Clarence

Q2 (John 2:11-17) Apparently, Jesus was angry. Was his anger justified? Why? Is anger good or bad? What about anger gets us into trouble? J.B Phillips translates verse 17 "zeal for your house has eaten me up", anger is an understatement to describe how Jesus reacted to the trading in the temple, he was outraged, he was consumed! Therefore he reacted accordingly. I like Janmary's comment, "anger is an emotion that God gave us". The anger that Jesus expressed was appropriate for the circumstances, as he stated, it was his father's house, after all. It would be interesting to know if this incident was deliberate and thought through by Jesus first, or wether his anger and outrage was impulsive. I tend to think it was the former. He probably knew too that his actions would put him at odds with the Jewish authorities. So we need to consider the consequences of our actions.

Q1. (John 2:14-17) What was going on in the temple? Why was Jesus offended by it? What action did Jesus take? The notes explain the background to this incident. Jesus, because he had almost certainly been to the temple at the passover in former years, was probably waiting for the first opportunity to cleanse the temple. He probably saw the dealings going on in the court of the Gentiles when he was a boy -perhaps his family purchased an animal from them also, and was angered by it then and resolved in his heart to do something about one day. The money changers and the people who sold the animals were being extortionist, along with the adminsiters of the temple, who were probably taking a cut from the profits. The people had come to the temple on the passover to pay homage to God by sacrificing animals to celebrate the occasion.The people were being exploited, in addition the temple was becomeing defiled by this corrupt practice. God hates corruption (Deuteronomy 31:29). It was bad enough to turn the temple into a "...house of trade" (John 2:16) but sacrilege to treat the people - who had come to honour and obey God, in this way. So Jesus, made a "whip of cords" (RSV) and drove the large animals out the temple and spilt the coins and tipped over the tables of the people exchanging currency, and told the people with the doves to take them away! He said "...you shall not make my Fathers house a house of trade" (John 2:16 RSV). It seems that no animals were harmed in this incident?

Q4. (John 2:6-10) Why did Jesus perform this miracle behind-the-scenes? Who was he trying to protect? What does the quantity of the wine tell us about Jesus’ glory? What does the quality of the wine tell us about Jesus’ glory? We discussed earlier this week-when Jesus reacted to his mother's suggestion about the wine. He probably performed this miracle behind-the-scenes because if he performed it openly, people would flood so much attention on him he would not be able to go about his work, training and teaching his disciples (Mark 1:43-45; 7:36). As others have suggested, Jesus did what was entirely appropriate at the wedding for the welfare of all involved, without drawing any attention to himself. The servants however, would have known that it was him, and others at the ceremony, after the servants had told them. The people who knew what happened and who performed the miracle, including his disciples were probably amaized, as people were when they witnessed other miracles of Jesus (Luke 5:26, Luke 9:43).

Q3. (John 2:6-10) Why do you think alcoholics are quick to point out this miracle? Which is wrong: drinking wine or drunkenness? How can we avoid excesses and still enjoy God’s good gifts I try not to be judgemental towards alcoholics, as alcoholism is a sickness. I have a friend who has had problems in the past with alcohol and possibly he still does at times (we do not talk about it as it is his business and he has not brought the subjet up for a long time now). I'm not even sure that he is an alcoholic however, perhaps he is a compulsive drinker. Of course, drunkenness is more wrong than drinking. The question is what constitutes drunkenness? It may be easy to justify saying to one's self, tipsy is ok. It is probably subjective. I have chosen not to have alcohol in my home although I am not a teetotaler. So one way to avoid imbibing excessively is to restrict access (for myself).

Q2. (John 2:3-5) Why do you think Mary pushes Jesus to solve the wedding host’s problem? Are her words to Jesus appropriate? Would you categorize Jesus’ reply as a rebuke? If so, why does he go ahead with the miracle? Perhaps Jesus had intended to do this miracle all along. He must have also known that they had run out of wine at the ceremony. Perhaps Jesus waited for his mother to ask him to do something about it. We see in the Gospels often, before Jesus performed a miracle, he waited for the people to ask him for help first, or he asked them - for example he asked the man by the sheep gate at Jerusalem, "Do you want to be healed?" (John 4:6) We can only speculate why he responded to her in the way he did, perhaps he wanted to remphasise the purpose for which he came.

