A STUDY IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Second M.B. Church 512 E. Haussler St. Centralia II. 62801 Isaac D. Parker, Pastor/ Teacher

With my whole heart have I sought thee; O let me not -wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee, Ps. 119:10,11 John's Gospel is unique and distinct from the accounts of Mathew, Mark, & Luke. In as much as not any of the Gospels are intended to be biographies; John, so...simply, and at the same time, so..profoundly writes, in such a manner, that blends history, interpretation, biography, and theology, so that the reader is able to see the "Historical Jesus", in the light that believing in His name pro- vides. The purpose of this Gospel is best expressed (Jn. 20:31), and the fact that the key word of this account is "believe", is co-relative to the heretical teaching(s) that was then prevalent, and growing, in the church. These heresies largely had to do with: Who Jesus truly is, Where Jesus is truly from, What is Jesus' true nature (Divine or Human)?, What is Jesus' true purpose, true message? John sun- ply, and definitively contends with the heresy nf Gnosticism. Doceticism, Sabianisnu Cerinthinism... and such. More all of the Synoptic accounts, John's Gospel records discourses by our Lord where He greatly makes references to Himself, verses "The Kingdom". If one seeks to hear Jesus say who Mes- siah is, Live, who Messiah is, and Do, who Messiah is,; then prayerfully study the Gospel of John, that you might come to know that Jesus is the Christ!, that you might believe!, and believing, have life through Him. - Interesting information, unique to John's Gospel - . The Gospel of John agrees with the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) in less than 10% of its material. Yet, even John recognized that even what he did write was only a fraction of what could be said (Jn 20:30-31; 2125). , John doesn't mention the virgin birth of Jesus. John doesn't mention Jesus' human genealogy. John doesn't contain the account of John the Baptist's baptism and there is no connection of John the Baptist with Elijah. The Fourth Gospel does not contain an account of the temptations of Christ. There is no record of the Transfiguration of Jesus - even though he was one of the three witnesses. There is no record in John's Gospel of Jesus casting out demons. No use of the verb "repent" or the noun "repentance." The word "gospef never appears in John. . The term "kingdom" only appears three times in John's Gospel. . There are no parables in the Gospel of John even though there are comparisons that are really metaphors such as when Jesus says in John 10:11 that "I am the Good Shepherd." The discourses of Christ are heavily weighted with references to Himself verses focus upon the gospel of the kingdom through the use of parables. In the Synoptic gospels, when Jesus does something amazing, it is called a wonder (teras) or a powerful or supernatural work (dunam/s). In John, they are called "signs". John records eight signs - seven before the crucifixion and one after the resurrection. The signs are tied to the identity of Jesus in the Gospel of John whereas in the Synoptics the focus is the effect upon the individual and upon Jesus' compassion. In John, the sign focuses upon Who Jesus is - Deity. Most of what is recorded in John is in Judea versus Galilee as in the Synoptic accounts. There are three and possibly four Passovers recorded in John and only one recorded in the Synoptic gospels. . John doesn't record the agony of Jesus in the Garden the night prior to His crucifixion. . John includes the "I am" statements of Jesus which are not contained in the Synoptic accounts (e.g. 6:35; 8:12; 10:7,9,11,14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5). Author: While the writer of the John is anonymous, there is a great deal of evidence that points to the fact that the Fourth Gospel was written by John, one of the two sons of Zebedee (Matt 10:2; Mk 3:17; Lk 6:14).1 Prior to studying this section and the rest of John, it might be helpful to have a brief review of the various factions within Jewish society with whom Jesus mainly dealt. a Pharisees - a non-priestly group of uncertain origin, generally learned, committed to the oral traditions, and concerned with developing Halakah (rules of conduct based on deductions from the law). The Pharisees in the Sanhedrin were laymen in the sense that they were not priests; however, many of them were scribes (i.e. teachers of the law) and thus different from the elders. Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees arose from the ranks of the scribes and priests of Israel after the Babylonian captivity (i.e. after the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem in 516 BG). The Pharisees believed in the immortality of the soul through a resurrection. They also believed in the existence of angels and the providential sovereignty of God.2

a Sadducees - arose from the ranks of the priests of Israel after the return from captivity and were viewed as more aristocratic in nature than the Pharisees. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection and did not believe in angels. They acknowledged only the written law (the Pentateuch) as binding and rejected the oral tradition develnoed over the centuries. As a result, on many occasions, the Sadducees took a stricter interpretation of the Law than did the Pharisees. The Sadducees put great stress upon human freedom and minimized God's sovereignty in relation to man's free will.3

a Sanhedrin - a Jewish council that arose during the Hellenizing period of Jewish history and was translated into a form of puppet rule under Rome. The Sanhedrin included both Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts 23:6) and elders.4

a Elders - this group was mostly lay nobility and primarily Pharisees most likely.5

