Through The Eyes Of John
The gospel of John provides a unique biography of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of one of his closest friends and disciples. In John 20:30-31 we’re told why John wrote his gospel. As we prepare for the Easter season, we will approach the gospel of John with the same intent… So that people will believe in Jesus and have life in his name!
Tips to get most out of this series:
Extra resources to study the book of John as a group:
The good news of the gospel-April 27th
John's gospel account begins with a big, majestic view of Christ who is the Word made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and who is the light of the world. John's gospel account ends in chapter 21 with this rather intimate conversation on a beach with one of his disciples. John completes his gospel account by reminding his readers about the good news of the gospel... specifically that this really big, majestic, amazing God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 21:1-14. Do you struggle with guilt and shame? Where do you need the good news of the gospel to provide freedom from that weight?
2. Read John 21:15-17. Is your love for Jesus leading you towards loving others? How are you feeding the sheep?
3. Read John 21:20-22. How is comparison robbing your joy? Why is the good news of the gospel is not "lived out" well by comparing ourselves to others?
4. Read John 20:30-31. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus? Are you living in personal relationship with your creator?
Action step: Remember the words of Jesus this week as you seek to live out the gospel... "If you love me, feed my sheep."
The Other Disciple Ran Faster-April 20
John's account of Easter morning reminds us that the Easter story is not a perfect story told perfectly by perfect people for perfect people, but an unthinkably gracious story told imperfectly by imperfect people for imperfect people that testifies to the unthinkable graciousness of a perfect God.
Discussion/Questions:
1. How did the gracious story of Easter impact you this year?
2. Did you get to experience stations of the cross? What was that like for you? (link here)
3. Who can you share the good news of Easter with?
Lessons From Failure- April 13th
Peter is generally considered the leader of the disciples. He got to see all of Jesus' miracles, hear his teaching, experience his transfiguration... he even walked on water for brief moment. Peter, more than most, knew and experienced Jesus as God. Yet, in Jesus' darkest hour, Peter still failed Jesus by denying him three times. Make no mistake, in that moment, Peter failed at following Jesus. I think this is part of the reason why so many of us feel like we can relate to Peter. At times we may all feel like failures. We all fail at following Jesus sometimes. However, failure can also teach us some really important lessons and we can choose how we respond to failure in our lives.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 18:1-27. Have you ever felt like a failure at following Jesus? Explain why?
2. Read John 13:36-38. Dave pointed out, using Peter’s story as an example, that the areas of our lives where we are most overconfident (prideful), tend to be the areas in which we are less guarded and therefore most prone to failure. What are areas of pride that you should confess, inviting your community in to help you guard against failure?
3. What role is fear playing in your life and faith? Read Psalm 46:1-3, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Timothy 1:7. Have you experienced faith that diminishes fear?
4. How does it make you feel that God still uses Peter (imperfect people) to further his kingdom?
5. Is anyone going to Stations of the Cross? Learn more here! Note: Even if your group does this individually it would be great to make time at your next gathering to share about your experience.
Action step: Give Holy Week the attention it deserves!
The Quiet Place- April 6th
Jesus claims to be the true vine, the one who gives life. He calls us the branches which means our purpose is to bear fruit in our lives that glorifies God and points others to him. But we can't do this on our own. We have to abide in the vine if we want to bear fruit. This means spending time in the quiet place, alone with the Father, like Jesus did time and time again.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 15:1-11. What does in mean to abide in the Vine? Are you abiding?
2. What is your Eremos? (desert/desolate place, wilderness, solitary/quiet place) What does this time look like for you?
3. What fruit do you see in your life? Are you in a season of abundance or withering?
4. Is there anything in your life that needs to be pruned?
Action step: Spend time in the quiet place with the Father.
What To Do When We're Troubled- March 30th
Jesus' disciples are troubled by several things that have just happened. So in Chapter 14 of John's gospel, Jesus tries to comfort them by reminding them of some things to focus on when they feel troubled. It is solid advice for all of us who seek to follow Jesus with our lives because at times we will all feel troubled in this world.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 14:1-14. Has anything been making you feel troubled or burdened?