Q1. (John 2:1-2) Why are we sometimes “too busy” to spend time with friends and relatives? What does Jesus’ attendance at this wedding tell us about him? How can we apply that learning in our own personal lives? We can observe that family functions were still important to him. In addition friendships and relationships were important to Jesus, (John 11). He was "...deeply moved..." and "troubled...", "Jesus wept" (John 11:35) at the situation, when he saw Lazarus's sisters Martha and Mary and the people of the village mourning because Lazarus had died and that he had been in the tomb for four days. It appears that Jesus friends were dear to him and he cared for them also. On occasions when he was with family and/or friends they were able to observe that Jesus was extraordinary as he took time to teach them about himself through his words and by the miracles that he did. Jesus still had time to spend with his family and friends at least in the beginning of his earthly ministry. Perhaps he had less time with his family towards the end. God show me and help me to be compasionate for and love my friends and relatives just as Jesus does. Thank you Jesus for showing me how to love others by your example when you were on earth. (John 13:34,35).

Q5. (John 1:50-51) Which aspects of Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14 does Jesus apply to his title as Son of Man? When will the Son of Man complete his ministry? He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14) Jesus applied this title to himself 'son of man'. As far as I can tell, Jesus applied every aspect of Daniel's prophecy to himself. And when is his ministry complete? The bible implies, that his ministry will never be complete because his dominion is everlasting and his kingdom will never be destroyed.

Q4. (John 1:45-50) How does Jesus deal with Nathanael’s skepticism? What was the nature of the miracle? Upon coming to faith, what title does Nathanael bestow upon Jesus? As the notes explain, Jesus said that he had observed Nathanael under a fig tree even before Philip had called him. Jesus seems to have revealed to Nathanael that he knew something about him that nobody else could have told him about. So Nathanael realised that this was an extraordinary happeing, As a result; Nathanael came to the conclusion that all that Philip had told him about Jesus was true. Nathanael stated: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel! (John 1:49b RSV). According to the notes this declearation is the equivalent of calling Jesus the Messiah. This is the Messiah that was promissed to the Israelites- the people of God, promised to them by Moses and the Prophets (John 1:45).

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences? I think that God has a sense of humour. Imagine what was going through Simon Peter's mind when Andrew told him, by the way we have found the Messiah! It would be like someone coming to us and saying, Jesus has come back, come and meet him. So inviting someone to church is not necesarily a substitute for introducing people to the Messiah. It may be that the person has been told about the Messiah as well as being invited to church. The church is God's chosen people (1 Peter 2:9). It is important for a person who is enquiring about the christian faith to meet other people of God also. Care would need to be taken to make sure that church would not be too much of a culture shock to the person one is inviting. Perhaps it would be a good idea (if they are willing) to gradually introduce someone to church. In my experience praying for that person is important-as mentioned in the notes. In addition it is also important to be patient and let God/the Holy Spirt work in their lives. God will show you what to do next to help the person meet Christ. Iv'e seen people introduced/almost coerced to Christ, by zealous christian/s, and then those introduced falling by the wayside because they weren't introduced to a church or followed up in any way. When I was a young Christian I remember trying to introduce people to Chtist out of a sense of duty, and making a complete mess of it.

Q2. (John 1:38-39) Why doesn’t Jesus tell his inquirers where he is staying? Why was it important for disciples to “be with” Jesus? What does “being with” Jesus mean today? I'm not sure why he didn't tell the disciples where he was staying. I like the ideas of those who have contributed so far and the study notes. Another important thing that Jesus said to them was, in the middle of verse 38, "What do you want?" or "What do you seek? (RSV) Jesus knew what they wanted so why did he asked them this question? The disciples must have enjoyed Jesus' company because they not only followed him but they stayed with him as well. He must have been a dinamic teacher, because he had the disciples' attention right from the beginning. In chapter 20 verse 29 Jesus said something else that was interesting, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Jesus must have had us in mind when he said this. Faith and belief in Jesus the Messiah is hard sometimes, it takes discapline. Even though I don't say it verbally sometimes my attitude of pride is to say 'I don't need you' I am quite capable of doing this without your help Lord.'

