Reading
John 16:5-15 (3rd of 3 devos from this passage)
Responsive Questions
1. What can we infer from verses 8-11 about our part in bringing people to faith in Christ?
2. What is the Spirit's responsibility in bringing people to faith in Christ?
3. One of the Spirit's ministries is communication. What specific things did Jesus say the Spirit would communicate to the disciples (vv. 12-15)?
4. How does the Spirit guide us into God's truth and bring glory to Jesus today?
5. What spiritual truth would you like to ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to bring glory (as in attention, honor) to Jesus (John 16:14). As you evaluate your life, is this ministry of the Holy Spirit evident in your life? If so, how?
2. If it is not evident, what can you do to allow Him the freedom to work?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Secrets of the Spirit - Part 2 - Devo for 07/01/08
Reading
John 16:5-15 (2nd of 3 devos from this passage)
Responsive Questions
1. What does Jesus say the Spirit's ministry would be toward the world (vv. 8-11)?
2. How does the Spirit do the same work today in the hearts of people who have not believed in Jesus?
3. "The prince of this word" mentioned in verse 11 is Satan, our spiritual enemy. In what way does Satan "now stand condemned"?
4. Why is it important for the Holy Spirit to convince the world that its "prince" is already condemned?
John 16:5-15 (2nd of 3 devos from this passage)
Responsive Questions
1. What does Jesus say the Spirit's ministry would be toward the world (vv. 8-11)?
2. How does the Spirit do the same work today in the hearts of people who have not believed in Jesus?
3. "The prince of this word" mentioned in verse 11 is Satan, our spiritual enemy. In what way does Satan "now stand condemned"?
4. Why is it important for the Holy Spirit to convince the world that its "prince" is already condemned?
Secrets of the Spirit - Part 1 - Devo for 06/30/08
Reflective Questions
1. How are you at saying goodbye?
2. Is it easier for you to be the person leaving or the person left behind?
3. What would you want to tell your family or closest friends if you knew that you had only a short time to live?
Reading
John 16:5-15 (1st of 3 devos from this passage)
Responsive Questions
1. Based on what Jesus says in these verses, how would you describe the mood among the disciples?
2. How would you have felt if you had been there?
3. Jesus says that it is for the disciples' good that he should leave and that the Comforter should come. Why is the Spirit's presence more profitable to the disciples than Jesus' presence?
4. In what ways is it more profitable today to have the Holy Spirit actively present than to have Jesus here on earth?
1. How are you at saying goodbye?
2. Is it easier for you to be the person leaving or the person left behind?
3. What would you want to tell your family or closest friends if you knew that you had only a short time to live?
Reading
John 16:5-15 (1st of 3 devos from this passage)
Responsive Questions
1. Based on what Jesus says in these verses, how would you describe the mood among the disciples?
2. How would you have felt if you had been there?
3. Jesus says that it is for the disciples' good that he should leave and that the Comforter should come. Why is the Spirit's presence more profitable to the disciples than Jesus' presence?
4. In what ways is it more profitable today to have the Holy Spirit actively present than to have Jesus here on earth?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Cost of Friendship - Part 3 - Devo for 06/28/08
Reading
John 15:26-16:4
Responsive Questions
1. In what ways will the Comforter and the disciples themselves continue the ministry begun by Jesus (vv. 26-27)?
2. What kind of treatment can the disciples expect from those who do not know Christ (16:1-4)?
3. What kinds of persecution are most probable for us in our society? Explain your answer.
4. If we as Christians are not persecuted in some way, what might that imply about our spiritual commitment?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. Pray for strength to face opposition with the same courage and grace that Jesus demonstrated.
2. Most Christians in democratic societies face very little serious persecution for their faith. Christians in other parts of the world, however, often have to endure imprisonment, poverty, slavery, and even death for their commitment to Christ. Check out some websites of organizations that help persecuted Christians (like The Voice of the Martyrs link on the main page). Read some of their literature. Pray for your brothers and sisters in distress.
John 15:26-16:4
Responsive Questions
1. In what ways will the Comforter and the disciples themselves continue the ministry begun by Jesus (vv. 26-27)?
2. What kind of treatment can the disciples expect from those who do not know Christ (16:1-4)?
3. What kinds of persecution are most probable for us in our society? Explain your answer.
4. If we as Christians are not persecuted in some way, what might that imply about our spiritual commitment?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. Pray for strength to face opposition with the same courage and grace that Jesus demonstrated.