2. What does it look like to trust Jesus in the midst of trouble?
3. What do you think heaven will be like? How do you become more heaven minded?
4. What are the works Jesus did? How are you continuing the works of Jesus?
5. Dave pointed out that he thinks Jesus is challenging us to focus on what really matters. How would that help relieve your burdens?
Action step: Be more heavenly minded this week... spend a little bit of time each day thinking about heaven. It's good medicine for a troubled heart.
Resurrection and Life- March 23rd
When a close friend of Jesus' dies, Jesus goes to the man's town and raises him from the dead. You might say that this is Jesus' most "miraculous miracle" up to this point in his ministry. In doing this, Jesus builds the faith of his followers and reminds us that we can bring him glory even during the difficult seasons in our own lives. It's also a reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, the story ends with Resurrection!
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 11:4.
a. How have you seen suffering bring glory to God? In other words, what is something hard you’ve gone through that grew/shaped your faith and now you can look back and see how God was moving?
b. How are you actively seeking opportunities for God to be glorified in your circumstances? Read Psalm 34:1. How do you ensure that praise remains on your lips in every situation?
2. Is anyone in the middle of a season of suffering that needs hope? Spend time praying over them in group.
3. Read John 11:17-22. How do you view God when he doesn't act in your timing?
4. Read John 11:33-35. Jesus had emotions and shows we serve an empathetic God. Are you okay with acknowledging your emotions? How can you be more empathetic like Jesus?
5. How are you keeping your hope in the ultimate resolution of Jesus? Your story ends with resurrection!
Action step: If you know someone who is going through a difficult season or has recently experienced a loss, reach out to them this week or send them a note and let them know you're praying for them. Remind them that the story ends with Resurrection!
Good Shepherd and Good Sheep- March 16th
In John 10 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." In saying this, he reveals a lot about the nature and heart of God toward his people. This also means that we (his people/the church) are his sheep. So what does the good shepherd do for the sheep? And what do we need to do in order to be good sheep?
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 10:1-18. Of the seven characteristics of God as the Good Shepherd that Dave highlighted, which one has had the most profound impact on you in this particular season of your life? Why?
1. The good shepherd pursues the lost sheep
2. The good shepherd provides for the sheep
3. The good shepherd leads the sheep
4. The good shepherd protects the sheep
5. The good shepherd grows and unifies the flock
6. The good shepherd sacrifices for the sheep
7. The good shepherd comforts and assures the sheep
2. How are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? What has your time in God’s Word looked like lately? Is there anything you've felt God saying to you through his word recently?
3. How are you fighting off the lies of the thieves? Is there a specific lie that is being destructive in your life that you need to bring to light in the group?
4. Dave talked about good sheep listening, following, and beloning. How can you be a more faithful sheep?
5. Have someone read Psalm 23 over your group.
Action step: Read the 23rd Psalm every day this week. Be reminded that the Lord is your shepherd. Listen to his voice and follow him.
Spiritual Eyes- March 9th
Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to the Jews through their well-known rituals of the Feast of Booths. He uses the physical as a doorway to the spiritual. Some have spiritual eyes to see Him, but others are so distracted by and attached to the physical that they miss Jesus. The same can often be true for us today.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 7:37-39 and John 8:37-41. Sarah highlighted an important theme in the book of John: Jesus often uses the physical to reveal the spiritual. Why is it important and good that God uses physical experiences in our lives to point us toward deeper spiritual truths?
2. In what ways is your physical body and habits reflecting your spiritual life?
3. How is hurry keeping you from Jesus?
4. What's a way you can slow down and encounter the living God this week?
Action step: Slow down.
