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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 4: John 20:19-23

March 6, 2024March 2, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 20:19-23

Jesus appeared to his disciples in a locked room. He showed them his hands and side, and they were overjoyed.

He breathed the Holy Spirit on them and commissioned them to the world.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 4: John 20:19-23

10a) He spoke calming words. He showed them his wounds, so they would have faith. He gifted them with the Holy Spirit to guide them in this world.

b) By always being there for me, leading me to the next step in life, providing for me, and strengthening me.

11) He bore the wounds he received. He ate and drank. Jesus’ resurrection of his physical body proves he conquered death and washed us of our sins.

12) Their honor and opportunity: They are gifted with the Holy Spirit to not make disciples of others.

Their authority: They have the full authority of Christ to continue his saving work, to forgive, and to warn.

Their power to accomplish His commission: Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit to accomplish his work.

Their message: This would be a message of forgiveness and salvation.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 4: John 20:19-23

Love how Jesus’ appearance is as miraculous as his life and resurrection. He always gives us everything we need to get through life.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 4: John 20:19-23

The same day that Mary found the tomb empty, Jesus appears to his disciples here. On this day, he appears to five groups of people:

Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).
Other women (Matthew 28:9-10).
Two men on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32).
Peter (Luke 24:33-35, 1 Corinthians 15:5).
Here, to the disciples (John 20:19-23).

Jesus appeared miraculously bringing peace.

Disciples are sent after the pattern of Jesus. Jesus gave his disciples the ability to carry out their mission, likes he gives all of us the ability to carry out ours.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 3: John 20:11-18

March 5, 2024March 2, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 20:11-18

Mary saw two angels in the tomb. She wondered where Jesus’ body had been taken to. Then Jesus appears to her, and she recognizes him. He tells her to go to his brothers/disciples and tell them of his resurrection, which she does.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 3: John 20:11-18

7a) He spoke her name.

b) When Jesus speaks to me, I know it’s him, too.

8 ) He was telling her that he did not have much time, so she needed to get the disciples so that he could strengthen their faith and prepare them for their roles ahead.

9) It’s encouraging to hear that Jesus has risen again and that he appeared to Mary so she could be a witness.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 3: John 20:11-18

My favorite part is how Mary did not recognize Jesus until he said her name. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 3: John 20:11-18

Mary saw the two angels and was more concerned about where Jesus’ body was. She probably did not notice the linens.

She did not recognize Jesus at first. Perhaps she was too distressed or he looked a bit different.

This shows that although the eyes see, it was the voice that Mary recognized.

Mary most likely did not want to let Jesus go, but she must go and get the others.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Jesus calls the disciples “brothers.”

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 2: John 20:1-10

March 4, 2024March 2, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 20:1-10

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to discover Jesus was missing. She ran to tell Peter and John about it. John and Peter ran to the tomb to discover it empty and the linen that Jesus had been wrapped in lying there. They both believed.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 2: John 20:1-10

3) She was close to Jesus since she was visiting the tomb right after his death. She trusted the disciples since she ran to tell them first.

4) Peter always plunges headfirst into situations without thinking. John, on the other hand, exercises caution and thought first.

5a) Strips of linen that Jesus had been wrapped in and the cloth that had been wrapped around his head.

b) If someone had taken the body, they would have taken the expensive linen, too, so they could sell that for money. Also, the linens were unsoiled, obviously taken off miraculously.

6a) He had to rise from the dead to conquer death and defeat sin for all of us, so we could be justified and be with God forever.

b) All the difference. I say this a lot, but it’s true. Without Jesus, I’d be nothing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 2: John 20:1-10

Great passage and questions! Love how it’s Mary Magdalene that first discovers Jesus had risen. So fun! I also picture the foot race between Peter and John.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 27, Day 2: John 20:1-10

Mary Magdalene was with other women, but she was the one who ran back to tell the disciples about the empty tomb.

She had the honor of being the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection, this woman who had 7 demons cast from her (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9). What an honor and a privilege!

The women had come to help preserve the body of Jesus.

