SoiKosum

(John 9:39-41) Were the Pharisees responsible for their hard hearts and spiritual blindness? According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, what causes spiritual blindness? Was Pharaoh responsible for his hardness of heart? (see Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34; 10:3; 13:15; 1 Samuel 6:6). Yes the Pharisees were responsible for their hard hearts. They did not want to believe in Jesus because they knew that their lives would change if they believed. Hence they suppressed the truth by their wickedness. In doing this, they open themselves to the god of this world to cause their spiritual blindness. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." In Pharaoh's case, it was God who hardened his heart so that God may deliver Israel from the Egyptians.

(John 9:35-38) Why did Jesus go looking for the man he had healed? What was the healed man’s level of openness? His level of faith? His knowledge? What did he need at this point? What people do you know who are so ready that they just need some guidance in how to believe in Jesus? The blind man was persecuted for Jesus' sake. He was healed but because he challenged the bigotry of the Jewish leaders, he was excommunicated from the synagogue and was now alone. The blind man didn't yet know Jesus at this time. All he knew was he was healed. Having received his healing, his level of openness and faith was high. However, his knowledge was low. What he needed was to know Jesus and who Jesus is. This was demonstrated by his ready acceptance and worship of Jesus. Praise God!

(John 9:6). Why do you think Jesus healed in different ways? Laying on of hands, command, mud on eyes, fingers in ears, etc.? How much do you think was at his Father’s direction (5:19, 30; 12:49). Why is it important to seek God’s guidance in how we should minister to a person? There is no fixed pattern to Jesus' healing. He listens to the Father and then acts. It is important to seek God's guidance before we minister to a person because God know what the issues are and this would enable us to pray appropriately. Acting on our own, we only see in the physical realm; whereas God sees in the spirit.

(John 9:1-3) Is sin always the cause of sickness or affliction? What are some of the good results that come out of the sicknesses and afflictions of godly people? No, sin does not necessarily always lead to sickness or affliction. Sometimes sickness or affliction happens because God has a larger purpose in it - that is "the work of God might be displayed in his life". Some of the good results could be that the person is drawn closer to God as a result of the sickness. In addition, others could see the working of God's hands in the healing of the sickness and accept Jesus as their Lord, Saviour and Healer. Amen!

(John 8:58) What does Jesus’ statement, “Before Abraham was, I am,” tell us about Jesus? How does this statement relate to John 1:1-5? The statement points to Jesus' eternal timlessness - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit exists outside of time. This relates to John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

(John 8:44) What does this verse teach us about the devil’s character? What does this tell us about people who don’t always tell the truth? If Jesus is “the Truth” (14:6), what is an habitual liar? The devil's character is that of a murderer, liar and father of lies. People who reject truth are the devil's children. A habitual liar is from the devil.

(John 8:34-36) How does sinning enslave a person? What is necessary to set a person free from bondage to sin? What part does Jesus’ “truth” (8:32) have in this? How does the “Son” set people free? If you find yourself trapped by habitual sin, how can you get free? Sinning enslaves us as we will not be able to get out of the sin i.e. we will not be able to stop sinning. Jesus' truths sets us free by showing us the truth of our sins including habits, core beliefs, thought patterns, desires, passions and lifestyles. To set yourself free from habitual sin, you will need to confess your sins to God and ask Jesus to give you the truths to set you free. We need the Holy Spirit to deliver us and renew us in the spirit of our minds. Humanly this is not possible but with God all things are possible.

(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? The mark of a real disciple is one who permanently holds on to Jesus' teachings. To "continue" means to believe and accepts Jesus' teachings in the long run. The truth that Jesus means is spiritual truth which can set us free from sin, from ignorance and superstitions. This spiritual truth parallels secular truths but differ in the sense that secular truths do not always set us free from sin.

(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? To die in our sins means: (i) to die without trusting Christ as our Savior (ii) to die without having the guilt of sins removed from us and been forgiven of our sins The consequence is that on Judgment Day when we stand in front of the Lord Jesus we will have to answer for every one of our sins. It is possible for Jesus' enemies not to receive forgiveness of their sins even while to speaking to Jesus because they did not believe in Him and received Him. They were still waiting for their Messiah.

(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? Jesus is the Light of the world in contrast to the darkness where wickedness and evil thrives. The Light shines on and dispels the darkness and is representative of truth, love and openness. Jesus' promise concerning light for His followers is that by following Him they will never walk in darkness but will always have light (i.e. Jesus) to guide them.

(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? According to the Law of Moses, no sentence or condemnation is appropriate without witnesses. The prostitute was probably guilty. Nevertheless, instead of condemning her, Jesus tells her to go and sin no more. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness, no new birth and no change. Without repentance, there cannot be salvation. If we don't preach repentance, we are teaching from a false Bible. The essence of salvation is repentance from our sins.

(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? It is not stated in the Bible about what Jesus wrote on the ground. In any case, the content is not important. Instead, His act of writing on the ground served to let His words sink into the crowd which brought the prostitute. It was also probably for other people who were present to consider the charge and His reply.

