Focus on John is part of the Focus Bible Study Series which contains studies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Focus Bible Study Series is the perfect guide for in-depth scripture study. Each book in the series includes informative commentary, thought-provoking study questions and experiential group activities that encourage a deeper understanding of scripture. The journal format has lots of space for writing and encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth. The Focus Bible Study Series is ideal for individual or group study and reflection, adult classes, small-faith communities, retreats and midweek Bible study groups. Each book features: Thought-provoking study questions with space for written responses - A wealth of ideas to promote prayer and journal meditations that build faith and understanding of the scriptures - Numerous suggestions for activities that promote experiential learning and meaningful discussion to encourage spiritual growth. "The Focus series welcomes the reader into a journey of discovery in which personal experience interacts with the biblical text. An abundance of great material makes this an excellent program for groups of any denomination wishing to find the meaning of the scripture in their lives.” - Sr. Macrina Scott, O.S.F., under of the Denver Catholic Biblical School and author of Picking the “Right” Bible Study Program and Bible Stories Revisited “The Focus books were very helpful in getting our Bible study group started, offering a sound basis for reflection and discussion. I highly recommend these guides to any Bible study group.” - Stephen Wilson, Canon Evangelist, St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Denver, CO FOCUS ON JOHN a study guide for groups & individuals By Stanley H. Purdam, Kathleen Mulhern Church Publishing Incorporated Copyright © 2013 Morehouse Education Resources All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-889108-66-7 Contents Introduction to the Series, v, Introduction to The Gospel of John, viii, John 1–2 Jesus–The Incarnate Word, 1, John 3–5 The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry, 15, John 6 Believing Is Seeing, 29, John 7–8 The Growing Opposition, 43, John 9–10 The Testimony of Jesus' Works, 57, John 11 The Raising of Lazarus, 71, John 12–13 The Time to Be Glorified, 85, John 14 To See God Clearly, 101, John 15–16 Jesus Has Overcome the World, 112, John 17 Jesus and the Father, 127, John 18–19 The Betrayal, Arrest and Crucifixion of Jesus, 137, John 20-21 The Resurrection and Beyond, 151, Bibliography, 165, CHAPTER 1 John 1–2 Jesus–The Incarnate Word IN THESE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE GOSPEL, Jesus is first introduced from a spiritual point of view, then as the Christ to whom John the Baptist points, and finally from the perspective of the first disciples. John also reports Jesus' first miracle and his clash with the money-changers and merchants in the temple. Most importantly, John introduces words that he later develops as primary themes through the rest of the book. Read through both chapters i and 2 at one sitting to understand the scope of John's introduction. Find the Facts Whom does John believe Jesus to be? When did Jesus Christ the Lord come into being? What is the role of John the Baptist? Who are the first two disciples identified in this gospel? What need did Jesus meet in his first miracle? Why was Jesus angry at the merchants in the temple? Consider: I. Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke, John begins his account with a beautiful and moving hymn to Jesus' glory. Choose three or four words that John uses in 1:1-18 that describe the essence of Jesus. John 1:1-3 Verses I-I8 of chapter 1 are often called John's prologue, for they preface the body of his gospel as a doxology, revealing both Jesus' divine source and his human origin and placing him in a timeless perspective. Rather than starting with Jesus' birth, John returns to Genesis. "In the beginning ..." reads GENESIS I:I, and that is where John places Jesus. This gospel, then, becomes a new creation story, the account of a new beginning in God's relationship with humanity. John calls Jesus the "Word." The term word in Greek thought meant the controlling and organizing force in the world, the higher mind that held everything together. In Jewish thought, word represented the creative power of God. In the creation story (GEN. I), everything came into being through God's word. God speaking is synonymous with God acting creatively. Each of the six creation days begins with the phrase, "and God said ... " John's choice of the word logos perfectly combines Greek and Hebrew thought and introduces Jesus to both cultures as the fullest expression of the depths of God. Consider: 2. In your own words express what you think is John's main point in 1:1-3. 3. What does John's claim about Jesus in 1:1-3 add to your understanding of Jesus? What does it clarify? What questions does it raise? John 1:4-5 Light and life are key words in John's gospel.