2. Most Christians in democratic societies face very little serious persecution for their faith. Christians in other parts of the world, however, often have to endure imprisonment, poverty, slavery, and even death for their commitment to Christ. Check out some websites of organizations that help persecuted Christians (like The Voice of the Martyrs link on the main page). Read some of their literature. Pray for your brothers and sisters in distress.
The Cost of Friendship - Part 2 - Devo for 06/27/08
Reading
John 15:18-25
Responsive Questions
1. Why does Jesus switch from talking about love to talk about hate?
2. What reasons does Jesus give for the world's hatred?
3. Give one or two specific examples of how you have experienced the world's hatred as a Christian. How did you respond to the hostility at the time?
4. What is Jesus teaching in verses 22-25?
John 15:18-25
Responsive Questions
1. Why does Jesus switch from talking about love to talk about hate?
2. What reasons does Jesus give for the world's hatred?
3. Give one or two specific examples of how you have experienced the world's hatred as a Christian. How did you respond to the hostility at the time?
4. What is Jesus teaching in verses 22-25?
The Cost of Friendship - Part 1 - Devo for 06/26/08
Reflective Questions
1. What are some of the most important qualities in a friend?
2. Who is your closest friend? Take some time to pray for that person as you begin this study.
Reading
John 15:12-17
Responsive Questions
1. Jesus already told his disciples to love each other (John 13:34-35). How does his instruction in verse 12 raise the standard of our love?
2. What are the requirements and benefits of friendship with Jesus (vv. 14-17)?
3. Is being a friend of Jesus the same as being a believer in Jesus? Explain.
1. What are some of the most important qualities in a friend?
2. Who is your closest friend? Take some time to pray for that person as you begin this study.
Reading
John 15:12-17
Responsive Questions
1. Jesus already told his disciples to love each other (John 13:34-35). How does his instruction in verse 12 raise the standard of our love?
2. What are the requirements and benefits of friendship with Jesus (vv. 14-17)?
3. Is being a friend of Jesus the same as being a believer in Jesus? Explain.
The Secret of the Vine - Part 3 - Devo for 06/25/08
Reading
John 15:1-11
Responsive Questions
1. What spiritual benefits result from abiding in Christ (vv. 7-11)?
2. There are three categories of branches described in this passage - those bearing no fruit, those bearing some fruit and those bearing much fruit. In which category would you place yourself, and why?
3. If you are not bearing much fruit, what is Jesus' counsel to you in these verses?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. What makes you nervous or concerned about growing your relationship with Jesus?
2. What are some specific things you can do to deepen your relationship with Jesus?
John 15:1-11
Responsive Questions
1. What spiritual benefits result from abiding in Christ (vv. 7-11)?
2. There are three categories of branches described in this passage - those bearing no fruit, those bearing some fruit and those bearing much fruit. In which category would you place yourself, and why?
3. If you are not bearing much fruit, what is Jesus' counsel to you in these verses?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. What makes you nervous or concerned about growing your relationship with Jesus?
2. What are some specific things you can do to deepen your relationship with Jesus?
The Secret of the Vine - Part 2 - Devo for 06/24/08
Reading
John 15:1-11
Responsive Questions
1. Jesus states that the abiding vine produces fruit. What does this mean and how does this look in a person's life?
2. The Father's ministry as the gardener is to remove the branches that do not produce fruit (v. 2). What is Jesus saying?
3. The Father prunes fruitful branches to make them more fruitful (v. 2). In what ways have you experienced the Father's "pruning," and what were the results?
John 15:1-11
Responsive Questions
1. Jesus states that the abiding vine produces fruit. What does this mean and how does this look in a person's life?
2. The Father's ministry as the gardener is to remove the branches that do not produce fruit (v. 2). What is Jesus saying?
3. The Father prunes fruitful branches to make them more fruitful (v. 2). In what ways have you experienced the Father's "pruning," and what were the results?
The Secret of the Vine - Part 1 - Devo for 06/23/08
Reflective Questions
1. When you were a child, did you try to stay close to your parents in an unfamiliar place, or did you tend to wander away? Describe a memory (or fear) of being lost.
2. Have you ever felt far from Christ since becoming a Christian? What circumstances made you feel that way?
Reading
John 15:1-11 (This is the 1st of 3 devos from this same passage)
Responsive Questions
1. Jesus' instruction to his disciples in this passage revolves around three symbols - the vine, the gardener, and the branches. What is Jesus trying to communicate by calling himself the "true vine"?