Andrew and the other disciple followed Jesus at the recommendation of John the Baptist (Its interesting that the fourth gospel does not mention John by name at all, so the other disciple may have been John- as already mentioned by "pickledilly"). John the Baptist's life here on earth, after his popularity (Matt 3: 5-6), in the end was quite a sad one, at least some of disciples leaving him for Jesus, then thrown into prison and beheaded!

sorry please delete this one

Q5. (John 1:33) How does John the Baptist’s baptism differ from the baptism that Jesus brings? Baptism is a word that means “immerse, plunge under water.” What does a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” imply about this event? John the Baptist describes Jesus' baptism in two of the synoptic gospels, as baptising "with the Holy Spirit and Fire" (Matt 3:11 and Luke 3:16). Fire in the bible is often used as an anology for purifying (1 Corinthians 3:11-15 and Luke 12:49). In addition given that the word baptizo means immerse and connotes cleansing, Jesus baptism immerses and cleanses us with the Holy Spirit. Jesus baptism had an extra dimension to Johns as Johns baptism was for repentance (Acts 19:3-4).

Q4. (John 1:29) What does the title “Lamb of God” tell us about Jesus’ ministry? According to 1:29, whose sins did he come to take away? In what ways did Jesus fulfill Isaiah 53? The notes state that whatever kind of lamb John the Baptist was referring to, 'the Lamb of God', was portrayed by the author, in some sacrificial sense. The shedding of the blood was important for the atonement of sins (Leviticus 17:11). Jesus came to the world to take away the sin of the world (John 3:16, 17). Isaiah 53 is an apt description of what Jesus came to the world for. He was despised and rejected by the populace and religious leaders (Matt 16:21ff) and so he suffered and ultimately was put to death on the cross.

Q3. (John 1:19-27) How does John the Baptist show humility? How can a person see himself as the fulfillment of a passage from Isaiah and still be humble about it? How does John see himself in relation to the coming Messiah? How can a person be such a strong revivalist preacher and still remain humble? Can humility and powerful, confident speech co-exist? He showed his humility by pointing out that there is another one to come. John had begun his ministry before Jesus however he was still able to say that Jesus ranked before him. John the Baptist continued, that he came baptising so that Jesus would be revieled to all of Israel (John 1:30, 31). In addition, John had witnessed the Holy Spirit decending and remaining on Jesus when John baptised him. Because of this John the baptist confessed that Jesus was the Son of God, because God told him that this would be so. John was obviously comfortable with who he was and what God had sent him to do. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6 NRSV). I like the comment from Advanced member from Detroit: "When we truly understand who Christ is, our pride and self-importance will go away".

Q2. (John 1:26-27) Why did John baptize? What is the meaning of the baptism he was performing? What do you think baptism represents to those John baptized? Paul states in Acts 19: 3-5 that John's baptism was for repentance to prepare for "the one coming after him..." Jesus. John knew very clearly what God had put him there to do. (See answers to Q1). He was sent to prepare the way for the one coming after him, the Messiah (Isaiah 40). John the Baptist had a significant following during his time of public ministry in the wilderness (Matt 3:5-6). The people must have believed what John had told them about the significance of baptism in their lives and that of Israel at the time (Matt 3:11). He told them the meaning of his baptism and how to live, to demonstrate their repentance (Matt 3:8 and Luke 3:11-14).