Chasing The Right Bread- March 2nd
Jesus performs an amazing miracle when he feeds thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. This miracle sets the stage for one of Jesus' most emphatic statements where he declares himself to be God, when he says, "I am the bread of life." The problem is the people are chasing after Jesus because he fed them actual bread and they're not really interested in the spiritual "bread" Jesus was speaking of. You might say they were chasing after the wrong bread... much like us, they were too easily satisfied with temporal things.
Note: This could be a great opportunity to receive communion together as a small group, reflecting on how Jesus is the true bread of life!
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 6:1-13. How do you think the disciples felt about Jesus's question to feed the 5,000? What is your typical response to ideas that seem absurd?
2. What is your "lunch"? Is there something in your life—perhaps something you consider insignificant—that you might offer to Jesus, trusting that He could do something new, creative, and wonderful with it?
3. Have you ever experienced Jesus multiplying something small in a situation where you chose to be faithful?
4. Read John 6:25-35 & 48-58. Are you chasing after Jesus, the bread that will sustain you, or are you seeking other earthly things for your sustenance?
Action step:Re-read the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-13). What part of your life (or your lunch) are you withholding from him?
Ripple Effects- February 23th
Jesus passes through a region called Samaria and stops to have a brief conversation with a woman who had come to get water from a well. The conversation takes a lot of twists and turns, but ultimately this woman comes to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. In addition, the text tells us that many other Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of this woman. You might say that this brief conversation has ripple effects that change many people's lives.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 4:1-38. Like Jesus interacting with a Samaritan woman, how might following Jesus require us to behave in ways our culture finds strange or disturbing?
2. How can you be a worshipper in spirit and in truth outside the walls of Vista?
3. The woman’s encounter with Jesus transformed her life, and she couldn’t help but share it with others. She wasn’t a theologian, nor did she have all the answers, but that didn’t stop her from telling others about Him. What’s holding you back from sharing how Jesus has changed your life with everyone you meet? Does anyone have tips on how you turn a convo to Jesus?
4. Is there a specific person, group, or ministry that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you to be a “link in the chain” for?
Action step: Look for an opportunity to be a "link in the chain" of someone's spiritual journey this week
Born Again- February 16th
In John chapter 3 Jesus has an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Through this conversation, we learn some really important things about what God does and doesn't want for us.
Discussion/Questions:
1. What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?
2. Read John 3:1-19. Why does it matter that Nicodemous is a Pharisee? What do you know about Pharisees in scripture? What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God?
3. When and how did you experience “new birth”? Has anyone yet to experience "new birth" or make their "new birth" known to the world through Baptism that wants to take that next step? (Next Baptism is April 6th)
4. How do you experience/hear from the Holy Spirit in your life? (Want to learn more about the holy spirit? Watch this video.)
5. Verse 14 looks back to the story in Numbers 21:5-9. How is the crucifixion of Jesus like putting the snake on a pole?
6. Take a few minutes at the end of group to individually spend time praying for the wind of the spirit to blow in your life.
Action step: Answer these two questions this week.... 1. What evidence do I see of "new birth" spiritually in my life? 2. In what ways do I see the Holy Spirit at work in my life?
Pointing people to Jesus- February 9th
John writes his gospel so that people will know Jesus. In chapter 1 he uses three different titles for Jesus... Jesus is "the Word, the Light, and the Lamb." Each of these titles has a way of pointing people to Jesus and helping us better understand who he is. At the end of the day, our calling is the same as John's... to know Christ and point people to him.
Discussion/Questions:
1. What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?
2. Read John 1:1-3. What is significant about Jesus being called the Word? Consider reading Psalm 33:6 and Isaiah 55:10-11.
3. Read John 1:4-13. How have you experienced Jesus as the Light in your life?
4. Read John 1:19-29. How has the Lamb brought freedom in your life? Is there anything in your life that holds you captive, preventing you from experiencing the true joy and freedom that the Lamb sacrificed so much to offer?
5. How can you help others experience Jesus as THE way?
Action step: Do something this week to point people to Jesus.
Tips to get most out of this series:
- Everyone in small group takes notes during the sermon.
- Everyone in group come prepared to answer the question, "What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?"