2. What is the significance of calling his disciples "branches"?
3. Instead of commanding us to bear fruit, why is Jesus' only command "Abide in me" (v. 4)?
4. What does it mean to abide in Christ?
1. When you were a child, did you try to stay close to your parents in an unfamiliar place, or did you tend to wander away? Describe a memory (or fear) of being lost.
2. Have you ever felt far from Christ since becoming a Christian? What circumstances made you feel that way?
Reading
John 15:1-11 (This is the 1st of 3 devos from this same passage)
Responsive Questions
1. Jesus' instruction to his disciples in this passage revolves around three symbols - the vine, the gardener, and the branches. What is Jesus trying to communicate by calling himself the "true vine"?
2. What is the significance of calling his disciples "branches"?
3. Instead of commanding us to bear fruit, why is Jesus' only command "Abide in me" (v. 4)?
4. What does it mean to abide in Christ?
Comfort for a Troubled Heart - Part 3 - Devo for 06/21/08
Reading
John 14:1-31 (review)
Responsive Questions
1. How can Jesus' teaching help you counsel a friend who is going through a crisis or who has a troubled heart?
2. Where do you need Jesus' peace in your life right now?
3. What words of Jesus in this passage are most significant to you personally?
Applying Chapter 14 in Your Life
1. Give whatever is troubling you to the Lord and wait in His presence for His comfort and peace.
2. Think of a friend who is going through a difficult time. Plan to do something this week to encourage that person. A phone call, a letter, a small gift, or an invitation to lunch might be a wonderful blessing in his or her life.
John 14:1-31 (review)
Responsive Questions
1. How can Jesus' teaching help you counsel a friend who is going through a crisis or who has a troubled heart?
2. Where do you need Jesus' peace in your life right now?
3. What words of Jesus in this passage are most significant to you personally?
Applying Chapter 14 in Your Life
1. Give whatever is troubling you to the Lord and wait in His presence for His comfort and peace.
2. Think of a friend who is going through a difficult time. Plan to do something this week to encourage that person. A phone call, a letter, a small gift, or an invitation to lunch might be a wonderful blessing in his or her life.
Comfort for a Troubled Heart - Part 2 - Devo for 06/20/08
Reading
John 14:15-31
Responsive Questions
1. Another source of comfort for these troubled disciples would be the Holy Spirit. What does the title Comforter (v. 16) tell us about the Spirit's ministry?
2. In what specific ways is the Spirit willing to bring comfort and help in your life (vv. 15-27)?
3. What is the relationship between our love and obedience to Jesus and his love and presence in our lives (v. 15-24)?
4. How is this different from legalism - trying to earn Jesus' love and presence through our good works?
5. How does the peace Jesus offers differ from the peace offered by the world (vv. 25-31)?
John 14:15-31
Responsive Questions
1. Another source of comfort for these troubled disciples would be the Holy Spirit. What does the title Comforter (v. 16) tell us about the Spirit's ministry?
2. In what specific ways is the Spirit willing to bring comfort and help in your life (vv. 15-27)?
3. What is the relationship between our love and obedience to Jesus and his love and presence in our lives (v. 15-24)?
4. How is this different from legalism - trying to earn Jesus' love and presence through our good works?
5. How does the peace Jesus offers differ from the peace offered by the world (vv. 25-31)?
Comfort for a Troubled Heart - Part 1 - Devo for 06/19/08
Reflective Questions
1. Who is the person you most want to be around when you are hurting? What is it about that person that brings comfort to you?
2. Think of a friend who is going through a personal crisis. If you were with that person now, how would you try to help him or her?
Reading
John 14:1-14
Responsive Questions
1. What does Jesus say in Chapter 13 that causes his disciples to have "troubled" hearts (v. 1)?
2. How would the promises Jesus makes in verses 1-4 bring comfort to his disciples?
3. After being with Jesus for over three years, what had both Thomas and Philip failed to realize about him (vv. 5-14)?
4. Put Jesus' statement in verses 6 and 7 in your own words. In light of those verses, how would you answer someone who thinks there are "many ways to God"?
1. Who is the person you most want to be around when you are hurting? What is it about that person that brings comfort to you?
2. Think of a friend who is going through a personal crisis. If you were with that person now, how would you try to help him or her?
