STUDY GUIDES THE GOSPELS Thirdmill 316 Live Oaks Boulevard Casselberry, FL 32707 USA THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 1.1 Lesson 1: Introduction to the Gospels Section 1: Literary Character OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Literary Character A. Genre 1. Historical Narrative 2. Greco-Roman Biography 3. Biblical Historical Narrative B. Reliability 1. Access 2. Candor 3. Corroboration 4. Training 5. Theological Convictions 6. Holy Spirit REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is the literary genre of the gospels, according to the lesson? 2. What is the teaching of the lesson regarding the chronological order found in the gospels? 3. Why does the lesson quote Plutarch, a secular Greek historian from the first century? What does it show? 4. What was the intended audience of the gospels? 5. What was the prominent cultural orientation of the authors of the gospels? 6. Describe the access that each gospel author had to the facts about the life of Jesus. 7. What does the lesson say about the fact that the gospels candidly reveal the weaknesses and failures of the disciples? What does it show? 8. Were there any Greco-roman writers from the first century that mention Jesus Christ? 9. What is the name of the Jewish historian from the first century who mentions Jesus? 10. Does the Jewish Talmud mention Jesus? 11. Mention the evidence given in the lesson of the reliability of the gospels. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Does it worry you to know that the gospels do not necessarily report everything in strict chronological order? 2. Did this lesson strengthen or weaken your trust in the reliability of the gospels? Explain. 3. What would you like to gain from the study of this course? What are some questions you have about the gospels? How would you like for this course to change your life? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 1.2 Lesson 1: Introduction to the Gospels Section 2: Status in the Church OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Status in the Church A. Composition 1. Similarities 2. Theories of Composition 3. Certainty B. Authenticity 1. Trustworthy Authors 2. Apostolic Approval 3. Witness of the Church REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What does the word "synoptic" mean? 2. Which of the gospels are considered "synoptic" gospels? 3. In general, what are the similarities and differences of the synoptic gospels? 4. Describe the unique way each gospel has of relating the stories and teachings of Jesus. 5. In general, how is Gospel of John different from the synoptic gospels in terms of the events that it includes? 6. Mention some key events that are included in all four gospels. 7. What theory of the composition of the four gospels is accepted by the majority of scholars? 8. By the end of the second century, had the Church agreed about all of the documents that should be included in the New Testament? 9. What do the early writings tell us about whether the four gospels were always considered by the Church as genuine documents to be included in the New Testament? 10. Eusebius wrote, "The four Gospels...are the only _________ ones in the Church of God under heaven." 11. Eusebius wrote that an important person approved the synoptic gospels. Who was that important person? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why do you think it was important for God to leave us four gospels? 2. Did this lesson help build your confidence in the trustworthiness of the four gospels? Explain. 3. Which of the four gospels have you preferred to study in the past? Why? 4. If you were to recommend one of the four gospels for a new Christian to read first, which would it be? Why? 5. If you were to recommend one of the four gospels for a non Christian to read, which would it be? Think of a person from a Muslim background, a person from a Jewish background or from another religion. Think of a person with a postmodern mentality. Would it make a difference which gospel you recommend? Explain your answer. THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 1.3 Lesson 1: Introduction to the Gospels Section 3: Unity OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Unity A. Same story B. Jesus 1. Proofs 2. Vocabulary 3. Stages REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is the literal meaning of the Greek word for "gospel" (euangelion)? 2. How was the word "gospel" often used in ancient times? 3. Which are used more frequently in the gospels, terms related to the concept of kingdom or terms like "gospel" and "evangelize." 4. Mention the proofs given in the lesson that Jesus was the true king. 5. What is the meaning of the Greek word "Christos" (here transliterated)? 6. What is the meaning of the Greek word "Kurios" (here transliterated)? 7. What is the difference between the way most Jewish theologians during the time of the Old Testament understood the coming of the kingdom and the teaching of Jesus regarding the coming of the kingdom? 8. What does the lesson mean by "elongation of eschatology"? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What difference do you see in the way the gospels of the Bible tell the "good news" and the way people often try to explain the gospel today? 2. What new things did you learn about Jesus in this lesson? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 1.4 Lesson 1: Introduction to the Gospels Section 4: Variety OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES IV. Variety A. Apparent Difficulties 1. Chronology 2. Omission 3. Different Events 4. Different Speeches B. Distinctive Emphases 1. Matthew 2. Mark 3. Luke 4. John Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. How does the lesson describe the chronology of the four gospels in general? 2. According to the lesson, why does John not include the narration of the Lord's Supper? 3. What suggestion does the lesson give in order to reconcile the apparent differences in the account of Jesus being anointed, where one gospels says it happened in the house of a Pharisee (Luke 7), and another gospel says it happened in the house of Simon the leper (Mark 14)? 4. According to Matthew in chapter 5, Jesus preached a sermon on the "mountainside," but Luke (chapter 6) apparently gives an account of the same sermon, saying that He preached it on a "level place." What are some possible explanations of this difference, according to the lesson? 5. How does the lesson explain the differences in the four gospels in general? 6. How does each gospel answer the question with its unique emphasis, "Who is Jesus?" 7. How does each gospel answer the question with its unique emphasis, "How do we follow Jesus?" QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How would you deal with an apparent contradiction in the gospels? 2. Did this lesson help you answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" 3. Did this lesson help you answer the question, "How do we follow Jesus?" 4. What is the most important thing you learned from this whole lesson? 5. The following anecdote from a popular Italian novel is an allegory of many peoples' religious experience. Read it and give your responses to the questions below. In the entrance to the school, the sisters had built a large manger scene, which remained standing all year long. There was Jesus in the stable with his father, his mother, an ox and a little donkey, and all around there were mountains and cliffs made of cardboard and rock, where only a flock of little sheep lived. Every one of them represented a student, and depending on his conduct each day, was moved closer or farther away from Jesus. Every morning, before going to class, we would pass by the manger, and they made us look to see our position. On the other side of the stable there was a very steep cliff, and that's where the bad girls were put, with two legs suspended over the edge. From six years of age until ten, I lived conditioned by the position of my little sheep. I don't need to tell you that I hardly every moved from the edge of the cliff. [Translated from the Spanish version, Donde el corazón te lleve [Where Your Heart Leads You] Susana Tamara (Santiago de Chile: Editorial Atlántida, 1995), pp. 66-67.] Questions: Do you identify with the author? What does this story tell you about the theology of the school? Does the manger scene reflect grace? How would you compare attitude of this school with the attitude that Jesus showed to people? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 2.1 Lesson 2: The Gospel of Matthew Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Author 1. Traditional View 2. Personal History B. Original Audience 1. Kingdom of Heaven 2. Jewish Customs C. Occasion 1. Date 2. Location 3. Purpose REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is the teaching of the lesson regarding the authorship of the gospel of Matthew? 2. Write down the quotes of each of the following authors regarding the authorship of the gospel of Matthew. Make sure you can identify each one. Papius (early 2nd century, quoted by Eusebius in 4th century) Irenaeus (wrote around AD 180) Tertullian (155-230 AD) 3. Note key details about Matthew. 4. What was Matthew's profession? Note key details about the attitude toward his profession on the part of the Jews in his day. 5. For whom did Matthew especially write his gospel? Was he considering other people as well? Explain. 6. According to the lesson, what is the probable reason that Matthew used the expression "Kingdom of heaven" more frequently than "Kingdom of God"? 7. Describe the evidence which shows that Matthew expected his readers to be familiar with Jewish customs. 8. According to the lesson, when did Matthew probably write his gospel? What are the arguments? 9. What was the unique special purpose of Matthew in writing his gospel? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why is it important to know who wrote the first gospel? 2. Why is it important to know the author's particular purpose in writing the gospel? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 2.2 Lesson 2: The Gospel of Matthew Section 2: Structure and Content NOTE: This section is longer than usual. Therefore, we recommend taking time to watch it in two sittings, giving yourself time to take notes. Do not worry about learning all the exact references and details of each section of the gospel. Make sure you can answer the review questions below, however. OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Introduction: The Messianic King B. The Gospel of the Kingdom C. The Spread of the Kingdom D. Signs and Parables E. Faith and Greatness F. Present Opposition and Future Victory G. Conclusion: Culmination of Jesus' Ministry REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. According to the lesson, how do most scholars divide the Gospel of Matthew into sections? What is their guideline? 