- Read the recap questions before group and come prepared to answer.
- Follow along in the reading plan. (it's under the resource tab in the app.)
- Consider having different members take turns leading the discussion each week.
Extra resources to study the book of John as a group:
- Bible Project Overview Video (consider watching these videos to better understand the Gospel of John as a whole).
- Watch John Part 1
- Watch John Part 2
- N.T. Wright John Bible Study Guide (extra questions to study the book of John)
The good news of the gospel-April 27th
John's gospel account begins with a big, majestic view of Christ who is the Word made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and who is the light of the world. John's gospel account ends in chapter 21 with this rather intimate conversation on a beach with one of his disciples. John completes his gospel account by reminding his readers about the good news of the gospel... specifically that this really big, majestic, amazing God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 21:1-14. Do you struggle with guilt and shame? Where do you need the good news of the gospel to provide freedom from that weight?
2. Read John 21:15-17. Is your love for Jesus leading you towards loving others? How are you feeding the sheep?
3. Read John 21:20-22. How is comparison robbing your joy? Why is the good news of the gospel is not "lived out" well by comparing ourselves to others?
4. Read John 20:30-31. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus? Are you living in personal relationship with your creator?
Action step: Remember the words of Jesus this week as you seek to live out the gospel... "If you love me, feed my sheep."
The Other Disciple Ran Faster-April 20
John's account of Easter morning reminds us that the Easter story is not a perfect story told perfectly by perfect people for perfect people, but an unthinkably gracious story told imperfectly by imperfect people for imperfect people that testifies to the unthinkable graciousness of a perfect God.
Discussion/Questions:
1. How did the gracious story of Easter impact you this year?
2. Did you get to experience stations of the cross? What was that like for you? (link here)
3. Who can you share the good news of Easter with?
Lessons From Failure- April 13th
Peter is generally considered the leader of the disciples. He got to see all of Jesus' miracles, hear his teaching, experience his transfiguration... he even walked on water for brief moment. Peter, more than most, knew and experienced Jesus as God. Yet, in Jesus' darkest hour, Peter still failed Jesus by denying him three times. Make no mistake, in that moment, Peter failed at following Jesus. I think this is part of the reason why so many of us feel like we can relate to Peter. At times we may all feel like failures. We all fail at following Jesus sometimes. However, failure can also teach us some really important lessons and we can choose how we respond to failure in our lives.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 18:1-27. Have you ever felt like a failure at following Jesus? Explain why?
2. Read John 13:36-38. Dave pointed out, using Peter’s story as an example, that the areas of our lives where we are most overconfident (prideful), tend to be the areas in which we are less guarded and therefore most prone to failure. What are areas of pride that you should confess, inviting your community in to help you guard against failure?
3. What role is fear playing in your life and faith? Read Psalm 46:1-3, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Timothy 1:7. Have you experienced faith that diminishes fear?
4. How does it make you feel that God still uses Peter (imperfect people) to further his kingdom?
5. Is anyone going to Stations of the Cross? Learn more here! Note: Even if your group does this individually it would be great to make time at your next gathering to share about your experience.
Action step: Give Holy Week the attention it deserves!
The Quiet Place- April 6th
Jesus claims to be the true vine, the one who gives life. He calls us the branches which means our purpose is to bear fruit in our lives that glorifies God and points others to him. But we can't do this on our own. We have to abide in the vine if we want to bear fruit. This means spending time in the quiet place, alone with the Father, like Jesus did time and time again.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 15:1-11. What does in mean to abide in the Vine? Are you abiding?
2. What is your Eremos? (desert/desolate place, wilderness, solitary/quiet place) What does this time look like for you?
3. What fruit do you see in your life? Are you in a season of abundance or withering?
4. Is there anything in your life that needs to be pruned?
Action step: Spend time in the quiet place with the Father.
