal life?

7. When will God fulfill His promise of eternal life to His children? Please list the scriptures that back up your answer.

John Discussion Questions for Class #5

Text: John 3:16-36

1. Who is Jesus talking to in verses 16-21?

2. What does Jesus want for all men?

3. Make a list of things that a believer in Jesus Christ does?

4. What is the light that evil people hate?

5. How does the light expose the hidden things in ours hearts?

6. What is special about Aenon near Salim in verse 23?

7. In general, what was John the Baptist's reaction to what his disciples said in verse 26?

8. Explain how John's reaction to his disciples in verses 27-36 show how good a man and prophet John was.

John Discussion Questions for Class #6

Text: John 4:1-45

1. Is there any difference in the baptism talked about in verses 1 and 2 and the baptisms of Acts 2:38 and 22:16? If you find that there are, come to class prepared to discuss both the differences and similarities between the two baptisms.

2. How do you think the Samaritan woman knows Jesus is a jew?

3. List (from verses 5-24) things that show why Jesus is the Master Teacher.

4. Research question: Provide the answer to this question "Who are the Samaritans?"

5. In verse 13: (1) Where is "the fountain of water springing up to everlasting life"? (2) Who is the source of this fountain?

6. What time period is Jesus speaking of in verses 23-24?

7. List some things recorded in our text that Jesus did that went against the traditions and cultures of the times?

8. List things that show the character of the Samaritans?

John Discussion Questions for Class #7

Text: John 4:46-5:16

1A. Why do you think the nobleman wanted Jesus to help with his sick son?

1B. What exactly did the nobleman ask Jesus to do?

1C. Did Jesus do what the nobleman had asked?

2. What caused belief in the Samaritans? (Note verse 4:54)

3. Why do you think Jesus would not simply put the man in the pool to be healed?

4. Why did Jesus not heal the multitude at Bethesada?

5. What is the meaning in verse 14, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."?

6. What did the healed man do according to verse 5:16?

7. Did the healed man or Jesus violate the Sabbath? Give scriptures to proof your answer.

John Discussion Questions for Class #8

Text: John 5:17-47

1. Why were the jews wanting to kill Jesus?

2. Who does Jesus say the jews should honor?

3. What could be the "greater works" that Jesus hints at in verses 20-21?

4. What event is Jesus talking about in verses 24-30?

5. Who sent John? Did these jews believe in him?

6. Make a list of all the evidences and witnesses that Jesus uses to show the jews that they should be honoring and believing Him.

John Discussion Questions for Class #9

Text: John 6:1-40 [*Many events not recorded in John occurred between John 5:47 and 6:1 and are recorded in Matt. 4:12-14:12, Mark 1:14-6:30, and Luke 4:14-9:19]

1. Why did the multitude follow Jesus?

2. Research question: How much is the 200 denarii Philip mentions in verse 7 worth? If one were to have this much money to spend on food for the multitude, what is Philip's conclusion?

3. How many people are fed by the 5 loaves and 2 fishes?

4. What does Jesus do before he distributes the loaves? Is this something that Jesus does often? Should we follow His example and why? Give scriptures that support your answers.

5. After the miracle, what is the reaction of some and what do they want to do?

6. How far does Jesus walk on the water? Has anyone ever done this since?

7. Why are the questions in verse 30 silly?

8. Who else, that we have already studied about in the book of John, had a similar response to Jesus' teaching?

9. Who will raise the believer at the last day?

John Discussion Questions for Class #10

Text: John 6:41-71

1. In our lesson text, Jesus talks about the bread, His flesh, and His blood. What do these represent? Give scriptures for your answers.

2. Why is the comparison between the bread of Jesus and the manna of the OT a good one for Jesus to use in His teaching?

3. From our lesson text, what do you think are the major problems the people are having with the teaching of Jesus?

4A. After Jesus had taught, verse 66 says that "many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more". Does this mean that Jesus was not a successful or the Master teacher? Please explain your answer.

4B. What does verse 66 tells us about how we should judge our teaching efforts today?

5. Why did Peter and the other Apostles stay with Jesus?

6. Thought question: Why did the apostles give their lives as they did? See John 6:68-69 and 1 Corinthians 15:12-28 to help with your answer.

7. Did Judas betray Jesus of his own free will or did God force him? Please give scriptures for your answer.

John Discussion Questions for Class #11

Text: John 7:1-53

1A. Were the brothers of Jesus sincere in wanting Him to go to the feast?

1B. Do we know the names of the brothers of Jesus? If so, please list them.

