This 12-week study by John explores the theological depth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in John’s Gospel. Led by Justin Buzzard, it helps participants grasp the profound account through reflection questions, Gospel Glimpses, and Whole-Bible Connections, fostering a deeper understanding of God’s grace and its transformative power in believers’ lives.
Overview of the Study
This 12-week study delves into John’s Gospel, offering a comprehensive exploration of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Designed for both group and individual engagement, the study is structured into 12 units, each progressing through the book with clarity and depth. Led by pastor and author Justin Buzzard, the curriculum is part of the Knowing the Bible series, equipping participants to grasp the theological and philosophical richness of John’s account. The study integrates reflection questions to encourage deeper engagement with the text, highlighting the gospel of grace throughout. It also emphasizes Whole-Bible Connections, showing how John’s narrative fits into the broader biblical story. Each week builds on the previous, fostering a transformative understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission. The study is ideal for those seeking to deepen their faith and appreciate the profound significance of John’s Gospel in the New Testament.
Key Components of the Study
The study includes reflection questions for deeper engagement, Gospel Glimpses to highlight grace, and Whole-Bible Connections to link passages to the broader biblical narrative, providing a comprehensive and transformative understanding of John’s Gospel.
Reflection Questions for Deeper Engagement
Reflection questions are a cornerstone of this 12-week study, designed to help participants engage deeply with John’s Gospel. These thought-provoking inquiries encourage personal application, theological insight, and a connection between the Gospel’s teachings and everyday life. By exploring themes such as Jesus’ divinity and humanity, the significance of miracles, and the role of the Holy Spirit, participants are challenged to grapple with the text’s meaning. The questions also prompt readers to consider how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection profoundly impact their own faith journeys. Additionally, the reflection questions highlight the importance of community, fostering meaningful discussions in group settings. They serve as a bridge between biblical truths and contemporary relevance, inviting participants to apply John’s message to their personal lives. Through these questions, the study aims to transformparticipants’ lives by deepening their understanding of God’s grace and truth as revealed in John’s Gospel.
Gospel Glimpses: Highlighting Grace Throughout the Book
The 12-week study emphasizes the pervasive theme of grace in John’s Gospel, where Jesus is revealed as the embodiment of God’s unmerited favor. Through key events like the wedding at Cana, the encounter with the Samaritan woman, and the raising of Lazarus, participants are invited to see grace in action. The study highlights how Jesus’ miracles and teachings consistently point to the Father’s love and redemption. Grace is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality in Jesus’ interactions, offering hope and transformation to all. The Gospel Glimpses section helps readers identify these moments of grace, connecting them to the broader narrative of salvation. By focusing on Jesus as the source of grace, the study encourages believers to trust in His promises and live in the freedom of God’s mercy. This emphasis on grace serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel in everyday life.
Whole-Bible Connections: Linking Passages to the Broader Narrative
The 12-week study emphasizes how John’s Gospel connects to the larger biblical narrative, revealing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. Key passages, such as John 1:1-14, echo Genesis’ creation account, while Jesus’ “I Am” statements mirror God’s self-revelation in Exodus. The study highlights how John’s portrayal of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Bread of Life aligns with sacrificial themes in Leviticus and the wilderness wanderings in Numbers. These connections underscore Jesus’ role as the climax of God’s redemptive plan. Additionally, the study draws parallels between Jesus’ miracles and Old Testament types, such as Moses striking the rock for water, symbolizing spiritual life. By linking John’s Gospel to the broader Bible story, participants gain a deeper understanding of how Jesus fulfills Scripture and embodies God’s salvation plan. This section helps readers see John’s Gospel not in isolation but as part of a unified story that spans from creation to redemption.
Theological and Philosophical Insights
The study delves into John’s portrayal of Jesus as both divine and human, exploring the profound theological implications of His life, death, and resurrection. It highlights the centrality of grace and redemption, offering transformative insights into the nature of God and humanity.
The Divinity and Humanity of Jesus in John’s Gospel
John’s Gospel presents Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, a duality that is central to understanding His mission and identity. As the Word (Logos), Jesus is the expression of God, embodying divine life and light. This study emphasizes how Jesus’ divinity is revealed through His miracles, teachings, and claims of oneness with the Father. At the same time, His humanity is evident in His emotions, physical needs, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This balanced portrayal highlights Jesus as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. The study helps participants grasp how Jesus’ dual nature demonstrates God’s love and provides salvation. By exploring these themes, the study encourages believers to trust in Jesus as the source of eternal life and grace, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.
The Significance of the Resurrection in the New Testament
The resurrection of Jesus, as recorded in John’s Gospel, stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating God’s power over sin and death. John’s account uniquely highlights the empty tomb, the folded grave clothes, and Jesus’ appearances to His disciples, emphasizing the physical and spiritual reality of His resurrection. This event validates Jesus’ divine claims and His role as the Savior of the world. The resurrection also symbolizes the new life offered to believers, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and proving Jesus’ authority over life and death. Through the resurrection, John’s Gospel affirms that Jesus is the source of eternal life, and His victory over the grave offers hope and transformation to all who trust in Him. This study helps participants grasp the profound implications of the resurrection, both historically and personally, as it transforms their understanding of God’s love and redemption.
Practical Applications of the Study
This 12-week study equips participants with practical tools to apply the truths of John’s Gospel to daily life. Through reflection questions, individuals are encouraged to engage deeply with the text, fostering personal growth and a stronger faith. The study emphasizes the importance of trusting Jesus as fully God and fully man, who brings life and light to believers. Participants learn to recognize the gospel of grace throughout the book, seeing how it transforms their relationship with God. The practical insights gained from this study help believers live out their faith authentically, relying on God’s grace in everyday challenges. Whether used in group settings or individual devotion, this study provides a clear path to spiritual maturity, enabling participants to share the hope of the gospel with others. By focusing on both personal and communal applications, the study empowers believers to live out the teachings of John’s Gospel in meaningful and impactful ways.