(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? By insisting on unbiased and righteous witnesses, Jesus was referring to witnesses who did not have any personal interest in the case. Even in modern courts, in cases of a conflict of interest, judges are required to recuse themselves. Verse 7 is often misused, especially the liberals, to invalidate anyone from judging sin as wrong. Jesus does not require sinlessness as a requirement of those called to judge. Instead, they should be impartial and motivated by justice instead of personal interest. This verse is rather similar to that in Matthew 7:5 - "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

(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? Jesus' enemies tried to spring a trap on him designed to embarrass Jesus and get Him into trouble. If Jesus were to say the woman should be stoned, he would be going contrary to his longstanding reputation for showing mercy to the broken and disreputable. And it could get him in trouble with the Romans, who might view stoning as overstepping the Jews' authority to exercise the death penalty. if Jesus said she shouldn't be stoned, he could be accused of teaching against the Law of Moses and undermining the social order.

(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? Jesus extended the invitation to all who were thirsty to come to Him and drink. Jesus promised believers that streams of living water will flow from within them. The streams of living water refers to the Holy Spirit who resides in us as believers. This promise could only be fulfilled after Jesus was glorified - "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7) It was at Pentecost, after Jesus' resurrection, that the Holy Spirit was sent and filled the believers.

(John 7:17) Can we truly know God’s will if we’re not really willing to obey the truth we know? Why not? We cannot know God's will if we are not willing to obey God's words and truth. Only through obedience can we really and truly experience God. This would then bring us closer to Him and enable us to understand God. From this understanding, we will then be able to know God's will.

(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? Rabbis were trained by being taught and mentored by a famous rabbi. Jesus was trained by God. Jesus trained His disciples in reading and understanding the Scriptures and in practical ministry. I think that, just like in the secular world, there is a place for formal training, which provides the foundation on which a person can then go and gain practical experience. In being Christians, the practical experience is performing services in our chosen ministry and also listening and obeying the Holy Spirit. It is absolutely critical to be able to hear and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit and to obey. It is through the Holy Spirit that God's directs and guides us and protects us.

(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? Jesus stayed away from Jerusalem because the Jews there were waiting to take His life. This was not because Jesus was afraid of the Jews or death. Rather, it was because His work on earth was not yet completed. He still had much to do to train His disciples to carry on His work after His death and resurrection. The balance between taking precautions and trusting in God's protection is to ensure that we live to complete our mission on earth until God calls us home. While we live, God didn't tell us to be stupid and take unnecessary risks. For example, Paul, in his missionary journeys, was often guided by the Holy Spirit and avoided places where his enemies lay in wait.

(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? The difference between the Twelve disciples and the rest is that the Twelve disciples fed on Jesus' words and basked in His presence. Their belief, hope, trus t and faith was on Jesus. Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" (John 6:67 - 69) The rest of the disciples will just fade away. The mark of true disciples, according to John 8:31-32 is this "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

(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? Both metaphors - "eating the Bread of Life" and "eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood" relate to believing and putting our faith and our trust in Jesus Christ. One reason Jesus uses such vivid metaphors could be to shock His audience in order to bring home His point. Another reason could be that the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach, hence the reference to eating and drinking.

(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? In practical terms, "eating the Bread of Life" means believing in Jesus and being obedient to His word. Jesus said that we should not "work" for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life. In this context, "work" is to have faith in Jesus. To have faith in Jesus is to believe in Him and be obedient to His word. To me, the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life and making a meal of it can be compared to lukewarm Christians who pick and choose what to believe from Jesus' words i.e. the nibblers and Christians whose total trust and faith is in Jesus Christ.

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? It sounds like predestination because only 'those' whom the Father draws to Him can come to Him. This effectively means that there are those who the Father does not draw to Himself. So, there are those who are predestined and those who are not. The Holy Spirit works to open our eyes, hearts and minds to receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Without the Holy Spirit working in us and through us as the small still voice, man would struggle to accept Jesus.

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? To please God, people have often strived to do good works, be righteous, attend church, serve in church and ministries, etc. While these 'works' are good and commendable, these are not the most important. The most important work that God requires of us is to believe in His Son Jesus Christ i.e. we must have faith in Jesus. When this faith is in place, good works will follow. This is because with faith comes obedience and obedience to Jesus' teachings will bring forth good works from us.

(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? Some of the believers were following Jesus to satisfy their physical need i.e. hunger. Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. (John 6:26) This is not exactly wrong as Paul writes - "However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual." (1 Corinthians 15:46) Nevertheless, true disciples seek Jesus to quench their spiritual hunger and give them Life. As Jesus said, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." (John 6:27)

(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 carefully consider people’s plans for our lives? If the people had, by force, made Jesus King, it would have put an end to His mission to bring salvation to the people. The Romans would have retaliated swiftly and surely. Jesus retreated to the hills to pray to God the Father. By seeking refuge in God and communicating with God, God's plan of redemption may have taken a different direction. However, the result would have been the same as God's plans are not thwarted. We must always carefully consider other people's plans for our lives because it may not be what we want or it may not be God's will for our lives. Their plans could be based on selfish and carnal desires which are not in line with God's plans for us.