Reading
John 14:1-14
Responsive Questions
1. What does Jesus say in Chapter 13 that causes his disciples to have "troubled" hearts (v. 1)?
2. How would the promises Jesus makes in verses 1-4 bring comfort to his disciples?
3. After being with Jesus for over three years, what had both Thomas and Philip failed to realize about him (vv. 5-14)?
4. Put Jesus' statement in verses 6 and 7 in your own words. In light of those verses, how would you answer someone who thinks there are "many ways to God"?
A Traitor? Not Me! - Part 3 - Devo for 06/18/08
Reading
John 13:36-38 (revisit vv. 21-35 as well)
Responsive Questions
1. Do you think Peter's declaration in verse 37 comes from pride or from sincerity? Explain why you came to that conclusion.
2. Three people stand out in this passage - Jesus, Judas, and Peter. What one character quality of each - good or evil - makes the greatest impression on you?
3. What can you do to avoid the failures and to follow after the strengths of each main character?
Applying Chapter 13 in Your Life
1. Ask God to examine your heart and reveal to you any areas of spiritual weakness or vulnerability in your life. Pray for a strong faith that will keep you from turning away from the Lord in a crisis.
2. On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (exceptional), how does your life compare to the standard of love Jesus spells out in verses 34 and 35?
3. What can you do to increase that score?
John 13:36-38 (revisit vv. 21-35 as well)
Responsive Questions
1. Do you think Peter's declaration in verse 37 comes from pride or from sincerity? Explain why you came to that conclusion.
2. Three people stand out in this passage - Jesus, Judas, and Peter. What one character quality of each - good or evil - makes the greatest impression on you?
3. What can you do to avoid the failures and to follow after the strengths of each main character?
Applying Chapter 13 in Your Life
1. Ask God to examine your heart and reveal to you any areas of spiritual weakness or vulnerability in your life. Pray for a strong faith that will keep you from turning away from the Lord in a crisis.
2. On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (exceptional), how does your life compare to the standard of love Jesus spells out in verses 34 and 35?
3. What can you do to increase that score?
A Traitor? Not Me! - Part 2 - Devo for 06/17/08
Reading
John 13:31-35
Responsive Questions
1. What is "new" about Jesus' command in verse 34?
2. Read 1 John 3:16. In what practical ways can we exhibit this sacrificial love?
3. Why does that kind of love convince all of humanity that we are Jesus' disciples (v. 35)?
John 13:31-35
Responsive Questions
1. What is "new" about Jesus' command in verse 34?
2. Read 1 John 3:16. In what practical ways can we exhibit this sacrificial love?
3. Why does that kind of love convince all of humanity that we are Jesus' disciples (v. 35)?
A Traitor? Not Me! - Part 1 - Devo for 06/16/08
Reflective Questions
1. If you knew a close friend was going to falsely betray you, and the betrayal would cost you your job, what would you do?
2. Has someone in your life ever hurt you deeply? What was your response to that person?
Reading
John 13:18-30
Responsive Questions
1. What tone of voice do you think Jesus uses in verse 21? in verse 26? in verse 27?
2. Evidently the disciples did not know who would betray Jesus (v. 22). What does this tell you about how Jesus had treated Judas?
3. How do the disciples interpret Jesus' instruction to Judas in verse 27 (vv. 28-29)?
4. Can we apply Jesus' example to the way we should treat our "betrayers," or was this a unique situation that really doesn't apply today? Explain your answer.
1. If you knew a close friend was going to falsely betray you, and the betrayal would cost you your job, what would you do?
2. Has someone in your life ever hurt you deeply? What was your response to that person?
Reading
John 13:18-30
Responsive Questions
1. What tone of voice do you think Jesus uses in verse 21? in verse 26? in verse 27?
2. Evidently the disciples did not know who would betray Jesus (v. 22). What does this tell you about how Jesus had treated Judas?
3. How do the disciples interpret Jesus' instruction to Judas in verse 27 (vv. 28-29)?
4. Can we apply Jesus' example to the way we should treat our "betrayers," or was this a unique situation that really doesn't apply today? Explain your answer.
The Son of a Slave - Part 3 - Devo for 06/14/08
Reading
John 13:1-17
Responsive Questions
1. What does this chapter reveal to you about your attitude toward serving?
2. Among the people you live and work with, what would it mean to "practice footwashing" - to model the humility of Jesus?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. Ask God to cultivate a humble spirit in you.