What To Do When We're Troubled- March 30th
Jesus' disciples are troubled by several things that have just happened. So in Chapter 14 of John's gospel, Jesus tries to comfort them by reminding them of some things to focus on when they feel troubled. It is solid advice for all of us who seek to follow Jesus with our lives because at times we will all feel troubled in this world.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 14:1-14. Has anything been making you feel troubled or burdened?
2. What does it look like to trust Jesus in the midst of trouble?
3. What do you think heaven will be like? How do you become more heaven minded?
4. What are the works Jesus did? How are you continuing the works of Jesus?
5. Dave pointed out that he thinks Jesus is challenging us to focus on what really matters. How would that help relieve your burdens?
Action step: Be more heavenly minded this week... spend a little bit of time each day thinking about heaven. It's good medicine for a troubled heart.
Resurrection and Life- March 23rd
When a close friend of Jesus' dies, Jesus goes to the man's town and raises him from the dead. You might say that this is Jesus' most "miraculous miracle" up to this point in his ministry. In doing this, Jesus builds the faith of his followers and reminds us that we can bring him glory even during the difficult seasons in our own lives. It's also a reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, the story ends with Resurrection!
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 11:4.
a. How have you seen suffering bring glory to God? In other words, what is something hard you’ve gone through that grew/shaped your faith and now you can look back and see how God was moving?
b. How are you actively seeking opportunities for God to be glorified in your circumstances? Read Psalm 34:1. How do you ensure that praise remains on your lips in every situation?
2. Is anyone in the middle of a season of suffering that needs hope? Spend time praying over them in group.
3. Read John 11:17-22. How do you view God when he doesn't act in your timing?
4. Read John 11:33-35. Jesus had emotions and shows we serve an empathetic God. Are you okay with acknowledging your emotions? How can you be more empathetic like Jesus?
5. How are you keeping your hope in the ultimate resolution of Jesus? Your story ends with resurrection!
Action step: If you know someone who is going through a difficult season or has recently experienced a loss, reach out to them this week or send them a note and let them know you're praying for them. Remind them that the story ends with Resurrection!
Good Shepherd and Good Sheep- March 16th
In John 10 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." In saying this, he reveals a lot about the nature and heart of God toward his people. This also means that we (his people/the church) are his sheep. So what does the good shepherd do for the sheep? And what do we need to do in order to be good sheep?
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 10:1-18. Of the seven characteristics of God as the Good Shepherd that Dave highlighted, which one has had the most profound impact on you in this particular season of your life? Why?
1. The good shepherd pursues the lost sheep
2. The good shepherd provides for the sheep
3. The good shepherd leads the sheep
4. The good shepherd protects the sheep
5. The good shepherd grows and unifies the flock
6. The good shepherd sacrifices for the sheep
7. The good shepherd comforts and assures the sheep
2. How are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? What has your time in God’s Word looked like lately? Is there anything you've felt God saying to you through his word recently?
3. How are you fighting off the lies of the thieves? Is there a specific lie that is being destructive in your life that you need to bring to light in the group?
4. Dave talked about good sheep listening, following, and beloning. How can you be a more faithful sheep?
5. Have someone read Psalm 23 over your group.
Action step: Read the 23rd Psalm every day this week. Be reminded that the Lord is your shepherd. Listen to his voice and follow him.
Spiritual Eyes- March 9th
Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to the Jews through their well-known rituals of the Feast of Booths. He uses the physical as a doorway to the spiritual. Some have spiritual eyes to see Him, but others are so distracted by and attached to the physical that they miss Jesus. The same can often be true for us today.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 7:37-39 and John 8:37-41. Sarah highlighted an important theme in the book of John: Jesus often uses the physical to reveal the spiritual. Why is it important and good that God uses physical experiences in our lives to point us toward deeper spiritual truths?
2. In what ways is your physical body and habits reflecting your spiritual life?
3. How is hurry keeping you from Jesus?
4. What's a way you can slow down and encounter the living God this week?
Action step: Slow down.
