We realize you may not be able to discuss people about who Jesus really is, and the gift all the questions. Pick the ones you like. of grace that he extends to all people? Small Group Questions c. What are you currently doing to help people “Confused About Jesus” around you form a proper understanding of John 7:1-31 who Jesus is and what he has done? Discussion Questions Previous message summary: Jesus is speaking to the people who had followed him from the other side of the Read John 7:1-31 lake after he had fed them. Jesus says that he is the 2. Why were the “Jews” in Judea seeking to kill Jesus? bread of life (John 6:35) that completely satisfies. Jesus Read John 5:18. boldly declares that he is the living bread that came down a. John records that the Feast of Booths (also from heaven, and that by eating this bread, which is his known as the Feast of Tabernacles) was at flesh, and drinking his blood, they will live forever. At this hand. What was the Feast of Booths? Read hard teaching, the Jews argue and grumble, and many of Deut. 16:13-15 7, Leviticus 23:42-43. Jesus’ own disciples turn away and no longer follow him. Jesus asks the twelve if they too are going to turn away. b. Was it important for all Jewish males to attend Simon Peter steps forward and says, “Lord, to whom shall the Feast of Booths? Read Deut. 16:16. we go? You have the words of eternal life.” 3. Who encouraged Jesus to go to Jerusalem for the What we learned: Jesus came to be a different kind of Jewish Feast of Booths? How many brothers (half king than the people wanted or expected. He did not brothers) does Jesus have? Read Matthew 13:55. come to be a conquering general or political ruler, but a a. Why do Jesus’ bothers want him to go to king who would give his life for the world (as prophesied Judea? Do they really believe in him as the in Isaiah 53). Jesus became our sacrifice so that we could Messiah? Read 7:5. receive forgiveness and have a relationship with God. The b. How did Jesus respond to his brothers’ proper response to Jesus, even in the midst of difficult challenge to go to Judea? Read 7:6-8. teaching, is to follow Jesus for who he truly is, rather than what we may want him to be. c. When Jesus talks about “his hour” (verse 6) what is he referring to? Read John 2:4, 8:20, Introduction 12:23, 13:1, & 17:1. 1. If someone were to approach you on the street and d. Why does the world hate Jesus and those who ask you, “Who is Jesus?” how would you respond? follow Jesus? Have you experienced this kind How would most people in America respond to that of hatred (persecution) in your life? same question? 4. John records that Jesus does go to the Feast, but in a. How important is it that we understand who secret and separate from his family. Read John Jesus is and what he has done for the world? 7:10. Why is it important? a. How would the way in which Jesus goes to the b. What responsibility do Christians (who do feast help protect him from those who are understand who Jesus is) have to help teach seeking to kill him? Who was watching for him? a. What does Jesus say about himself on the last Read John 7:12. day of the feast? Read John 7:37-38. b. Does the way in which Jesus goes to the feast b. What does Jesus say about himself in John help us understand why he says he isn’t going 8:12? to the feast and then later in the week, he shows up at the feast? Challenge: In the Gospel of John, Jesus is presented as the Son of God who has come into the world to give 5. What were the people in Jerusalem saying about eternal life. Many people, however, choose not to accept Jesus? Did all of the people have the same opinion this truth and have come to many false and dangerous of Jesus? Read John 7:12-13, 15, 20. Do you hear conclusions about Jesus. It is important for you to have an some of these same opinions about Jesus today? accurate understanding of who Jesus is and what he has a. Why did people not speak openly about Jesus? done by giving his life as a ransom for the world.

b. Does fear keep people from speaking openly Action: Many of us know people who are confused about about Jesus today? What are some ways that Jesus. For you, make a commitment to teach ______we can help each other overcome that fear? (name of person you know) about who Jesus really is and the life that he offers to them. 6. When Jesus begins teaching in the temple, what is Next Steps: the reaction of the people who hear him? How does this reaction confirm that Jesus is the Son of God? G I understand that I cannot remain neutral or undecided about Jesus. If asked who Jesus is, I a. Where does Jesus say his teaching comes would respond ______. from? Who receives glory when Jesus speaks and teaches? G I want “my will” to be focused around living out “God’s will” (7:17) b. When we share Jesus with others and teach them about who he really is and what he has G I will take what I know about Jesus and share it with come into the world to accomplish, who should ______. receive glory ... us or God? What can you do to make sure God gets the glory?

7. When Jesus teaches in the temple, what does he say about who sent him and by whose accord (purpose and plan) he has come into the world? Read John 7:28-29.