The linens were laid in such a manner that it appeared as if the body had just vanished. Normally, grave clothes would have to be cut to be taken off the body since they would have had oils, spices, and such on them. This was, indeed, a miracle.

Both John and Peter believed, but did not yet understand the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection.

The empty tomb shows Jesus’ victory over death.

Fun Fact: John never mentioned himself by name in his Gospel.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 5: Reread John 19:38-42

February 29, 2024February 23, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 19:38-42

Joseph of Arimathea asked for Jesus’ body. Along with Nicodemus, the two men wrapped Jesus’ body for burial in accordance with Jewish customs. They laid Jesus in a new tomb in a garden.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 5: Reread John 19:38-42

12) Jesus’ body would not decay with the preparation by the two men. He would be buried richly in death. He was placed in a new tomb with a heavy stone to guard the entrance.

13) I am awed by Jesus’ death and the wounds he sustained for me. The care fits our Lord and Savior.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 5: Reread John 19:38-42

Such reverence in Jesus’ burial. What a sight to see!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 5: Reread John 19:38-42

Normally, servants would prepare a body for death, but here these two wealthy men did. They washed Jesus’ body and ensured it was in pristine shape for burial.

The burial of Jesus fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:9 ). It was proof Jesus was truly dead. His body would not decay (Psalm 16:10)

The burial allowed Jesus to conquer sin and death. As Jesus was in the tomb, he went to Hell to bring out the faithful to heaven (1 Peter 3:18-20 )

The tomb was Joseph’s, and it would be grand for a rich man as himself.

In Jewish custom, bodies were left in small tombs to decay. The bones would then be collected and put into ossuaries. The doors to the tombs would be heavy, so no one would disturb the bodies.

It was important that the tomb was empty so that no other theory or resurrection could take place except by the Hand of God.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 3: John 19:34-37

February 27, 2024February 23, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 19:34-37

The soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, fulfilling scripture that not one of his bones would be broken, and he would be pierced.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 3: John 19:34-37

6a) He was pierced and blood and water flowed from his body, which are physical parts of our bodies.

b) Because so many people say that Jesus never came in human form.

7) Jesus was without defect/sin. His blood was shed to cleanse the people of their sins. No bones were broken.

8a) He was pierced for our sins, and his wounds healed us and took away our sins.

b) Profoundly. It gives me immense awe of Jesus’ actions for my sins, and I praise him all the more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 3: John 19:34-37

So much awe here — what Jesus did for us and how it was all planned from the beginning of time. Amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 26, Day 3: John 19:34-37

It is presumed the soldier was making sure Jesus was dead by piercing him.

John was an eye witness to Jesus’ death so that we may believe.

The fact that prophecy (Psalm 34:20) was fulfilled leads us to belief in Jesus.

The water may represent a new spiritual life poured out onto all believers. The blood is what makes atonement for our sins.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 5: John 19:28-30

February 22, 2024February 16, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 19:28-30

Jesus asked for something to drink. Once he had drunk, he said, “It is finished,” and died.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 5: John 19:28-30

11) His work of dying on the cross to save all of humanity from our sins.

12a) Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

b) He went to the cross willingly to die for us, and he gave up his life; no one took it from him.

13a) It means all of our sins are forgiven, and we will have eternal life next to God, the Father in heaven. We will be righteous and justified. We will be free from sin and eternal death

b) It means everything. Everything I do is for Him, and when my time comes, I’ll worship the Lord forever.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 5: John 19:28-30

I love how every step Jesus took on this earth was for us. Amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 5: John 19:28-30

Jesus’ throat was dry, and he wanted to speak once more before he gave up his life. He had turned down drink before on the cross (Mark 15:23).

When you thirst, you thirst for Jesus.

“It is finished” is one word in Greek “tetelestai”. The power of one word.

Here, God laid down all of man’s sin on His Son. Christ bore it perfectly.

This was victory.

Jesus bows his head in peace as we see elsewhere in the Bible (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:28)

Jesus gave up his life; no one took it from him.

This was the defining moment in all of history.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 3: John 19:19-24

February 20, 2024February 16, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 19:19-24

Pilate made a sign that read “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews” and hung it on Jesus’s cross. The soldiers stole Jesus’s clothes.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 3: John 19:19-24

6) The sign read “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews.” The priests did not want “The King of the Jews” on the cross because they thought it to be untrue.

7a) He was left virtually naked.

b) Jesus was rejected by mankind and took on sin as his own.

c) The prophecy is found in Psalm 22:18. It helps verify that Christ is the Messiah.

8 ) He took my sins on himself as his own, allowing me to be cleansed and be with God forever. We were forgiven forever.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 3: John 19:19-24

This passage emphasizes how Jesus endured intense suffering for all of us to live forever.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 3: John 19:19-24

All of those who were crucified had their crimes written out so all could see their crimes.

Most people were crucified naked. Jesus, however, was not due to Jewish sensitivities.

Jesus’s tunic was of high-quality, being made of one piece of cloth. Again, we see scripture here as High Priests wore such garments. Exodus 28:31-32

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18

February 19, 2024February 16, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 19:17-18

“Carrying his own cross, he [Jesus] went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18

3a) I see the cross as representing all of humanity’s sins, so Jesus physically and figuratively carried our sins on his back.

b) Jesus took on all of our sins; it does not matter who you are.

4a) Truthfully, it’s hard to fathom for the average person in the 21st century. We are not surrounded by this kind of violence. We don’t see people die around us in hideous ways, such as in the Colosseum in Rome or being hung or strung up. So, it’s hard for us to imagine the kind of torture Jesus endured for our sins. Therefore, it’s hard for me to grasp the gravity of it all.

b) Our sins are indeed severe and deep. Jesus was tortured and killed for our sins. When you think about giving up your life for someone else, there’s not many who qualify. Jesus did it for all of us! Amazing!

5) Awe, gratitude, disbelief, praise.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18

The simplicity of John’s description of this horrific act is startling. It really makes the gravity of the situation come to life.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18

The Romans used crucifixion for the worst of the worst criminals. It was designed to extend the suffering to the utmost. While the Persians invented crucifixion, the Romans used it most often. Roman citizens were not crucified.

Bible scholars have many metaphors for Jesus being in the middle:

Jesus was between humanity and God
Jesus is at the center of the universe
Jesus was between criminals
Jesus stood between God and the devil

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16

February 15, 2024February 10, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 19:8-16

Pilate was afraid, thinking Jesus may be the Son of God. When he questioned Jesus again, Jesus did not answer. Pilate still tried to free Jesus, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting and accusing Pilate of not being a friend of Caesar. Pilate gave in.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16

13) Hearing that Jesus may be the Son of God and probably knowing it’s truth somewhere deep inside of him. Jesus refused to answer Pilate.

14a)“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

b) Pilate’s loyalty to Caesar was being questioned by the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders also would not quit shouting to crucify Jesus. Pilate had no rebuttal, so he gave in.

c) Out of fear of a rebellion maybe. Out of fear that Jesus was the Son of God.

15) Sin becomes a habit, which can be hard to overcome. Once sin takes root in the heart, it grows and you are blinded to the light of God’s truth. Staying the course is always better.

16) Many. In the hardships of my life, He is there. He gets me through. God is good. God is faithful. God is Almighty. I respond by giving Him the glory.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16

Humanity does not change, and how Pilate reacted has been seen throughout history. Giving into peer pressure is very similar. It’s hard to stand for Truth. But, we must.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16

Jesus gave no answer as he had already explained himself: his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36).

Pilate was not used to people not being afraid of him and groveling for freedom. Yet, Pilate was weak. He gave into the Jewish leaders.

God granted Pilate power.

In reality, Pilate was not a friend of Caesar. He was a puppet, a pawn. And, he was afraid of losing his position.

In reality, Pilate was the one on trial.

Pilate presents bloodied, beaten, and mocked Jesus to the crowd. They reject him — a fatal mistake.

God often gives us multiple chances to respond to His Truth, like He did with Pilate. Failure to respond has eternal consequences.