2. What is the point Jesus is making in John 7:21-24?

3. How do we receive the Holy Spirit today?

4. Where was Jesus from; Galilee or Judea?

5. Who does the crowd think Jesus is ?

6. Have we heard of Nicodemus before? If so, list the scripture.

7. Is the statement in verse 52, "for no prophet has arise out of Galilee" correct? (see 1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 14:25, Nahum 1:1)

John Discussion Questions for Class #12

Text: John 8:1-30

1. From our previous lesson text, when was the first time Jesus had taught in the temple?

2. Why do you think Jesus choose to teach in the temple?

3. Who is missing when the scribes and the pharisees bring the woman caught in adultery to Jesus? Why do you think it is important to note this?

4. In verse 9, what are some reasons why the men would have left when Jesus said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first"?

5. What point is Jesus making in verse 19?

6. Jesus is very clear in His teaching in verse 24. What does this verse do to the man-made religions of the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc...?

7. If we do those things that please God as Jesus says in verse 29, will we ever be alone? List scriptures that prove your answer.

8. In verse 30, the scripture says that many believed in Him. In John 6:66,

the scripture states that many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Has Jesus become a better teacher? Please explain you answer.

John Discussion Questions for Class #13

Text: John 8:31-59

1. Explain how verse 32 is true no matter what one's situation in life is?

2. Look at the jew's statement in verse 33. Is this statement true?

3. From verses 43 and 47, what is the Jew's main problem?

4. Is verse 51 true? Why or why not?

5. Are the people Jesus is talking to in verses 31-59 the same as those mentioned in verse 30? Why or why not?

6. From verse 56, why would Abraham rejoice to see Jesus' day?

7. Why is verse 58 so important?

John Discussion Questions for Class #14

Text: John 9:1-41

1. How long was this man blind?

2. What is the disciples wrong assumption from verse 2?

3. What did Jesus do and tell the blind man to do?

4. When asked by his neighbors about what had happened, what does the formerly blind man tell them?

5. What do the neighbors do then?

6. What day of the week did Jesus open the eyes of the blind man?

7. How do the pharisees handle the situation?

8. What is the formerly blind man's parents fear?

9. Is verse 27 similar to people's reaction to the simplicity of the gospel today? If so, explain your answer.

10. List scriptures that show the sincere and honest heart of the formerly blind man.

11. What do the pharisees mean by their question in verse 34.

12. What does Jesus do when he hears the formerly blind man was cast out of the synagogue?

13. How does Jesus use the miracle of healing the blind man to teach?

John Discussion Questions for Class #15

Text: John 10:1-42

1. In verses 7 and 11, Jesus refers to Himself as "the door" and "the good Shepherd". Why does He call himself the door and the good Shepherd (see Hebrews 13:20-21)?

2. Who do the sheep in the sheepfold represent and how do they respond to the Shepherd?

3. What will the sheep not do?

4. Who do the thieves and robbers represent?

5. What is the hireling and what is his problem?

6a. Who do the "other sheep" represent (verse 16)?

6b. There are some religions (such as Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, etc.) that teach verse 16 refers to two flocks of believers. How would you respond to a friend or neighbor who believes this type of doctrine?

7. Why is there a division among the jews in verses 19-21?

8. How does Jesus use the sheep illustration to respond to the jews in verse 24?

9. What is the point Jesus makes in verses 34-36 (see Psalm 82:6)?

10. From verse 41, John "performed no sign" (one translation says "John did not perform a single miracle"), yet he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15). List scriptures that show Christians today can be filled with the Holy Spirit, even though the age of miracles has ceased (1 Corinthians 13:9-10)?

11. Why did many believe in verse 42?

John Discussion Questions for Class #16

Text: John 11:1-57

1. How long did Jesus stay after He heard that Lazarus was sick? Why did He do this?

2. Was there danger in going again into Judea?

3. Which disciple shows courage?

4.How long was Lazarus in the tomb?

5. What shows the strength of Martha's faith?

6.List the verses that indicate how Jesus felt about Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

7. What does Jesus do in verses 41-42 and why?

8. What two reactions from the people do we see from Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead?

9. What is the message from Caiaphas?

10. Do the pharisees believe Caiaphas? Explain your answer

John Discussion Questions for Class #17

Text: John 12:1-50

1. What verse tells us of the character of Judas at this time?

2. In verse 8 Jesus says "For you have the poor with you always". Is this true today?

3. What were the jews doing in verse 9?

4. Why did the chief priests want to kill Lazarus?

5. His disciples did not understand the events of verses 12-15. When did they understand?

6. Looking at verses 17-19, what other time do we see the importance of witnesses to the raising of one from the dead?

7. What does Jesus speak about after Philip and Andrew tell Him about the Greeks (or gentiles) wanting to see Him?

8. Make a list of prophecies that Jesus refers to in this chapter.

9.What was the ruler's priority in verse 43? Can our priorities be goofed up the same way today? If so, please give some examples.