Chasing The Right Bread- March 2nd
Jesus performs an amazing miracle when he feeds thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. This miracle sets the stage for one of Jesus' most emphatic statements where he declares himself to be God, when he says, "I am the bread of life." The problem is the people are chasing after Jesus because he fed them actual bread and they're not really interested in the spiritual "bread" Jesus was speaking of. You might say they were chasing after the wrong bread... much like us, they were too easily satisfied with temporal things.
Note: This could be a great opportunity to receive communion together as a small group, reflecting on how Jesus is the true bread of life!
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 6:1-13. How do you think the disciples felt about Jesus's question to feed the 5,000? What is your typical response to ideas that seem absurd?
2. What is your "lunch"? Is there something in your life—perhaps something you consider insignificant—that you might offer to Jesus, trusting that He could do something new, creative, and wonderful with it?
3. Have you ever experienced Jesus multiplying something small in a situation where you chose to be faithful?
4. Read John 6:25-35 & 48-58. Are you chasing after Jesus, the bread that will sustain you, or are you seeking other earthly things for your sustenance?
Action step:Re-read the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-13). What part of your life (or your lunch) are you withholding from him?
Ripple Effects- February 23th
Jesus passes through a region called Samaria and stops to have a brief conversation with a woman who had come to get water from a well. The conversation takes a lot of twists and turns, but ultimately this woman comes to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. In addition, the text tells us that many other Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of this woman. You might say that this brief conversation has ripple effects that change many people's lives.
Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 4:1-38. Like Jesus interacting with a Samaritan woman, how might following Jesus require us to behave in ways our culture finds strange or disturbing?
2. How can you be a worshipper in spirit and in truth outside the walls of Vista?
3. The woman’s encounter with Jesus transformed her life, and she couldn’t help but share it with others. She wasn’t a theologian, nor did she have all the answers, but that didn’t stop her from telling others about Him. What’s holding you back from sharing how Jesus has changed your life with everyone you meet? Does anyone have tips on how you turn a convo to Jesus?
4. Is there a specific person, group, or ministry that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you to be a “link in the chain” for?
Action step: Look for an opportunity to be a "link in the chain" of someone's spiritual journey this week
Born Again- February 16th
In John chapter 3 Jesus has an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Through this conversation, we learn some really important things about what God does and doesn't want for us.
Discussion/Questions:
1. What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?
2. Read John 3:1-19. Why does it matter that Nicodemous is a Pharisee? What do you know about Pharisees in scripture? What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God?
3. When and how did you experience “new birth”? Has anyone yet to experience "new birth" or make their "new birth" known to the world through Baptism that wants to take that next step? (Next Baptism is April 6th)
4. How do you experience/hear from the Holy Spirit in your life? (Want to learn more about the holy spirit? Watch this video.)
5. Verse 14 looks back to the story in Numbers 21:5-9. How is the crucifixion of Jesus like putting the snake on a pole?
6. Take a few minutes at the end of group to individually spend time praying for the wind of the spirit to blow in your life.
Action step: Answer these two questions this week.... 1. What evidence do I see of "new birth" spiritually in my life? 2. In what ways do I see the Holy Spirit at work in my life?
Pointing people to Jesus- February 9th
John writes his gospel so that people will know Jesus. In chapter 1 he uses three different titles for Jesus... Jesus is "the Word, the Light, and the Lamb." Each of these titles has a way of pointing people to Jesus and helping us better understand who he is. At the end of the day, our calling is the same as John's... to know Christ and point people to him.
Discussion/Questions:
1. What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?
2. Read John 1:1-3. What is significant about Jesus being called the Word? Consider reading Psalm 33:6 and Isaiah 55:10-11.
3. Read John 1:4-13. How have you experienced Jesus as the Light in your life?
4. Read John 1:19-29. How has the Lamb brought freedom in your life? Is there anything in your life that holds you captive, preventing you from experiencing the true joy and freedom that the Lamb sacrificed so much to offer?
5. How can you help others experience Jesus as THE way?
Action step: Do something this week to point people to Jesus.
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