2. Find people over the course of this summer that you can serve in humility.
John 13:1-17
Responsive Questions
1. What does this chapter reveal to you about your attitude toward serving?
2. Among the people you live and work with, what would it mean to "practice footwashing" - to model the humility of Jesus?
Applying This Passage in Your Life
1. Ask God to cultivate a humble spirit in you.
2. Find people over the course of this summer that you can serve in humility.
The Son of a Slave - Part 2 - Devo for 06/13/08
Reading
John 13:6-17
Responsive Questions
1. Is Peter simply being humble when he refuses to allow Jesus to serve him (vv. 6-8)? Explain your answer.
2. What spiritual truth is Jesus trying to communicate to Peter (and to us) in verses 8-11?
3. After he finishes washing the disciples' feet, how does Jesus explain the significance of his actions (vv. 12-17)?
John 13:6-17
Responsive Questions
1. Is Peter simply being humble when he refuses to allow Jesus to serve him (vv. 6-8)? Explain your answer.
2. What spiritual truth is Jesus trying to communicate to Peter (and to us) in verses 8-11?
3. After he finishes washing the disciples' feet, how does Jesus explain the significance of his actions (vv. 12-17)?
The Son of a Slave - Part 1 - Devo for 06/12/08
Reflective Questions
1. Have you ever been asked to do a demeaning, lowly job? What thoughts went through your mind at the time?
2. Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable when others try to serve you? Why or why not?
Reading
John 13:1-5
Responsive Questions
1. According to John, what does Jesus know about himself (vv. 1-3)?
2. In the light of that knowledge, what is remarkable about what Jesus does next (vv. 4-5)?
3. Footwashing was normally done by servants or slaves. Why do you think Jesus washes his disciples' feet instead of simply giving them a sermon on love?
4. What tasks at home, at work or in church would be equivalent to footwashing?
5. How do you think Jesus feels as he washes Judas' feet?
6. How do you think Judas feels?
1. Have you ever been asked to do a demeaning, lowly job? What thoughts went through your mind at the time?
2. Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable when others try to serve you? Why or why not?
Reading
John 13:1-5
Responsive Questions
1. According to John, what does Jesus know about himself (vv. 1-3)?
2. In the light of that knowledge, what is remarkable about what Jesus does next (vv. 4-5)?
3. Footwashing was normally done by servants or slaves. Why do you think Jesus washes his disciples' feet instead of simply giving them a sermon on love?
4. What tasks at home, at work or in church would be equivalent to footwashing?
5. How do you think Jesus feels as he washes Judas' feet?
6. How do you think Judas feels?
The King's Last Acts - Part 3 - Devo for 06/11/08
Reading
John 12:37-50
Responsive Questions
1. When we stubbornly refuse to believe, what happens to our spiritual senses, and why (vv. 37-41)?
2. Jesus' last public message to his people is recorded in verses 44-50. What indications do you find that he is still reaching out in love and grace to those who have rejected him?
3. How can you apply the example of Jesus to people who reject you or your witness about Christ?
Applying Chapter 12 in Your Life
1. Jesus refers to our spiritual enemy, Satan, as "the prince of this world" in John 12:31. Earlier Jesus called him a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44). In what way has Jesus' death on the cross "driven out" Satan?
2. What resources are available to you when you are under attack spiritually?
John 12:37-50
Responsive Questions
1. When we stubbornly refuse to believe, what happens to our spiritual senses, and why (vv. 37-41)?
2. Jesus' last public message to his people is recorded in verses 44-50. What indications do you find that he is still reaching out in love and grace to those who have rejected him?
3. How can you apply the example of Jesus to people who reject you or your witness about Christ?
Applying Chapter 12 in Your Life
1. Jesus refers to our spiritual enemy, Satan, as "the prince of this world" in John 12:31. Earlier Jesus called him a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44). In what way has Jesus' death on the cross "driven out" Satan?