Q Levites - this is a term used to refer to 1) all the descendents of Lev! (Ex 6:25; Lev 25:32; Josh 213,41); 2) just that portion of the tribe that was set apart for the service of the sanctuary and subordinate to the priests (Num 8:6; Ezra 2:70; Jn 1:19); 3) the priests (Josh. 3:3;Exek44:l5).B

a Scribes - this group probably had its origin as the king's secretaries under David and Solomon (2 Sam 8:17; 20:25; 1 Ki 4:3; 2 Ki 12:10). Later, Hezekiah supported the growth of a body of men whose task was to transcribe old records or to put in writing that which had been passed down orally (Prov 25:1). Under Hezekiah, the title "scribe" began to convey more significance than just the king's secretary. They began to be seen as a class of students and interpreters of the law who boasted of their wisdom (Jer 8:8).7

The i:Jews" refer to tne Jewish leaders or the Sannedrin council who would have been responsible for examining anyone thought to be a prophet and to determine if that person was true or false. Those who were sent by the Sanhedrin were Pharisees (v. 24). In the first century, many were awaiting the Messiah Who had been promised by the Old Testament prophets. Those who were especially astute would have been aware of Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 which established the future timeline of Jewish history to include the time at which the "Messiah shall be cut off' (Dan 9:26) - a reference to the death of the Messiah. The Jewish religious leadership was concerned about maintaining peace under the eye of Rome, so naturally they would have kept a close watch on all who might claim to be the Messiah. John quickly acknowledged that he was not the Messiah.

The Jewish leaders then asked John if he was Elijah (a reference to Malachi 4:5-6) or the "Prophet" (a reference to Moses' prediction that a prophet like himself would come - Deut 18:15 - in reality a prophecy concerning Christ, not a forerunner). Their questions were reasonable given these prophecies and given the Elijah-like nature of John's ministry. John had been in the desert until the day of his arrival to a posjtion of prominence in Israel (Lk 1:80). John had app_eared_on the scene suddenly and made it seem as if he had come down from heaven just as Elijah had been taken up to heaven in a whirlwind without dying fromjhe.same wilderness (2 Ki 2:1-11), In John's preface, what subject does he focus upon to introduce his Gospel narrative? A. The ministry of John the Baptist B. A genealogy C. The deity of Jesus Christ

2. According to John Jesus created this world and everything in it. A. True B. False Scripture:

3. According to John, Jesus , and . A. He is man (human) B. is eternal C. was non-existent until His birth D. was created to save the world Scripture: _ 4. According to John Jesus Christ is both, the (A.) and the (B.) of men. Scripture:

5. John's Gospel is not a "Synoptic" gospel. What does "Synoptic" mean? A. An orderly account of events B. Generally the same view or account C. A short story

6. According to John's Gospel, what was the purpose of John the Baptist's ministry? A. To prepare the way of the Lord B. To make straight the pathway of the Lord C. To bear witness to the Light Scripture:

7. clearly declares the purpose for which John wrote this book .

8. It is traditionally believed that John wrote this Gospel from the city of

A. Jerusalem B. Ephesus C. Nazareth D. Capernaum 9. Who is the "Light" that John writes about in chapter 1?

A. John the Baptist B. God C. Jesus D. Holy Spirit 10. John makes several statements about the "Light". Which statement is not found in chapter 1? A. All men might believe through Him B. It lights every man that's born C. He came to His own, and they rejected Him D. Darkness could not understand, or extinguish the Light E. The Light sent John to bear witness to the true Light

11. Who wrote the Gospel of John? A. John, son of Zebedee B. John, son of Zacharias C. John the Baptist

12. What was the purpose of John the Baptists' ministry? A. To Baptize for repentance B. Make straight the way of the Lord C. That Jesus should be made known to Israel Scripture: 13. John's Gospel was written initially to the A. The Gentiles B. Jews C. Greeks D. Romans

14. According to John's Gospel, Jesus baptizes: A. For forgiveness of sins B. For eternal life C. With the Holy Ghost D. Only at the Jordan river Scripture:

15. Peter and Andrew were first, followers of John the Baptist, and afterward, came to follow Jesus. A. True B. False Scripture: 16. Who is Peter's brother? A. Philip B. Andrew C. Nathanael D. Cephas Scripture:

17. Jesus' first recorded miracle (changing to ) was at a wedding party. Scripture:

18. Jesus was greatly angered, when shortly before Passover, he entered the temple and found: A. The sermon wasn't biblical B. Men made the House of God, a business for making money C. Men sold animals for sacrifice on the Sabbath Scripture: 19. What did Jesus say, would be a sign of His authority to "cleanse" the temple of the money changers? A. That God was his Father B. His resurrection C. His healing power C. His crucifixion Scripture:

20. Jesus gave Simon Peter the name ,which means A. Nathanael B. Jonah C. Rock/ Stone D. Philip E. Cephas F. Great stone G. Caiaphas Scripture:

21. Choose (3) key words that John uses in writing this Gospel? A. word, God, light B. power, spirit, love C. signs, life, believe Scripture:

23. In Johns Gospel, , a ruler of the Jews, was the first person challenged with coming to faith in Jesus. A. Gamaliel B. Ciaiphas C. Nicodemus Scripture:

24. Phillip told Nathanael, " We have found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph", Nathanael replied: A. take me to Him B. now Israel will be restored C. can any good thing come out of Nazareth?