10. What does Jesus say will judge in the last day?

John Discussion Questions for Class #18

Text: John 13:1-38 [*To fully understand the context of John chapter 13, please read Matthew 20:20-28 and Luke 22:24-30 before you read John 13 and answer the following questions.]

1. What time period in the life of Jesus are we dealing with in chapter 13?

2. In verse 1, who is the scripture saying that Jesus loved?

3. Who was responsible for the idea of betrayal in Judas' heart?

4. Can what happened to Judas happen to any disciple (see Hebrews 3:12-13)?

5a. List the lessons that Jesus teaches His disciples by washing their feet?

5b. List at least one way you can apply this teaching of Jesus in your own life.

6. What troubled Jesus in verse 21 and why did it trouble Him?

7. Could Judas have repented of His sin at this time?

8a. Jesus talks of a new commandment in verses 34-35. Explain how the apostles would keep this commandment.

8b. Does this commandment (in verses 34-35) apply to Christians today? Please explain your answer.

9. From verses 36-38 we see Peter saying he will lay his life down for the Lord. Then Jesus tells how Peter would deny Him 3 times. Is this behavior of Peter common in man today? Please explain your answer.

John Discussion Questions for Class #19

Text: John 14:1-31

1. Throughout John chapters 14-17 we see that much of the discussion is directed to the apostles. How do we determine which verses apply to only the apostles and which have general application to all disciples (i.e., Christians)?

2. Why do verses 1-4 comfort you?

3. Why is verse 6 so powerful when dealing with false teachers and doctrines?

4. In verse 9, Jesus seems to be upset with Philip. Why?

5. What are the "greater works" that Jesus mentions in verse 12?

6. Jesus promises many things in verses 12-18. Are these promises (a) to all Christians, (b) to only the apostles, or (c) are some to all and some to only the apostles? Please explain your answer.

7. What are the apostles told to do to show their love for Christ and the Father? Is this a requirement of all Christians? Please explain why or why not.

8. What does Jesus mean in verse 21 when He says, "and I will love him and manifest Myself to him"?

9. From verses 16-17 and 26, list the names Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit and the things that He will do for the apostles.

10. In context verses 16-17 and 26 are speaking of promises to the apostles. In a sense, wouldn't some or all of these promises be true for all Christians? Explain why or why not.

John Discussion Questions for Class #20

Text: John 15:1-27

1. List the "SEVEN I AM" claims that Jesus made in the book of John (see John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, and 15:1).

2. List what you think are important lessons from the parable of the vine and the branches from verses 1-8.

3. From the lesson text, how do we abide in the Lord's love and be considered His friends?

4. Who is Jesus talking about in verse 16?

5. What are some consequences that Jesus says will come to the apostles, that also will come upon all disciples? Please include other scriptures from the NT to make your point.

6. From verse 26, what is the Helper going to do when He comes?

7. From verse 27, who is this verse referring to? Give other scriptures that also show this to be so.

John Discussion Questions for Class #21

Text: John 16:1-33

1. How could people that would kill the apostles think they are offering service to God?

2. Why is it good for the apostles if Jesus leaves them?

3. What 3 things will the Helper convict the world of?

4. According to verse 12, had Jesus told the apostles all that He wanted to say to them?

5. What will the Spirit of Truth do when He comes? What indicates that this work was completed a long time ago?

6. Jesus tells the apostles that they will soon be sorrowful and then their sorrow would be turned to joy. What is He talking about? Provide scriptures for your answer.

7. Jesus uses an illustration in verse 21. How would this illustration help the apostles understand? (Also see Hebrews 12:11)

8. Figurative language and figure of speech are mentioned in our text. Why did Jesus speak figuratively from time to time? (See Matthew 13:10-17)

9. In verse 32 Jesus says to the apostles that a time is coming when they would "be scattered, each to his own, and will leave me alone." When did this happen? Give scriptures for your answers.

John Discussion Questions for Class #22

Text: John 17:1-26

1. Why would Jesus, if He is the Son of God, need to pray to God? Give other scriptures for your answer.

2. Describe the authority that Jesus speaks of in verse 2?

3. What work (verse 4) was Jesus given to do? Give scriptures for your answer.

4. What is Jesus talking about in verse 5?

5. What did Jesus give His apostles? What did the apostles do with it?

6. Why does the world hate the apostles?

7. How does verse 15 apply to all disciples today?

8. Who is Jesus praying for in chapter 17?

9. How can we learn about being united with God and with each other from verses 20-26?

10. RESEARCH QUESTION: How many times in chapter 17 does Jesus mention "word", "words", or some other term that refers to God's will. According to chapter 17, why is this important?