2. What resources are available to you when you are under attack spiritually?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The King's Last Acts - Part 2 - Devo for 06/10/08
Reading
John 12:12-36
Responsive Questions
1. What do the shouts of the crowd tell us about their expectations of Jesus (vv. 12-19)?
2. How do Jesus' statements about his mission clash with the crowd's expectations (vv. 23-28)?
3. How would you explain verse 25 in terms that apply to your life (see also vv. 26-28)?
4. Jesus makes it clear that he is about to die. What will Jesus' death accomplish (vv. 23-24, 28, 31-32)?
John 12:12-36
Responsive Questions
1. What do the shouts of the crowd tell us about their expectations of Jesus (vv. 12-19)?
2. How do Jesus' statements about his mission clash with the crowd's expectations (vv. 23-28)?
3. How would you explain verse 25 in terms that apply to your life (see also vv. 26-28)?
4. Jesus makes it clear that he is about to die. What will Jesus' death accomplish (vv. 23-24, 28, 31-32)?
The King's Last Acts - Part 1 - Devo for 06/09/08
Reflective Questions
1. If you knew for sure that had only one week to live, what would you do with that week?
2. What acts do you want to be remembered for?
3. How consistently do you do what you want the people you love to remember?
Reading
John 12:1-11
Responsive Questions
1. Which person in this passage do you identify most closely with: Mary, who loved giving; Jesus, who appreciated receiving; or Judas, who looked at only the cost? Explain why you identify with that person.
2. Judas objects to Mary's extravagance. What motives and wrong thinking lie behind his objection (vv. 4-8)?
3. How would you have reacted to Mary's act?
4. What can we expect if we are extravagent in our devotion to Jesus?
1. If you knew for sure that had only one week to live, what would you do with that week?
2. What acts do you want to be remembered for?
3. How consistently do you do what you want the people you love to remember?
Reading
John 12:1-11
Responsive Questions
1. Which person in this passage do you identify most closely with: Mary, who loved giving; Jesus, who appreciated receiving; or Judas, who looked at only the cost? Explain why you identify with that person.
2. Judas objects to Mary's extravagance. What motives and wrong thinking lie behind his objection (vv. 4-8)?
3. How would you have reacted to Mary's act?
4. What can we expect if we are extravagent in our devotion to Jesus?
Back from the Dead - Part 3 - Devo for 06/07/08
Reading
John 11:38-57
Responsive Questions
1. How would you explain the fact that the people who saw the same miracle responded in two totally different ways?
2. What does this account reveal about the value of miracles alone for bringing people to faith in Christ?
3. In what ways will this chapter change the way you respond to personal difficulty or the apparent delay of God?
4. How will it change the way you pray for those who are going through difficult situations?
Applying Chapter 11 in Your Life
Focus on a specific situation in your life or in a friend's life that you need to trust God to work out. Write the need on a card or in your journal, and begin to pray about it. Keep a record of how God works.
John 11:38-57
Responsive Questions
1. How would you explain the fact that the people who saw the same miracle responded in two totally different ways?
2. What does this account reveal about the value of miracles alone for bringing people to faith in Christ?
3. In what ways will this chapter change the way you respond to personal difficulty or the apparent delay of God?
4. How will it change the way you pray for those who are going through difficult situations?
Applying Chapter 11 in Your Life
Focus on a specific situation in your life or in a friend's life that you need to trust God to work out. Write the need on a card or in your journal, and begin to pray about it. Keep a record of how God works.
Back from the Dead - Part 2 - Devo for 06/06/08
Reading
John 11:25-38
Responsive Questions
1. What kind of "life" and "death" is Jesus referring to in verses 25 and 26?
2. How does Jesus' statement alter our normal view of life and death?
3. Why do you think John emphasizes that Jesus is deeply moved by Mary's grief and the anguish of those with her (vv. 28-38)?
4. Based on this passage, how would you respond to those who think that grief at a loved one's death is incompatible with real faith?
John 11:25-38
Responsive Questions
1. What kind of "life" and "death" is Jesus referring to in verses 25 and 26?
2. How does Jesus' statement alter our normal view of life and death?
3. Why do you think John emphasizes that Jesus is deeply moved by Mary's grief and the anguish of those with her (vv. 28-38)?
4. Based on this passage, how would you respond to those who think that grief at a loved one's death is incompatible with real faith?
Back from the Dead - Part 1 - Devo for 06/05/08
Reflective Questions
1. Think back to the death of a family member or friend. Did that death cause you to question God's love? Explain your answer.
2. What feelings do you have when you think about death?
3. What facts about death (if you knew for sure they were true) would ease your concerns?
Reading
John 11:1-27
Responsive Questions
1. From the clues in this chapter, describe Jesus' relationship with each member of this family: Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
2. How can we resolve the seeming conflict between Jesus' love for Lazarus and his deliberate delay in helping him (vv. 4-5, 15)?