Q1. (John 1:19-23) Why do you think John the Baptist was being hassled by the religious leaders from Jerusalem? What were they afraid of? How did John understand his own mission? How much conflict do you think could be expected from John's mission? John the Baptist would have been aware of what Gabriel (the angel of the Lord) had told his father Zechariah, (Luke 1). Elizabeth (John's mother) and Zachariah would probably have told him. In addition, Because Zachariah was a priest, John the Baptist would have also had access to the scrolls of the Torah and the Prophets whence John's quotation of Isiah 40. Zachariah would probably have taught his son from the scrolls, John obviously knew them well. So John would have been quite clear about his mission. John the Baptist would most probably have known Jesus well because of their respective mothers family ties. He did not seem to be afraid of the religious leaders or any body else for that matter because at one stage he called them a "brood fo vipers" (Luke 3). He also rebuked Herod the tetrarch for marrying Herodias, his brother's wife and for the other evil things he had done (Luke 3:19). For this remark, Herod had John locked in prison. As the study notes suggest, John was forthright.

(John 1:18) What does it mean that Jesus is the “Only God” or the “Only Begotten God”? Does the Apostle John seem to make a distinction between God the Father and God the Son? What does all this mean for our understanding of the Trinity? I think it is taking it a bit far (perhaps not) translating this part of verse (John 1:18): "Only God" or "Only Begotten God". As explained in the study notes, some english translations use the term "The only Son (RSV). My bible explains in the footnotes that some Greek manuscripts read: "But the only Son (or the only Begotten Son)" (The Zondervan Parallel New Testament in Greek and English 1975). It would be fascinating to learn Koine Greek- the origional language of most of the new testament manuscripts. On my 'to do list'. Yes the apostle John does in some places, make a distinction between God the Father and God the Son, and in some places does not. I find the following diagram helpful to explain the trinity

Q4. (John 1:14) Why is the idea of God “becoming flesh” so important to the basis of the Christian faith? What would Christ’s life, crucifixion, and resurrection mean if he were only pretending to “become flesh”? In what ways have you personally experienced his grace? In what ways has his truth changed your life from what it was? 1 Corinthians 15 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.(AF) 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep(AG) in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.(AH) The above verse answers the question. In addition Paul states, "...if Christ has not been raised our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (v 14 NIV). I experience God's grace in every part of my life, in the country that I live in, my family especially my wife, and by the way He has provided for me and continues to provide daily. Most importantly he has given me eternal life 1 John 5: 11, 12. Thank you Jen.

Q3 (John 1:12-13) What does it mean to “receive” Jesus? What does it imply to “believe in” Jesus? What is the spiritual relationship to God of those who receive and believe in Jesus? Of those who do not? 1 John 5:11,12 (KJV) And this is the testimony that God has given to us eternal life and this life is in his son. He who has the son has life and he who does not have the son of God does not have life. It's interesting that being born anew and receiving Christ is only by the will of God (John 1:13, 3:27, 6:44). So its about responding to God's calling on ones life. By embracing Christ we are now members of his body (Eph 3). "We have been made heirs and have been adopted into the family of God. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure (Eph 1:5 NLT).

What is promanent for me in the first 3 chapters of the Gospel is that the author goes to some length to emphasise that John the Baptist was not the Messiah but was "sent by God", he came to testify or bare witness to the light. He was not the light, Jesus was the "true light". John the Baptist also said "he (Jesus) must increase and I must decrease" (John 3:30). Some people, hearing about John the Baptist and seeing what he did, must have thought that he was the Messiah (see John 2:19). So John the Baptist's purpose was to prepare the way and to tell the people about the light, to prepare the way for Jesus' eathly ministry. So I expect our purpose is to be witnesses also. See Matt 28:16ff. How good am I at this, often not good. My life has to match that what I say, its called congruence

Hello everyone: I was interested to read in the study notes and had never thought of it this way before, that John is writing the prologue of the book in a similar style to how Genesis opens "In the beginning God..." (Gen 1:1). And that nothing was made without him. In addition calling the Mesiah "the Word". God spoke and everything was created in Genesis 1. Likewise Jesus, "all things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3 RSV) Yes I agree with others concept of the trinity is hard to understand and yes we will never know everything about God while we are restricted to the flesh here on earth. However, the bible says one day we will know him. See 1 John 3:2 and 1 Corinthians 13:12

Hi my name is Murray and I live in New Zealand, Ashburton, on the Canterbury plains east coast of the South Island. I am looking forward to studying the gospel of John and this the first study I have done.