We realize you may not be able to discuss Discussion Questions all the questions. Pick the ones you like. Read John 1:1-5 Small Group Questions 2. In verse 1, John introduces us to the “Word.” What “Word, Life, Light” do you think of when you think of words? How John 1:1-5 important are words, not just in our culture, but in every culture? Previous message summary: The Gospel of John has been called “God’s love letter to the world.” It has many a. Who is the Word? Does John actually tell us familiar Bible verses that reveal his love for us. John specifically who he is speaking about with his 20:31 is a key verse that encapsulates why Paul wrote use of the word “Word”? Read John 1:14. this Gospel, which is different than the other three b. Why does John choose to use the word “Word” Gospels. Although it is different, its reliability has been in reference to Jesus? Read Hebrews 1:1-2. In confirmed over the last century by archaeological what way is Jesus the ultimate word of God to discoveries of John Ryland’s Papyrus, The Pool of man? Bethesda, and Bethany across the Jordan. As we study the Gospel of John in the year ahead we can expect to 3. What three truths does John tell us about the Word grow in our belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. [Jesus] in verse 1? a. How does this verse address the pre-existence What we learned: The word “believe,” in various forms, of Jesus? Is Jesus a created being? Read is used 98 times in the Gospel of John. We know without Colossians 1:15-20. a doubt that when we believe in Jesus we have life. b. How does this verse speak to Jesus’ co- Introduction existence with God? 1. Who is Jesus? How have people down through c. How does this verse speak to Jesus’ equality history answered that question? How would the with God? What did Jesus say about his average person on the street answer that question? equality with God during his ministry on earth? If someone asked you this question, how would you Read John 8:58-59, 10:30-31, & 38-39. How respond? did the Jews respond when Jesus made this claim for himself? a. Read Matthew 16:13-17. How did the disciples answer that question? 4. Can John 1:1 be translated “the Word was a god”? Why would some people and some religious groups b. Why do you think there are such contrasting want to incorrectly translate verse 1? beliefs and opinions about who Jesus is? a. Read verses 1:6, 12, 13, & 18. If verse 1 is c. How important is it that we get the answer to translated, “the Word was a god,” in order to be this question right? Does it really matter what consistent, how would these verses need to be we believe about who Jesus is? translated? d. How does your belief about Jesus affect the way you live your life? b. How important is it that we accurately and d. What promise do we have that we too will honestly handle the Bible and its message to overcome the darkness in our world? us? Read 2 Timothy 2:15. Challenge: The first few verses of John tell us that Jesus 5. What was Jesus’ role in creation? How does this is the eternal Word who is with God and is God, and he is verse address the relationship that God and Jesus life and light for those who choose to believe in him. had in the creation process? Read Genesis 1:26. When we choose to believe that Jesus is exactly who the Bible tells us he is, we can have hope, peace, and joy a. When we think of creation, we think of the because through him we can overcome this world. words that God spoke. How does this statement about the Word, Jesus, being Action: Make a commitment to memorize John 1:1 this involved in creation help you understand and week. Use it as a constant reminder of God’s love for you appreciate the creation account? knowing that this amazing “Word” [Jesus] came to give you life! b. How does this statement about Jesus’ involvement in creation change the way you view our world (sunset, sunrise, stars, etc.)? Next Steps: 6. What does John mean when he says “in him was G I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the life” in verse 4? Read the following verses. What living God (Mt 16:16). kind of life does Jesus want for you? G I am thankful that the life Jesus gives is not only a. John 3:16 – eternal life quantity of life (i.e., eternal life), but quality of life b. John 6:35 – bread of life (better life now). c. John 10:10 – life abundantly G This week, I will let the light of Christ shine through me. d. John 11:35 – resurrection and life G I will memorize this week’s verse—John 1:1. e. John 14:6 – way, truth, and the life f. John 14:19 – believe and have life g. Acts 17:28 – in him we live 7. In what way is Jesus the “light of men”? Read John 1:9 & 8:12. a. How important is light in a dark room? Can the same be said of Jesus in a dark world? b. How has Jesus brought light into your life? c. In what way does light “overcome” darkness? Read John 16:33 and 1 John 5:4-5.