2. Name the five main sections of Matthew, as given in the lesson. 3. Besides the five major sections of the gospel, what does Matthew include? 4. According to the lesson, what is the purpose of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus? 5. How does the lesson answer those who think that the genealogy of Jesus does not prove anything about Jesus' legal claims, since He was not really born of a human father? 6. The five main divisions of the Gospel of Matthew each include two parts. What are these two parts? 7. How does the lesson explain the meaning of Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near"? 8. As the kingdom of heaven began to spread because of Jesus' miracles, how did most people react? 9. What was the theme of most of Jesus' parables? 10. What is the main point of Jesus' Olivet Discourse about the second coming? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why is the theme of the kingdom of heaven important to you? How does this help you focus on the bigger picture and avoid an overly individualistic view of salvation? 2. Why do you think so much of the Gospel of Matthew seems to be about conflict with Jesus, suffering, and rejection? 3. How does the purpose of the Olivet Discourse change your thinking about the Bible's teaching regarding the Second Coming? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 2.3 Lesson 2: The Gospel of Matthew Section 3: Major Themes OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Major Themes A. Old Testament Heritage 1. Quotations and Allusions 2. Kingdom of Heaven 3. Messianic King 4. Unbelieving Jewish Leaders 5. Humility and Gentleness B. People of God 1. Church 2. Family of God 3. Calling Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What two major themes of the Gospel of Matthew are highlighted in this lesson? 2. How does Matthew highlight the Old Testament heritage of the gospel? 3. The lesson expresses the fact that Jesus was "Israel _________." 4. What does Matthew quote more than any other gospel writer? 5. What name does Matthew use for Jesus more frequently than the other gospels? 6. How does the lesson interpret Jesus' comments, "You have heard that it was said,..." and "But I say unto you..."? Is He nullifying the Old Testament law? 7. In what ways does Matthew speak of the people of God? 8. What is the Hebrew word for "assembly"? Make sure you can pronounce it and write the transliteration. 9. What is the Greek word for "assembly"? Make sure you can pronounce it and write the transliteration. 10. What kind of terminology does Matthew use frequently to speak of God's people and their relationship with Him? Give examples. 11. What is the emphasis in Matthew regarding the calling of Jesus' disciples? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why is it important to see how the Gospel of Matthew is connected with the Old Testament? How does it help you understand the Old Testament? The New Testament? 2. How has the lesson changed your thinking about Jesus' attitude toward the Old Testament law? Why is this important? What difference does it make? How should we use the Old Testament law today? 3. In what ways have you suffered for following Jesus? 4. Why is it important to see that the New Testament Church is the fulfillment of the Old Testament people of God? How does it help you understand the Old Testament? The New Testament? 5. What is the most important thing you have learned in this whole lesson? 6. How did this lesson change your sentiments about Jesus? How could you express your love for Him better? 7. Read Matthew 13:31-33. What is the main point of the two parables? What relation do they have to the Old Testament? What do these parables mean to you personally? How would you apply their teachings? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 3.1 Lesson 3: The Gospel of Mark Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Author 1. Traditional View 2. Personal History B. Original Audience 1. Witness of Early Church 2. Details of Gospel C. Occasion 1. Date 2. Purpose REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What evidence is given in the lesson as evidence that John Mark was the author of the gospel that now bears his name? 2. What important apostle probably helped Mark write the gospel? 2. Note the important details about the life of Mark. Where was he from? Was he an apostle? Did he possibly know Jesus? What relation did he have with Paul? With Barnabas? With Peter? 3. According to the lesson, to whom did Mark probably especially write the gospel? What evidence supports this view? 4. Who was Rufus, mentioned in the gospel of Mark? Why is his name significant? 5. When was the Gospel of Mark probably written? Between what years? What arguments are given for this probable date? 6. What was the purpose of the Gospel of Mark? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What lessons can we learn from the life of Mark? 2. What difference does it make to understand the audience Mark was writing to, and the purpose he had in writing the gospel? Does it help you understand the gospel? Can you identify with the readers he was addressing? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 3.2 Lesson 3: The Gospel of Mark Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. The Announcement of the Messiah, 1.1-1 B. The Power of the Messiah, 1.14-8.26 1. Introduction 2. Near Capernaum 3. Region of Galilee 4. Beyond Galilee C. The Apostles' Affirmation of the Messiah, 8.27-30 D. The Suffering of the Messiah, 8.31-15.47 1. Preparation 2. Confrontation 3. Experience E. The Victory of the Messiah, 16.1-8 REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Name the names of the five main sections of the Gospel of Mark in their proper order, as taught in the lesson. 2. Explain how the Jews viewed Jesus in general. How does this contrast with the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah? 3. According to the lesson, why did Jesus not speak clearly from the beginning about his role as the Messiah? 4. Where did Jesus concentrate His early ministry? How did He show His power and authority? 5. How did the people of Nazareth respond to Jesus' ministry? What did the teachers of the law think of Him? What did Jesus' family think? 6. According to the lesson, what is the "centerpiece" of the Gospel of Mark? 7. What kind of leadership did Jesus especially encourage? 8. What does the lesson teach about the way Jesus actually encouraged opposition with the Jewish authorities? 9. Mention some of the ways Jesus suffered for His people? According to the lesson, what was the worst part of the suffering of Jesus? 10. Why does the lesson agree with the view that Mark 16 ends with verse 8? What arguments are given? What probable reason does the lesson suggest that the scribes might have had in adding to the ending? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How does this lesson help you appreciate Jesus more? Does it make you want to submit more faithfully to Him? 2. What do you learn from Jesus that changes your concept of leadership? 3. How do people today misunderstand Jesus? How does the Gospel of Mark help clarify who He really is? 4. What can you learn from the way Jesus interacted with the religious authorities of His day? How should we apply these lessons today? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 3.3 Lesson 3: The Gospel of Mark Section 3: Major Themes OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Major Themes A. Suffering Servant 1. Jewish Expectations 2. Jesus' Ministry 3. Proper Response B. Conquering King 1. Proclaimed Kingdom 2. Demonstrated Power and Authority 3. Conquered Enemies Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Describe the life of the Jews during the last centuries before Christ. Where were most of them living? What happened to those living in Israel? 2. Describe the expectations for the restoration of the kingdom that each Jewish group had during the time of Christ: Zealots Apocalyptic groups Nomists 3. Name the two major themes of the Gospel of Mark. 4. Make sure you are familiar with the contents of each of the following Bible passages: Mark 10:45 Mark 12:30 Mark 8:34-35 Mark 10:27 5. Mention ways in which Jesus showed that He was the Suffering Servant. 6. Mention where the idea of the Messiah as a suffering servant was described in the Old Testament. 7. What response did Mark want to produce in the readers of his gospel? 8. Mention ways in which Jesus showed that He was the Conquering King. 9. What was Jesus' greatest show of authority, according to the lesson? 10. What was Jesus' greatest victory over His enemies, according to the lesson? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is the Suffering Servant? 2. What does it mean for you that He is the Conquering King? 3. How does this lesson encourage you in your Christian life? 4. What is the most important thing you have learned from this whole lesson? 5. Read Mark 8:27-30 and answer the following questions. What does Peter confess? What do you think Peter meant? How much do you think he understood about Christ? Write your thoughts about the importance of this moment. Why is it key for the Gospel of Mark? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 4.1 Lesson 4: The Gospel of Luke Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Author 1. Traditional View 2. Personal History B. Original Audience 1. Theophilus 2. Broader Audience C. Occasion 1. Date 2. Purpose REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Why do most scholars think that the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts were written by the same person? 2. Explain the evidence that shows Luke was the author of Luke and Acts. 3. What are the common ways to date an ancient manuscript? 4. What is the name of the manuscript, dated around AD 180, that says in the title, "Gospel According to Luke"? 5. What is the name of the earliest known document (AD 170-180) that lists the canonical books of the New Testament, and that clearly assigns the third gospel to Luke? 6. Write down what the Anti-Marcionite Prologue says about the third gospel. 7. How did Luke obtain the information about the life of Christ that he reports in his gospel? 8. Write down key facts about Luke, the author of the third gospel. 9. Write down key facts about the person to whom the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts were addressed. 10. Besides the person he addressed at the beginning of the gospel, who was the wider audience of Luke as he wrote the gospel? 11. Mention factors that help us find the probable date when Luke wrote his gospel. 12. What was the purpose of the Gospel of Luke? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What difference does it make to you to know the background information about the Gospel of Luke? How does it affect the way you study this gospel? 2. What can we learn from the lives of Luke and Theophilus? Did anything about them surprise you? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 4.2 Lesson 4: The Gospel of Luke Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Jesus' Beginnings (1:5-4:13) 1. Birth Announcements 2. Births and childhoods 3. John's identification of Jesus 4. Confirmations as Son of God B. Jesus' Ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:50) 1. Sermon at Nazareth 2. Teaching and Miracles 3. John the Baptist 4. Teaching and Miracles 5. Preparation of the Twelve Apostles C. Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27) D. Jesus' Ministry in and Near Jerusalem (19:28-21:38) E. Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection (22:1-24:53) REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. According to the lesson, all four gospels deal with the life of Christ chronologically on a larger scale, but they use other guidelines on a smaller scale. What is the main guideline that Luke uses on a smaller scale to organize the events of the life of Christ? 2. Arrange the five major sections of the Gospel of Luke in their proper order, giving the names and the references, as taught in the lesson. 3. What is the name of the angel who announced in Daniel 9 that the exile would last hundreds of years, and who announced both the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus? 4. Describe the identity of each of the following: Elizabeth Zachariah Simeon 5. What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth? 6. Why Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist? 7. Make sure you are familiar with the contents of the following Bible passages: Luke 4:18-21 Luke 26:67-70 Luke 23:43 Luke 23:46 8. How does the lesson explain the difference between the "Sermon on the Plain" and the "Sermon on the Mount"? 9. How did Jesus answer the disciples of John the Baptist when he sent them to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah? 10. What was the main purpose of Jesus' miracles? 11. Mention the topics of Jesus' teaching during the time of His journey toward Jerusalem. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What teachings of Jesus especially spoke to you as you studied this lesson? Explain why. 2. What passage of Luke that was quoted in this part of the lesson especially spoke to you? Explain why. THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 4.3 Lesson 4: The Gospel of Luke Section 3: Major Themes OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Major Themes A. Description of Salvation B. God as Savior 1. God's Power 2. God's Plan 3. God's Son C. People that are Saved 1. Gentiles 2. Sinners 3. Women 4. Poor Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. List the major themes of Luke, as taught in the lesson. 2. According to the lesson, what is the special focus of the Gospel of Luke? 3. How does the lesson define salvation? 4. According to the lesson, salvation is primarily a matter of ______________. 5. What does Jesus teach about the possibility of salvation with men? 6. To show that Jesus was fulfilling God's plan, Luke often says that what Jesus did was ________. 7. The lesson teaches that according to the Gospel of Luke, "the least, the last, and the lost will become ___________________ of the kingdom of God." 8. What groups are included as surprising types of people that are saved, according to the Gospel of Luke? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Which theme from the gospel of Luke especially draws your attention? Explain why. 2. What practical consequences does it have for your life to know that salvation reverses peoples' conditions? How do you see that in your life? In the lives of other Christians? 3. What teaching from this whole lesson has been especially meaningful to you? Why? 4. Read Luke 24:1-12 in your Bible and answer the following questions: What were the reactions of people to Jesus' resurrection? Write your thoughts about the importance of this moment. Why is it key for our salvation? THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 5.1 Lesson 5: The Gospel of John Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Author 1. Traditional View 2. Personal History B. Occasion 1. Location 2. Audience 3. Date 4. Purpose REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What other New Testament books did the author of the Gospel of John write? 2. Explain the general position throughout history regarding the authorship of the fourth gospel. 3. What is the external evidence that John is the author of the fourth gospel? Give the information about the earliest manuscripts of the fourth gospel that include John as the author. 4. What is the internal evidence that John is the author of the fourth gospel? Explain the teaching of the lesson about vocabulary and themes, as well as the evidence that the author was an eye witness of the life of Christ. 5. Write the quote and the name of the author who was quoted by Eusebius, in Ecclesiastical History (AD 325) regarding the author of the fourth gospel. 6. Give key information about the family of John, the author of the fourth gospel. 7. Give key information about the life of John, the author of the fourth gospel. 8. Where was John when he wrote his gospel? 9. Describe the audience to whom John was especially addressing his gospel. 