Discovering Good News in John

Pam Farrel and her husband, Bill, are the authors of more than 50 books, including Men Are Like Waffles—Women Are Like Spaghetti (more than 350,000 copies sold) and Red-Hot Monogamy. In addition, Pam has written 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband and 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman: Success in Keeping It All Together. They are cofounders and codirectors of Love-Wise, an organization to help people connect love and wisdom and bring practical insights to their personal relationships.Jean E. Jones is a Bible teacher, an author of four books, and a member of Women in Apologetics. She has published in Today’s Christian Woman,Home Life, and Crosswalk.com. She’s happily married to her high school sweetheart, Clay, a visiting scholar of Christian apologetics at Talbot School of Theology.Karla Dornacher has written and illustrated 15 Christian gift books. She continues to inspire and encourage others through her coloring books, blog, Bible journaling, and social media. She makes her home in Washington State.

“Don’t let the beauty of the cover and cleverness of the page layouts make you think this book is not a serious study of God’s Word. It’s filled with life, knowledge, and joy. The learning available through this study reminds me of the apostle Peter’s conclusion about Jesus in John 6:68, “You have the words of eternal life.” This lovely book puts the life-giving messages and deeds of Jesus on brilliant display. Read, study, decorate, and be prepared to grow.”—Craig J. Hazen, PhD.,Biola University apologetics program founder and director, author of Five Sacred Crossings and Fearless Prayer

• Chapter Outline1.Introducing JesusJohn 1:1–2:25—Who Is Jesus?The apostle John testifies that Jesus is God and explains what “believe in his name” means. John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man,” a term of Old Testament significance. Jesus turns water to wine as a sign that he is from God. Jesus clears the temple so Gentiles can worship and says the resurrection will be the sign of his authority to do so. He demonstrates that we must not prevent others from worshiping.2.Introducing the Good NewsJohn 3:1–4:54—What is the good news?Jesus tells the good news to a religious leader. John the apostle exalts Jesus and explains how we must come to the light so our works are exposed. John the Baptist exalts Christ and demonstrates how to live exalting Christ with our gifts rather than ourselves. Jesus tells the good news to a Samaritan woman, demonstrates he knows everything about us, and explains true worship. Jesus heals an official’s son as a sign he is from God and his words are true. He values true belief that doesn’t need constant support by signs.3.Expectations Meet RealityJohn 5:1–6:71—Why did people reject the good news?Jesus heals at the pool of Bethesda as a sign he is from God, but the Jewish leaders reject the sign because he healed the man on a Sabbath, breaking one of the Pharisees’ oral traditions. He demonstrates that we cannot measure godliness by manmade rules. John the Baptist, the Scriptures, and the miracles all testify about Jesus. He demonstrates the importance of OT Scripture. He teaches us that we must seek glory from God, not people. Jesus feeds the 5000 as a sign he is from God, and the crowds want to force him to be king. He teaches that we must seek the Giver over the gifts. Jesus walks on water as a sign he is from God. Jesus teaches the crowds that he is the Bread of Life. When they realize he doesn’t intend to keep giving them food but instead teaches things hard to understand, many reject him.4.Finding TruthJohn 7:1–8:59—How did Jesus correct misconceptions about who he was?Jesus’s brothers don’t believe he is who he says he is. Jesus teaches at the Feast of the Booths that healing a man is not breaking the law of Moses. People argue over who Jesus is. Jesus uses the Feast of Booths’ water ceremony to explain the Holy Spirit. Jesus uses the Feast of the Booths’ lights to explain that he is the light of the world. Jesus says abiding in his words leads to knowing truth, and truth sets free. Jesus says he can set people free from slavery to sin. Jesus claims to have existed before Abraham.5.Two Kinds of BlindnessJohn 9:1–10:42—What causes spiritual blindness?Jesus heals the man born blind as a sign he was sent from God. The healed man sees spiritual truths better than the spiritual leaders. Jesus accepts worship, a sign he is God. Jesus teaches about spiritual blindness. Jesus teaches that he is the Good Shepherd and there is no other way to God. The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) brings up questions about the messiah. Jesus claims to be one with the Father and says his miracles are evidence.6.Power over DeathJohn 11:1–12:50—What evidence did Jesus offer that he had power over death?Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and shows he delayed answering a request in order to grant a bigger request. Jesus weeps, showing he does not want stoicism from us. The Jewish leaders plot to kill Jesus to prevent more people from believing in him. Passion Week begins. Mary anoints Jesus. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowds proclaim him king. Greeks come to see Jesus. He teaches that we must not love this life. Jesus teaches he must be lifted up, an allusion to the Old Testament. Many do not believe, while others believe but are afraid to say so.7.The King Who ServesJohn 13:1–14:31—What evidence did Jesus offer that his imminent death was part of God’s plan?Before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, demonstrating we must be servants. Jesus foretells Judas’s betrayal. Jesus gives a new commandment: Love one another. Jesus foretells Peter’s denial. Jesus teaches the good news about eternal life. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.8.The VineJohn 15:1–16:33—What did Jesus say to keep his followers from falling away?Jesus teaches that he is the vine and his followers are branches. He explains that we must abide in him by keeping his commandments. Jesus teaches that the world will hate his followers. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit. Jesus says the disciples’ grief will turn to joy when they see him again. Jesus teaches how to take heart amid tribulation.9.The Sacrifice for SinsJohn 17:1–19:42—How did the Passover lambs foretell Jesus’s death?Jesus prays for his disciples and shows us what he wants to see us do. Jesus is arrested. Peter denies Jesus. The high priest and Pilate question Jesus. Jesus explains his kingdom is not of this world. Jesus is crucified, fulfilling Scripture. Joseph and Nicodemus bury Jesus.10.He Is RisenJohn 20:1–21:25—What evidence exists for the resurrection?Jesus is raised from the dead and appears to his disciples, offering evidence of his bodily resurrection. John explains the purpose of the Gospel is that people might believe and have life. Jesus reinstates Peter. Epilogue: Jesus’s brother, Paul.