25. List (2) passages that express the divine nature (that He is God/ Deity), of Jesus. 1. 2.

26. What is not the purpose for which Jesus came into the world? A. that the world might be saved B. to pay the sin debt of all mankind C. to condemn the world Scripture:

27. Jesus baptized more people than John the Baptist. True False Scripture:

28. Jesus said, "He that believes on the Son of God": A. will have eternal life, after death B. will have eternal life, after baptism, in the name of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit C. has (presently) everlasting life D. all of the above Scripture: 29. Jesus travels from Judea to Sycar, Samaria, where he would meet His first gentile convert. Who was it?, and where did they meet? 1. 2.

30. Jesus asked the Samaritan for a drink of water, then He offered to: A. Pay for it B. Drink very little C. Give the Samaritan, "living water" D. To leave Samaria Scripture:

31. List (2) passages that declare the "Son", as a separate person from the "Father" Scripture: 32. Jesus came to His own people (the Jews) first, and they (as a nation), rejected Him, as Messiah. True False Scripture: __

33. Anyone who receives Jesus (believes on His name), Jesus gives power, to become "Sons of God". A. Because they have saving faith B. Because of their great love for God C. Because it's God's Will Scripture: 34. What makes Jesus "uniquely" qualified, to show mankind who God is? Scripture (s):

35. 1 .Who told John the Baptist, how to identify Messiah? 2. What was it, that identified Jesus as He? A. Elizabeth B. Zacharius C. God D. angels E. Jesus' miracles F. Jesus' preaching G. Holy Spirit descending as a dove, and staying on Jesus 1. 2.

36. List (3) facts about Holy Spirit baptism 2. 3.

37. Does Jesus have any brothers, or sisters? Scripture (s):

38. When Jesus said, "destroy this temple, and I'll raise it up in (3) days". He was speaking of: A. His supernatural power to rebuild buildings B. His crucifixion C. His death & resurrection Scripture:

39. When Jesus cleansed the Temple of the moneychangers, what O.T. prophecy was fulfilled? A. Ps. 69:9 B. Ps. 119.9 C. Ps. 45:7

40. While in Jerusalem, what Pharasee came to visit Jesus in the night? A. Caiaphas B. Joseph of Arimathea C. Nicodemus D. Pilate Scripture:

41. What O.T. incident did Jesus refer to, to teach Nicodemus about how to receive new life? A. The sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham B. Crossing the Red Sea C. The brazen serpent Scripture: 42. Jesus told Nicodemus, in order to enter the Kingdom of God. A. Believe & be baptized B. Go sell, all that he had, and follow Him C. Be born again Scripture: _ _

43. According to Nicodemus, he knew Jesus was sent from God by: A. Jesus'miracles B. The authority Jesus displayed C. The scriptures Scripture:

44. 1. Nicodemus understood, what it meant to be "born again"? 2. The "new birth " is in nature.

A. True B. False C. Carnal (flesh) D. Spiritual E. Christian Scripture: 45. Where in Scripture does Moses lift up a serpent, and why?

Scripture:

46. What did Jesus mean, by "as Moses lifted up the serpent, so the Son of Man must be lifted up"? A. He would ascend to Heaven B. His resurrection C. His crucifixion (Death) 47. Where were the disciples, when Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. A. Fishing B. Buying food C. Witnessing Scripture:

48. Jesus never performed baptisms, Himself. True. False. Scripture: 49. Jesus openly told the Samaritan woman, He was the promised Messiah. True. False.

Scripture:

50. Jesus taught the woman, that "true (real) worship" has nothing to do with race, or geography, but must be. A. In faith & praises B. Full of joy & peace C. Holy & righteous D. In spirit & in truth Scripture:

51. God is and they that worship Him, must worship in &

Scripture:

52. Jesus offered the woman " living water", if she would leave her immoral life style. True. False.

53. When Jesus' disciples returned, the woman left them and. A. Became a Prophetess B. Brought many men to Jesus C. Brought her family to Christ Scripture:

54. While in Cana of Galilee (this is Jesus ' 2nd. time in Cana; 1st. time was wedding), a nobleman ask Jesus to raise his son from the dead. True. False. Scripture:

55. When Jesus said, "a prophet has no honor in his own country". What did he mean? A. People in other countries will believe his prophecies before his own country will B. A prophet's preaching is not usually accepted by his own folks C. The honor that a prophet ought get is hard to come by

56. What is Jesus'second recorded miracle? A. He healed a nobleman's son B. He gave sight to the blind C. He healed a lame man Scripture:

57. When Jesus left Cana, he went home to Nazareth, and there, they ask him to: A. Perform a miracle B. Preach a sermon C. Stop preaching D. Read from the scriptures Scripture:

58. Jesus healed the nobleman's son by: A. A touch of His hand B. Breathing on him C. Speaking a word

Scripture:

59. From what book of the Bible did Jesus read?

Scripture:

60. Jesus leaves Capernaum, and travels to , and heals a man of a condition he'd had for A. Galilee B. 27 yrs. C. Jerusalem D. 38yrs. E. Judea F. Bethany G. 45yrs. Scripture:

61. Where, in the city, did Jesus find the invalid man?

Scripture: