A Blind Man Sees the Light - Part 3 - Devo for 05/31/08

Reading
John 9:13-41

Responsive Questions
1. How do the Pharisees react when the genuineness of the miracle becomes undeniable (vv.28-34)?
2. When might Christians today exhibit the Pharisees' attitude toward a marvelous work of God's grace or power?
3. What is Jesus' purpose in seeking out the healed man a second time (vv. 35-38)?
4. Through what weakness, failed relationship or disability in your life could God demonstrate his glory?

Applying Chapter 9 in Your Life
What are some ways that we can demonstrate true worship to Christ for what He has done in our lives?

A Blind Man Sees the Light - Part 2 - Devo for 05/30/08

Reading
John 9:13-41

Responsive Questions
1. How would you describe the intial response to the healed blind man of his neighbors (vv. 8-12)?
2. How would you describe the intial response to the healed blind man of the Pharisees (vv. 13-17)?
3. How would you describe the intial response to the healed blind man of his parents (vv. 18-23)?
4. How would you describe the intial response to the healed blind man of the man himself (vv. 24-34)?
5. On what grounds do the Pharisees object to this miracle (vv. 16, 22, 24, 29)?

A Blind Man Sees the Light - Part 1 - Devo for 05/29/08

Reflective Questions
1. Describe your most vivid childhood memory involving darkness. What feelings come over you in the dark?
2. In what ways would being blind change your life?

Reading
John 9:1-12

Responsive Questions
1. Based on the question the disciples ask Jesus in verse 2, how do they view the relation between sickness and sin?
2. What is Jesus' view of the same issue?
3. In your opinion, which of these views is more widely held among Christians today? Explain.
4. In verse 5 Jesus claims to be the light of the world. In what sense does the physical healing of the blind man confirm Jesus' spiritual claim?
5. Why do you think Jesus goes through the process of making mud and instructing the man to go wash, instead of simply healing him instantly?

Shine, Jesus, Shine - Part 3 - Devo for 05/28/08

Reading
John 8:48-59

Responsive Questions
1. What is it about Jesus' statements that makes his enemies want to stone him (vv.48-59)?
2. Summarize the various attacks voiced against Jesus in this chapter, and explain how Jesus' example will help you face spiritually hostile people.
3. In what ways does your lifestyle validate (or invalidate) your claim to be a follower of Jesus?

Applying Chapter 8 in Your Life
1. What are ways to prepare yourself for objections that you will face while sharing your faith?
2. What are some biblical teachings/truths that you feel unequipped to explain to someone else?

I want to challenge you over the course of this summer to spend time studying those areas you feel weak in explaining to others. Get a concordance and study the Bible, check out books from the church library, or ask one of the pastors for help with these areas. It will strengthen your faith and further equip you to serve Him!

Shine, Jesus, Shine - Part 2 - Devo for 05/27/08

Reading
John 8:31-47

Responsive Questions
1. Jesus makes another startling claim in verses 31-32. Those who hear Jesus' claim interrupt him to say that they are already free. What analysis does Jesus give of their "freedom" (vv. 34-36)?
2. Jesus' opponents also claim to have both Abraham and God as their father. According to Jesus, how does their conduct contradict their claim (vv. 39-47)?
3. Why is our conduct a valid test of our beliefs?

Shine, Jesus, Shine - Part 1 - Devo for 05/26/08

Reflective Questions
1. Have you ever tried to talk about Christ with a family member or coworker who was hostile to your message?
2. How did you feel at the time?
3. How did you try to penetrate that person's spiritual barriers?

Reading
John 8:12-30

Responsive Questions
1. Jesus' first claim is "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." What does it mean to walk in darkness (v. 12)?
2. How has following Jesus brought light into your life?
3. The Pharisees challenge the validity of Jesus' claim (v. 13; see Deuteronomy 19:15). How does Jesus answer their challenge (vv.14-18)?
4. Jesus' reference to his Father leads to his second claim - that he came from God. In what way does this claim heighten the tension between Jesus and his opponents (vv. 19-30)?
5. Jesus says, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (v. 24). What is the response of our contemporary culture to that claim?

Caught in Adultery - Part 3 - Devo for 05/24/08

Reading
John 8:1-11

Responsive Questions
1. If you were the woman, how would you feel as you left Jesus' presence?
2. How do you usually respond when you fail?
3. What can we learn from this passage about Jesus' attitude toward us, even when we feel awful about ourselves?
4. What does this account teach us about forgiving and accepting others?

Applying this Passage in Your Life
1. What are some evidences in the life of a person (or you specifically) who has truly accepted forgiveness for a wrongdoing?
2. What are some practical ways you can display forgiveness to someone who has wronged you?

Caught in Adultery - Part 2 - Devo for 05/23/08

Reading
John 8:1-11

Responsive Questions
1. While it is obvious that the woman is guilty, what elements of a setup can you find in this situation?
2. The Pharisees and teachers boasted loudly about how good and holy they were. Why do you think they leave rather than stone the woman (vv. 7-9)?
3. How would you describe Jesus' attitude toward the woman (vv. 10-11)?
4. Do you think Jesus is condoning the woman's sin by not condemning her? Explain.

Caught in Adultery - Part 1 - Devo for 05/22/08

Reflective Questions
1. Which is harder for you: to forgive or to seek forgiveness? Why?
2. Think of a time when you hurt someone and that person was willing to forgive you. How did it feel to be forgiven?

Reading
John 8:1-11

Responsive Questions
1. Unlock some of the emotional background of this encounter. How do you think the woman feels when she is publicly accused?
2. What emotions grip the woman's accusers?
3. What would you have done if you had been part of the crowd that looked on?
4. How do you feel when someone exposes a sin or failure in your life?

Confused Over Christ - Part 3 - Devo for 05/21/08

Reading
John 7:40-53

Responsive Questions
1. Throughout the chapter John gives us a sampling of various reactions to Jesus. Identify some of the reactions of various people and explain why you think they reacted the way they did.
2. Which of the opinions you have identified in this chapter are still expressed today, and in what way?
3. Based on Jesus' example, what should our response be to such opinions about and reactions toward Jesus?

Applying Chapter 7 in Your Life
What do the following Scriptures have to say about the Holy Spirit's role in your life?
* John 3:5-8
* John 6:63
* John 14:25-27
* John 16:12-14

Confused Over Christ - Part 2 - Devo for 05/20/08

Reading
John 7:14-39

Responsive Questions
1. When Jesus makes his presence in Jerusalem known, people begin to challenge the origin (and, therefore, the authority) of his teaching. According to Jesus, how can we verify the truth of his teaching (vv. 16-18)?
2. What other opinions or questions do people have about Jesus in verses 20-36?
3. How does Jesus respond to each one?
4. On the last day of the Feast of the Tabernacles, large vats of water were poured out on the pavement of the temple court as a reminder of God's provision of water in the wilderness. With that custom in mind, how would you explain the significance of Jesus' remarks in verses 37-39?
5. To what extent has Christ been a continual source of spiritual refreshment for you?

Confused Over Christ - Part 1 - Devo for 05/19/08

Reflective Questions
1. Have you ever had to work with someone who disliked or even hated you? What was it like to face that person every day? (Or what do you think it would be like?)
2. How would you feel if a family member or close friend openly doubted your abilities or decisions?

Reading
John 7:1-13

Responsive Questions
1. The first blast of hostility against Jesus comes from his own family. How would you characterize the statements made by Jesus' brothers?
2. Why do you think Jesus waits to go to Jerusalem until after his brothers have left (v. 10)?
3. What counsel would you give a believer who faces spiritual opposition from his or her own family?

Jesus, the Bread of Life - Part 3 - Devo for 05/17/08

Reading
John 6:60-71

Responsive Questions
1. Jesus turns away from the crowd and focuses on his disciples. How would you describe their responses to his "hard teaching"?
2. Which response best describes your present attitude toward Jesus, and why did you choose that answer?
3. Jesus has contrasted the two appetites found in every person - the appetite for food that perishes and the appetite for food that endures. In what way has Jesus satisfied the spiritual hunger in your heart?

Applying Chapter 6 in Your Life
1. Evaluate how you use your resources of time, money, and energy. Based on how you distribute your resources, what needs in your life do you work hardest at meeting?
2. What steps can you take to bring more balance in your life?

Find someone this week that you can ask to hold you accountable for the changes that need to be made.

Jesus, the Bread of Life - Part 2 - Devo for 05/16/08

Reading
John 6:16-59

Responsive Questions
1. Imagine that you are one of the disciples, rowing the boat in the dark, rough water (vv. 16-21). How would your perception of Jesus be altered by seeing him walk on water?
2. The next day the people are hungry again, so they come seeking Jesus (vv. 22-25). How does he try to redirect their thinking (vv. 26-33)?
3. Jesus claims to be the bread of life (v. 35). Based on the remarks of some in the crowd (vv. 41-42), do you think they understand what Jesus is saying? Why or why not?
4. When Jesus says, "This bread is my flesh," the crowd thinks only of cannibalism (v. 52). What do you think it means to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood (vv. 53-59)?
5. Is this something we do once for all time, or is it an ongoing process? Explain.

Jesus, the Bread of Life - Part 1 - Devo for 05/15/08

Reflective Questions
1. How do you usually respond to an "impossible" situation - a problem in your life that doesn't seem to have a solution?
2. Recall a time when you (or a friend) faced circumstances that seemed beyond your ability to handle. How did God demonstrate His presence and power in that situation?

Reading
John 6:1-15

Responsive Questions
1. How would you characterize Philip and Andrew's responses to the problem of feeding this enormous crowd (vv. 5-9)?
2. If Jesus knew what he was going to do (v. 6), why do you think he asks these two disciples for advice?
3. How do you think the disciples feel as they gather up the leftover pieces (vv. 12-13)?
4. What insights does this passage give you into how Jesus may be at work in the difficult situations of your life?

Deity on Trial - Part 3 - Devo for 05/14/08

Reading
John 5:39-47

Responsive Questions
1. In verses 39-47 Jesus claims that both the Scriptures and the testimony of Moses stand against his accusers. These religious leaders rested their hope of acceptance before God on their obedience to the written law of Moses. If you were in that situation, would Jesus' challenge make you angry, or would it force you to reevaluate your attitude toward Jesus? Explain your answer.
2. What steps can you take to avoid slipping into the kind of religion that is outwardly pious but inwardly bankrupt?
3. According to this chapter, what factors influence our verdict for or against Jesus?

Applying Chapter 5 in Your Life
1. What are some places in your immediate surroundings that are marked by loneliness or suffering?
2. What are some ways that you can share Christ with the people that inhabit those areas?

Deity on Trial - Part 2 - Devo for 05/13/08

Reading
John 5:16-40

Responsive Questions
1. Jesus explains that the work of creation ended on the seventh day, but not the work of compassion (vv. 16-18). Why does his explanation make his enemies even more determined to kill him?
2. What insights do verses 19-23 give us into the Father's devotion to the Son?
3. What insights do verses 19-23 give us into the Son's dependence on the Father?
4. According to Jesus, why is our response to him a matter of eternal life or death (vv. 24-30)?
5. What "witnesses" does Jesus call forward to testify on his behalf, and how does their testimony validate his claims (vv. 31-40)?

Deity on Trial - Part 1 - Devo for 05/12/08

Reflective Questions
1. What are some reasons why people do not believe in or follow Jesus?
2. What factors (people, circumstances) helped to bring you to faith in Christ? What factors worked against your belief?

Reading
John 5:1-15

Responsive Questions
1. Picture yourself in the setting of this story. What noises would you hear? What would you smell? How would you feel being there?
2. What was the disabled man's attitude before his healing, and how did it change?
3. The fourth commandment says, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (see Exodus 20:8-11). In their zeal to apply this command, what do these critics of Jesus fail to see (vv. 9-15)?
4. In what ways has Jesus made you well and whole?

Connecting with People - Part 3 - Devo for 05/10/08

Reading
John 4:27-54

Responsive Questions
1. How is the disciples' confusion about food (vv. 31-33) similar to the woman's confusion about living water?
2. After his encounter with the Samaritan woman, what specific lessons does Jesus apply to his disciples and to us (vv. 34-38)?
3. What has Jesus taught you in this chapter about your sensitivity and response to people around you who are in need?
4. How could you reach out to someone who has been rejected by the world and offer Jesus' love?

Applying Chapter 4 in Your Life
1. Who were the people responsible for telling you about Jesus? Let them know in a letter or phone call how much you appreciate their concern for you.
2. What individuals have you had a part in leading to faith in Christ? Let them know in a personal way of your continued concern for their spiritual growth.

Connecting with People - Part 2 - Devo for 05/09/08

Reading
John 4:16-26

Responsive Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus brings up the woman's long list of past marriages and her present adulterous relationship (vv. 16-18)?
2. How does Jesus respond when the woman suddenly changes the subject and begins talking about the controversy over the proper place of worship (vv. 19-24)?
3. What principles can you draw from Jesus' conversation with the woman to help you in discussing the Gospel with non-Christians?

Connecting with People - Part 1 - Devo for 05/08/08

Reflective Questions
1. When have you been able to turn an ordinary conversation into a discussion about Jesus?
2. Who are you afraid or reluctant to talk with about Jesus? What factors make you hesitant?

Reading
John 4:1-15

Responsive Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus "had to go through Samaria" on his way to Galilee (v. 4)? (Jewish people normally went around Samaria to avoid contact with the despised Samaritans.)
2. Jesus' words surprise the Samaritan woman (v. 9). What present-day situations might arouse the same racial, religious and sexual prejudices?
3. How does Jesus' offer of "living water" contrast with what the woman thinks he means (vv. 10-15)?
4. What does this offer of "living water" mean in your life and experience?

Starting Over - Part 3 - Devo for 05/07/08

Reading
John 3:22-36

Responsive Questions
1. In your opinion, what motivates John the Baptist's disciples to raise the issue of Jesus' ministry (vv. 22-26)?
2. How would you summarize John's view of the character and ministry of Jesus (vv. 27-36)?
3. What are some ways you can demonstrate Jesus' superiority over all that you are and all that you own?

Applying Chapter 3 in Your Life
Think about a person you know who needs to hear the truth about Jesus and plan on spending time with them this week. During that encounter, what are some practical things you could share or do to direct that conversation to their need for Christ?

Starting Over - Part 2 - Devo for 05/06/08

Reading
John 3:13-21

Responsive Questions
1. How does the story of Moses lifting up the snake in the desert illustrate our need and Christ's offer of salvation (vv. 14-15; see Numbers 21:4-9)?
2. What impresses you about God in verses 16 and 17?
3. What do you learn about yourself (as part of "the world") in those verses?
4. Verses 18 through 21 emphasize the importance of our personal response to Jesus Christ. How would you describe your response to him?

Starting Over - Part 1 - Devo for 05/05/08

Reflective Question
1. What's the best gift you have ever received? Why was it so special?

Reading
John 3:1-12

Responsive Questions
1. How would you describe Nicodemus to a friend? What kind of person was he?
2. Jesus' reply to Nicodemus in verse 3 seems to have nothing to do with Nicodemus' statement in verse 2. Why do you think Jesus brings up the subject of new birth?
3. Why does Nicodemus respond to Jesus' explanation with such amazement (v.9)?
4. Why is Jesus likewise amazed at Nicodemus' ignorance (vv. 10-12)?

Signs of God - Part 3 - Devo for 05/03/08

Reading
John 2:12-25 (yes I know this is the same reading as yesterday, but context is important)

Responsive Questions
1. Why don't the disciples immediately grasp what Jesus is talking about when he says, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (vv. 19, 22)?
2. If people were believing in Jesus because of the miraculous signs, why doesn't Jesus "entrust himself to them" (vv. 23-25)?
3. What does this passage reveal about Jesus' concern for his Father's reputation?
4. In what practical ways can you demonstrate in your life the same concern for the holy character of God?

Applying Chapter 2 in Your Life
1. Think about what aspects of your life Jesus may want to clean up or change - work or school habits, your words, your thought life, a relationship, your entertainment preferences. Would you welcome Jesus into those areas, or would you question his right to intrude?
2. Briefly list evidences in a person's life who welcomes Christ.
3. Briefly list evidences in a person's life who questions Christ.

Signs of God - Part 2 - Devo for 05/02/08

Reading
John 2:12-22

Responsive Questions
1. How does John's picture of Jesus in verses 15-16 fit with today's popular concept of him?
2. What is the significance of Jesus' claim that the temple is "my Father's house" (v. 16)?
3. Only the Messiah, God's promised deliverer, has the authority to cleanse the temple. The people recognize that fact and ask Jesus for a miraculous sign to confirm his identity (v. 18). How would the sign Jesus points to be particularly meaningful to them (vv. 19-22)?

Signs of God - Part 1 - Devo for 05/01/08

Reflective Question
1. What initially convinced you that Jesus was more than a man?

Reading
John 2:1-11

Responsive Questions
1. If you had been a wedding guest, what do you imagine your reaction would have been to this miracle?
2. When the groom's parents run out of wine for their guests, Jesus' mother asks him to help (v. 3). What do you think Mary expects Jesus to do? (Remember, according to verse 11, Jesus had not performed any miracles.)
3. What does Jesus mean by his reply to Mary in verse 4?
4. According to verse 11, the purpose of Jesus' miracle is not to save the groom from embarrassment but to display Jesus' glory. What aspects of Christ's glory does this miracle reveal to you?
5. What area of your life seems like plain water right now?
6. How could Jesus transform that problem or relationship?