3. What elements of doubt and faith do you see in Martha's statements to Jesus (vv. 17-27)?
4. How does Jesus stretch Martha's faith in this brief encounter?
1. Think back to the death of a family member or friend. Did that death cause you to question God's love? Explain your answer.
2. What feelings do you have when you think about death?
3. What facts about death (if you knew for sure they were true) would ease your concerns?
Reading
John 11:1-27
Responsive Questions
1. From the clues in this chapter, describe Jesus' relationship with each member of this family: Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
2. How can we resolve the seeming conflict between Jesus' love for Lazarus and his deliberate delay in helping him (vv. 4-5, 15)?
3. What elements of doubt and faith do you see in Martha's statements to Jesus (vv. 17-27)?
4. How does Jesus stretch Martha's faith in this brief encounter?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Listening for the Shepherd's Voice - Part 3 - Devo for 06/04/08
Reading
John 10:30-42
Responsive Questions
1. When Jesus claims that he and the Father are one, the Jews pick up stones to stone him (vv. 30-33). Do you think his defense is a denial of his deity (vv. 33-36)? Explain.
2. What prompts people (or you) to have doubts about their salvation or thier relationship with Jesus? Explain your answer.
3. How will the promises Jesus makes in these verses help you when you struggle with doubt?
Applying Chapter 10 in Your Life
1. The image of God as a shepherd is used many times in the Bible to picture God's care for his people. Read through the following passages and filter out one promise that you can use to strengthen your own faith or to encourage another Christian who may be struggling.
* Psalm 23
* Psalm 95
* Psalm 40:11
* Isaiah 53:6
John 10:30-42
Responsive Questions
1. When Jesus claims that he and the Father are one, the Jews pick up stones to stone him (vv. 30-33). Do you think his defense is a denial of his deity (vv. 33-36)? Explain.
2. What prompts people (or you) to have doubts about their salvation or thier relationship with Jesus? Explain your answer.
3. How will the promises Jesus makes in these verses help you when you struggle with doubt?
Applying Chapter 10 in Your Life
1. The image of God as a shepherd is used many times in the Bible to picture God's care for his people. Read through the following passages and filter out one promise that you can use to strengthen your own faith or to encourage another Christian who may be struggling.
* Psalm 23
* Psalm 95
* Psalm 40:11
* Isaiah 53:6
Listening for the Shepherd's Voice - Part 2 - Devo for 06/03/08
Reading
John 10:22-29
Responsive Questions
1. According to Jesus, how are his enemies in this passage different from his sheep (vv. 22-27)?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, "My sheep listen to my voice...and they follow me" (v.27)
3. How do you respond to the promises and assurances Jesus gives his sheep in verses 28-29?
John 10:22-29
Responsive Questions
1. According to Jesus, how are his enemies in this passage different from his sheep (vv. 22-27)?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, "My sheep listen to my voice...and they follow me" (v.27)
3. How do you respond to the promises and assurances Jesus gives his sheep in verses 28-29?
Listening for the Shepherd's Voice - Part 1 - Devo for 06/02/08
Reflective Questions
1. In what situations do you feel most insecure or afraid?
2. How does it help when someone faces those situations with you?
Reading
John 10:1-21
Responsive Questions
1. As you read back through the passage again, identify who or what these images represent, and list the characteristics of each.
* The sheep pen:
* The shepherd:
* The thief:
* The sheep:
* The gate:
* The hired hand:
2. In verses 11-15 Jesus talks about the shepherd's care for his sheep. What can you learn from those verses about Jesus' care and relationship with you?
3. What does Jesus reveal about the future of his flock (v. 16)? In what ways do you feel a part of "one flock" under "one shepherd"?
4. Why do you think Jesus stresses that he lays down his life of his own accord (vv. 17-18)?
1. In what situations do you feel most insecure or afraid?
2. How does it help when someone faces those situations with you?
Reading
John 10:1-21
Responsive Questions
1. As you read back through the passage again, identify who or what these images represent, and list the characteristics of each.
* The sheep pen:
* The shepherd:
* The thief:
* The sheep:
* The gate:
* The hired hand:
2. In verses 11-15 Jesus talks about the shepherd's care for his sheep. What can you learn from those verses about Jesus' care and relationship with you?
3. What does Jesus reveal about the future of his flock (v. 16)? In what ways do you feel a part of "one flock" under "one shepherd"?
4. Why do you think Jesus stresses that he lays down his life of his own accord (vv. 17-18)?
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