10. Give the probable date for the composition of the gospel of John, and give the key arguments for these dates. 11. Give the information regarding the oldest manuscript that contains a part of the Gospel of John, including both names and the date. 12. What was the purpose of the gospel of John? 13. Write down the quote that scholars have said about the contents of the Gospel of John. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What are the practical consequences of knowing the background information about the Gospel of John? How does it affect the way you read the gospel? 2. Knowing now what you have learned about the four gospels, which would you recommend first to a non-Christian? Which would you recommend first to a new Christian for growth in his faith? Explain why. THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 5.2 Lesson 5: The Gospel of John Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Introduction (1:1-18) B. Jesus' Public Ministry (1:19-12:50) 1. Preparation for Ministry 2. First Passover 3. Unnamed Feast 4. Second Passover 5. Feast of Tabernacles 6. Feast of Dedication 7. Third Passover C. Jesus' Private Ministry (13:1-20:31) 1. Last Supper 2. Death and Resurrection D. Conclusion (21:1-25) REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What four main ideas are found in John 1:10-14? 2. Name the main divisions that the lesson gives for the Gospel of John, and match them with the four themes found in John 1:10-14. 3. What was Jesus' first miracle, according to the Gospel of John? 4. Why are the miracles in the Gospel of John often called "signs"? 5. What names are often given to Jesus in the Gospel of John? What does "Rabbi" mean? 6. How does the lesson define saving faith? 7. In the section of the Gospel of John called "Jesus' Public Ministry," according to what are most of the sections divided, according to the outline given in the lesson? 8. Explain the background and the significance of the Feast of Dedication? 9. Explain the historical importance of Antiochus Epiphanes. Why was he important to the Jews? Why was he called "Epiphanes"? 10. According to the lesson, what was symbolized by Jesus when He washed the disciples' feet? 11. According to the lesson, what is the climax of John's narrative? 12. Make sure you are familiar with the contents of the following Bible passages: John 1:10-14 John 15:1-5 John 14:26 John 17 QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What do you think about the definition of saving faith given in the lesson? Do you have this kind of faith? 2. What teaching or event from the Gospel of John especially spoke to you as you studied this lesson? Explain why. 3. What Bible passages from the Gospel of John especially spoke to you as you studied this part of the lesson? Explain why. THE GOSPELS STUDY GUIDE 5.3 Lesson 5: The Gospel of John Section 3: Major Themes OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Major Themes A. Believing B. Christ C. Son of God D. Life Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What are the four major themes of the Gospel of John, according to the lesson? 2. There is a word that John uses 106 times, and that the other three gospels only use 34 times all together. What word is it? 3. What was the significance of the tabernacle and the temple? 4. Explain how the tabernacle and the temple were reminders of the Garden of Eden. 5. In what way did Jesus fulfill the meaning of the tabernacle and the temple? 6. Explain how Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Feast of Dedication. 7. What phrase did Jesus use 24 times in the Gospel of John to refer to Himself? Why did it cause the Jews to seek to kill Him? 8. Explain the meaning of "eternal life," as used in the Gospel of John. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Which theme from the Gospel of John is especially meaningful to you? Why? 2. What teaching from this whole course was especially meaningful to you? Explain why. 3. Read John 1:1: What do you think John meant when he called Jesus the "Word"? Write your thoughts about the importance of this verse. Why is it key for understanding the Gospel? 4. "Jesus' Blood Never Fails Me" In order to help you sense the emotional impact of what Jesus has done for us, we would like to tell the story from a video called “Jesus Blood Never Fails Me”. In the video, you see some people in a forest who are struggling to carry heavy sacks. They gather around a man who offers to take the items from their sacks and put them into his own. He then drags the huge bag to a river, where he wades in and sinks deep under the surface. The moments go by slowly as you watch and wait, holding your breath... And just when you are getting teary-eyed and think it is all over, he bursts to the surface! He is alive! What do you think this video portrays? Explain how you understand the symbolism. Have you asked Jesus to take care of your sins? Do you believe that He suffered in your place? ¿Do you believe He won the victory over death, sin, and Satan? Do you have assurance of your salvation? Why or why not? [See: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7YL7YWNX ] We cannot guarantee that this video will always be available, and we are not responsible for the legal rights of the video, nor for the ads that may appear. We simply link to the site where we found it. For other resources, please visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org.