John Discussion Questions for Class #23

Text: John 18:1-40

1. How many opportunities do we find in this chapter that Peter could have taken a stand for Jesus?

2. From other scriptures, what does Peter do when he hears the cock crow?

3. Where can one read about the event recorded in verse 14?

4. How does verse 31 tell us what the jews intended for Jesus?

5. What does Pilate say about Jesus' innocence or guilt?

6. Who is our passover lamb?

7. From verse 36, does Jesus give any hint that He will return someday to establish a physical kingdom?

8. From this lesson, name two things that you can apply in your life.

John Discussion Questions for Class #24

Text: John 19:1-42

1. Make a list of the evil things that were done to Jesus as recorded in John 19.

2. Explain what Jesus is referring to in verse 11. Please provide other scriptures that support your answer.

3. Who was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?

4. Verse 18 mentions two others who were crucified with Jesus. From other gospel accounts, who were these men and what did they do?

5. List which loved ones were present as Jesus hung on the cross.

6. From verses 25-27, what is happening between John, Jesus, and Mary the mother of Jesus.

7. How many times are prophecies of Jesus being fulfilled in chapter 19. Why is this important?

8. After Jesus dies, who takes care of the Lord's physical body? Who would have been the logical ones to have done this task (see Acts 8:2)?

John Discussion Questions for Class #25

Text: John 20:1-31

1. What time was it when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb?

2. What resulted from Peter and the other disciple seeing the linen clothes lying in the tomb (see verse 8).

3. What does verse 9 tells us about the level of understanding of Peter and the other disciple at this point?

4. Why did Mary stay at the empty tomb and not go to her house like Peter and the other disciple?

5a. What day of the week were the disciples assembled when Jesus appeared to them?

5b. Why were the doors shut where the disciples assembled?

5c. What is the reaction of the disciples to Jesus appearing to them?

5d. What does Jesus give the disciples (see verses 22-23)?

6a. Eight days later, in another assembly with the doors shut, which disciple says he needs to put his finger into the print of the nails and his hand into His side before he believes?

6b. List a time we have studied in John where Thomas shows great courage.

7. What great teaching comes as a result of Thomas' doubt?

8. Why are the signs of Jesus recorded?

John Discussion Questions for Class #26

Text: John 21:1-25

1. Where in John have we studied about Nathanael before? Explain what happened in that meeting.

2. What named apostle might be Nathanael?

3. How do we harmonize verses like Luke 5:11 and Mark 10:28 with verse 3 of this chapter?

4a. Jesus directs the apostles to a great catch of fish. Give the scripture for a similar event, early on in the Lord's ministry.

4b. What lesson(s) can we learn for our lives from this miracle?

5. What does Jesus do for the disciples as recorded in verses 9-13.

6. Why does Jesus press so with His encouragement of Peter in verses 15-19?

7. In verse 18-19 we see that Peter will have to go where does not want to go. Similar thoughts are in Acts 9:15-16 for Paul. In 2 Peter 1:12-14, it seems that Peter is close to meeting his death in service to the Lord. Should we also be prepared to suffer, even to the point of death? Please explain, why or why not.

8. Thought Question: It seems Peter died shortly after A.D. 66 and the Book of John was written around A.D. 85-90. Why is this helpful to know when teaching someone that Peter was not the first pope?

HANDOUT FOR LESSON #26

Appearances of Jesus	Scripture Reference
1. Mary Magdalene	John 20:11-18, Mark 16:9-11
2. To the other women	Matthew 28:9-10
3. Simon Peter	Luke 24:13-25, Mark 16:12-13
4. Cleopas and companion on road to Emmaus	Luke 24:33-35, 1 Corinthians 15:5
5. Disciples, except Thomas	John 20:19-23, Luke 24:36-43, Mark 16:14
6. Disciples, with Thomas	John 20:24-29
7. Seven disciples at Sea of Tiberius	John 21:1-14
8. On a mountain	Matthew 28:16-20
9. Five hundred brethren at once	1 Corinthians 15:6
10. James	1 Corinthians 15:7
11. All of the Apostles	Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:4-12, 1 Corinthians 15:7
12. Paul	1 Corinthians 15:8, Acts 9:3-7, 22, 26
13. Perhaps many other times	Acts 1:3