Pastor Ralph

Q3. (John 8:31-32) What is the mark of a “real” disciple? What does it mean to “continue” in Jesus’ word? What truth sets us free? When this is quoted in a secular content, how does its meaning differ from its context here in John’s Gospel?

Q2. (John 8:21-24) What does it mean to “die in your sins”? What is the consequence of this? How is it possible for Jesus’ enemies to be speaking with the Savior from sin without receiving forgiveness from him? They are so close, but so far! Do you know anyone like this?

Q1. (John 8:12) In what sense is Jesus the Light of the World? What is Jesus’ promise concerning light for his followers? Exactly what does that mean for the way you live?

Q4. (John 8:10-11) Why didn’t Jesus condemn the lady? Was she guilty, do you think? Instead of condemnation, what did Jesus tell her to do? Why is repentance necessary for salvation? What happens to the gospel when we don’t emphasize repentance?

Q3. (John 8:3-8) Why do you think Jesus wrote on the ground? Was the content of his writing important to the story? What effect did this have on the situation?

Q2. (John 8:3-8) Why did Jesus insist on unbiased, righteous witnesses casting the first stone? Why is verse 7 so often misused? Does Jesus require sinlessness of those called on to judge? What does he require? How does this compare with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-5?

Q1. (John 8:3-6) What was the trap Jesus’ enemies tried to spring on him with the woman taken in adultery? What might be the consequence if he upheld stoning her? What might be the consequence if he said not to stone her?

Q4. (John 7:37-39) In Jesus’ teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? What does he promise to believers? How is this fulfilled at Pentecost rather than immediately after Jesus spoke it? To what degree has this been fulfilled in your life?

Q3. (John 7:17) Can we truly know God’s will if we’re not really willing to obey the truth we know? Why not?

Q2. (John 7:15-17) How were rabbis trained in Jesus’ day? How was Jesus trained? How were his disciples trained? What is the value of formal theological training? What is the value of learning to hear and obey the voice of the Spirit?

Q1. (John 7:1-5) Why did Jesus stay in Galilee and avoid Jerusalem? What is the balance between taking precautions to protect yourself and trusting yourself into God’s care?

Q6. (John 6:61-66) What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of “disciples” that turned away from Jesus? What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32?

Q5. (John 6:53-59) What is “eating the Bread of Life” a metaphor of? What is “eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood” a metaphor of? How are these metaphors similar to each other? Why do you think Jesus used such a vivid and repugnant metaphor?

Q4. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of “eating the Bread of Life” mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it?

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65) What is the significance of Jesus’ teaching that only the ones the Father “draws” to him can come to him? In what way does this sound like predestination? How does the Holy Spirit prepare people to put their faith in Christ?

Q2. (John 6:28-29) What kind of “works” do people sometimes pursue to please God? According to Jesus, what is the most important “work” that God requires of us?

Q1. (John 6:26-27) Why were some of these “believers” following Jesus? What were their selfish motives? For what motives do true disciples seek Jesus?

Q5. (John 6:14) How does the people’s desire to make him king relate to the third temptation Jesus met in the wilderness (Luke 4:9)? What would have happened to God’s plan of redemption if Jesus hadn’t retreated to the hills on this occasion? Why must we resist giving in to people’s plans for our lives?

Q4. (John 6:12-13) Why does Jesus have his disciples pick up the left-over pieces? What does this have to do with his attitude towards waste? What does it have to do with his teaching the disciples about abundance?

Q3. (John 6:11) How did Jesus distribute the multiplied loaves and fishes to the multitudes? How do the disciples fit in? How are the baskets used? What impression do you think this is making on the disciples as they work hard during the ongoing miracle?

Q2. (John 6:10) Why does Jesus have the crowds sit down before feeding them? What is the disciples’ role in this? Why would you prepare for a miracle if you don’t think it would happen? How ready is your congregation to see miracles take place?

Q1. (John 6:5-9) Why does Jesus try to get the disciples to own the task of feeding the crowds? What is the significance to the story of the boy’s five loaves and two little fish?

Q5. (John 5:39-40) What should be the role of the Scriptures in our lives? How is it possible for a person to be a great student of the Bible, but so lacking in spiritual discernment and lifestyle? How can we keep our churches orthodox but not legalistic and judgmental?

Q4. (John 5:36-37) According to John’s Gospel, what is the value of miracles? What is the weakness of faith that depends solely on miracles? Why do you think that we don’t have more miracles in our day? How much is that dependent upon a congregation’s attitude (and unbelief) towards the importance of modern-day miracles?

Q3. (John 5:30) Why is Jesus so dependent upon the Father for wisdom? How dependent are you upon your culture to approve of your way of life and validate your wisdom? To what degree do you depend upon God for wisdom?