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DUPAGE AME CHURCH STUDY – MARCH 2021

A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JOHN (Referencing Matthew, Mark, Luke) WEEK 4 – Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Pastor James F. Miller & Rev. Dr. Shirley A. Brummell

“Who Do You Say ?”

I. Review

• We have enjoyed rich discussions of the of John. Rev. Lana & Rev. Morgan, the special surprise for Women’s History month, began with Reasons to Believe. • Rev. Dr. Franklin presented chapters 4 & 5, “An overlooked miracle and The Miracle of work.

II. Today’s theme, “Who Do You Say I Am?”

Tonight our focus is on getting a deeper insight into , getting to know Jesus, asking ourselves the same question He asked His disciples, who do you say I am? Who is Jesus to you? And how is that reflected in your life?

III. Comparison of the First we’ll do a comparison of the gospels. The first challenge to address, is to mention the differences among the four Gospels. They are each different in nature, content, and the facts they include or exclude. The reason for the differences is that each author wrote to a different audience and from his own unique perspective.

The is unique from the “synoptic Gospels” (Matthew, Mark and Luke), so called due to their similar content. Basically, the synoptics tell us what Jesus said

DUPAGE AME CHURCH BIBLE STUDY – MARCH 2021 and did and John tells us who Jesus is. The synoptics focus on the signs and sayings of Christ. John emphasizes the identity of Christ. Syn meaning together and optic meaning seeing, combined meaning seeing together.

Below you will find a comparison table that helps to better visualize the differences and similarities between the four gospels. MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN WRITER A second An unknown A Gentile The generation Jewish Christian, Christian, "beloved Christian, traditionally the traditionally Luke " possibly a Apostle Matthew the physician and the follower of Paul's traveling Apostle Peter companion John DATE 65-70 CE 75-80 CE 80-85 CE 90-110 CE WRITTEN WHO IS Healer, Miracle Promised Messiah Merciful, Noble, JESUS? Worker, of Jewish people, Compassionate, Powerful Teacher, greatest prophet, Prayerful teacher divine-- Misunderstood teacher of the with special fully in by those "new law" calling concern for control of closest to Him people to be women, the poor, His destiny faithful of the Old and non-Jews Testament (Gentiles) covenant with God THE A Gentile A Jewish Christian Written to Jews, AUTHOR'S Christian community "Theophilus" Gentiles, COMMUNITY community in and undergoing persecution HISTORICAL The Romans SITUATION subdue armed Jewish rebellions. Christi

DUPAGE AME CHURCH BIBLE STUDY – MARCH 2021

IV. Purpose of John’s Gospel. The book of John was written so that people might believe that Jesus Christ was God. John used 7 witnesses. • , :34. • Nathanael, John 1:49 • Peter, John 6:69 • , :27 • Thomas, :28 • John, John 20:31 • Christ, John 30:31

The purpose of John’s Gospel John: 30-31.

There were 7 miracles.

There were 7 “I AM’s”

V. Who was John?

• Matthew 4:21-22, • Matthew 10:2 • :23 • :26, 27

VI. Significance of knowing who Jesus is. If we know who Jesus is, then we know the power that He has and what He has invested in us. • 1 :4, • Isaiah 54:17 • Galatians 2:20

DUPAGE AME CHURCH BIBLE STUDY – MARCH 2021 How does that help us to live today? “How Then Shall We Live?”, written by Wayne Mueller, explores some of these questions: Who am I? What do I love? How shall I live, knowing I will die? What is my gift to the family of the earth.

When we look at Jesus example we can see the transformation that can occur if we believe and follow Him. We can discover strength, love and courage even in a pandemic. In the gospels we hear Jesus’ teachings. It’s important to know Jesus & His teachings because they lay the foundation for the church. We see the building of a way of life that helps us today.

HOW MUCH OF JESUS STORY ARE WE LIVING TODAY?

VII. The 3 Keys.

In Dr. Gordon’s book, “Quiet Talks On John’s Gospel, he sums up the Gospel of John saying there are Three Keys that unlock John’s Gospel.

1. Back door key- John 20:31 States the purpose of the Gospel.

2. Side door key - :28, second key. At the with His disciples, Jesus reveals the truth to them: I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” It’s like He came down to earth on an errand, stayed 33yrs and would go back to the Father.”

3. Front door key, John 1:12 “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” The great key. Anyone who believes may enter.

Resources: . The Holy Bible . “What the Bible is all about,” Dr. Henrietta C. Mears . “The Works of S. D. Gordon”, Vol. 1, S. D. Gordon