Month: October 2023

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:28-29

The only work that God requires is to believe in Jesus.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

6a) The people believed you have to work to earn God’s grace and favor. Jesus says all you have to do is believe in him. How simple! When you have faith in Jesus, you will have deeds given to you by God to do. And, you will do them because you have the love of Jesus in your heart.

b) Lots of ways. Donating their time or money to causes. Trying to be good and do good. Doing things just because they feel like they should rather than because they want to.

7a) To believe Jesus died for our sins, that’s he’s the Messiah, the Son of God, and his death gave us everlasting life.

b) In every way. It gives me confidence every day to live and do His will. I don’t worry. I give it all to Him. He is in control. Knowing God is there makes my life easier.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

Doesn’t get any simpler, does it?

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

Jesus told them not to labor for food previously. (John 6:27) So, they asked what then do they labor for.

The people were looking for Jesus to tell them what to do, so they could please God.

Jesus told him all they have to do is trust him.

Once we believe in Jesus, works will follow.

This one line from Jesus is one of the most important in the entire Bible. It tells us all we need to do is have faith. Period.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 2: John 6:22-27

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:22-27

After Jesus walked on water, the crowd realized Jesus had left. They got into boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. They found Jesus and Jesus chastised them for following him because he fed them food. He tells them that they need to eat of the food that bring eternal life, which he can give them.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 2: John 6:22-27

3a) The people followed Jesus because they desired free food and wanted him to be king. However, their true need was spiritual — to eat the bread of eternal life.

b) The physical need often takes priority over spiritual needs. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily quest for “things.” When, what really matters, is the daily quest for eternal life. I just need to prioritize the spiritual over the physical.

4) They should work for food that endures to eternal life. They should not work for food that spoils. Food that spoils is what you eat every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food that lasts is what you do for Jesus every day, like help those in need or do His will for your life.

5) God gives believers eternal life, God’s glory, and the Holy Spirit, which is God’s seal. The Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. When we accepted Jesus as the Son of God and as our salvation, we were sealed. We are God’s and Christ’s always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 2: John 6:22-27

Great passage on being Jesus’. So awesome! I love the emphasis on working for eternity, not the day-to-day. We just need to try and keep this in the forefront of our minds.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 2: John 6:22-27

map of Tiberias and CapernaumFun Fact: Only John records this discourse. Wouldn’t it have been cool to know all of Jesus’ teachings?

John tells us later on that this took place at the synagogue in Capernaum at a Sabbath service (John 6:59). In Matthew 15, Matthew reveals that the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem came to Capernaum to question Jesus.

It’s important to understand why you are asking God for something than the answer itself. The people wanted bread and a king to save them from the Romans. It was purely selfish reasons here.

The people wanted materials things (food) and not spiritual.

The term “Son of Man” Jesus uses here would not have offended those who hated him like Messiah would have.

Very truly is a double amen in Hebrews. Jesus uses it 4 times in his bread of life speech and a whopping 25 times elsewhere in the Bible.

Once you have Christ, you live differently. We seek God more than other pursuits. He deserves all of our efforts.

God guaranteed Jesus and put His seal of approval on Jesus, so the people should believe in him (Jesus).

The seal gives us a longing for a higher purpose and meaning in life. Jesus is our everything.

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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF JOHN’S GOSPEL: THE TRUTH LESSON 8

  • We are hopeless without the Lord
  • Jesus’ handiwork is all around
  • Jesus can be trusted to meet our every need
  • Give whatever/all you have to Jesus
  • Jesus offers true abundance in this world
  • God gives more than asked or even imagined to us
  • God determines the outcome of all things
  • God controls and guides all things
  • Jesus is always with us and for us
  • Offer God what you have, He will supply your need
  • Our storms remind us that God is powerful and He is great
  • We are to trust God in our storms; He will lead if we surrender
  • Everything God does is right and timed to meet His purposes

TAKE AWAY: Jesus can meet any need.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:16-21

After feeding the 5,000, the disciples got in a boat headed to Capernaum. A strong wind blew, and the waters were rough. Jesus approached the boat, walking on water. They were frightened, but Jesus said don’t be afraid. Jesus got in the boat, and they arrived.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

13a) They were facing a storm, and their boat was going nowhere. It could have been in danger of tipping. Jesus appears in the storm, and they were unsure if it was him.

b) He calmed the storm and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

c) They were afraid. Unsure if it was Jesus.

14a) “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

b) They took Jesus into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. Jesus solved their problems immediately.

15) God shows up when you least expect it. God can solve any problems. God is there in our troubles. God can ensure we get to where we’re going. God protects us. God provides.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

I love how Jesus shows up when you least expect it, and he has all of the answers. In our deepest needs, he is there.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

Matthew and Mark explain that Jesus had instructed His disciples to get into the boat and row (Mark 6:45).

John does not record the first time Jesus calmed the storm. (Matthew 8:24). The difference is Jesus was with them that time. Now, the disciples must trust in Jesus’ spiritual presence.

Rowing by hand against the wind was yielding little progress for the disciples.

Matthew 14:25 lets us know that the disciples had been rowing for hours now with little progress.

As you can imagine, the disciples were frustrated. However, Jesus was watching them the entire time. Mark 6:48 He had not forgotten them and was protecting them.

We know the disciples thought Jesus to be a ghost Mark 6:49-50, which is reasonable. What human walks on water? Mark adds that Jesus had hoped his mere appearance would give them courage.

“It is I” is Jesus reassuring his disciples of his presence, which is sufficient. Here is when Peter did walk on water, too. Matthew 14:28-32

Jesus was asked/received to get into the boat. We must accept Jesus always. Then, he solves their problem immediately. If we ask for Jesus’ help, we should not be surprised when it arrives soon.

This miracle reassured the disciples of who Jesus was.

At precisely the right time, Jesus came to his disciples.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:10-15

Jesus had the people sit down. There was about five thousand men in total. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. Once everyone had eaten their fill, the disciples gathered the leftovers, so there would be no waste. They filled twelve baskets.

The people intended to make Jesus, the Prophet, king, so he retreated again.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

9a) Jesus gave specific instructions to the disciples, which they followed. It’s good to follow exactly what Jesus says to do.

b) He prayed and gave thanks. This should always be the first thing we do with anything in life, from getting out of bed to major and minor life decisions.

10) Jesus makes a bunch of food from nothing. Jesus can make our nothings into something, too. I can have faith in what He will do in my life and for me even when I can’t see it. I pray a lot, but I can remember to pray for everything all the time.

11a) He always gives us everything we need in abundance, including what we need for spiritual health and wellness. By oversupplying the people’s physical needs, he points to how he can meet our spiritual, too.

b) By speaking about Jesus to others; by giving Jesus all the credit for the goodness in my life; by having faith in all that he is and all that he does.

12a) They wanted to make him king to rule over them and be their leader, as well as defeat their enemies. Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual, not physical and of man.

b) When I want something and he doesn’t. When I want the easy way and not the hard way.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

Love this miracle! It epitomizes who Jesus is: his caring, compassion, and provision for all of us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

Sitting down is like lying down in green pastures.  Psalm 23:1-2 Jesus is the host here. He is in no hurry. He is our shepherd and provider of everything we need.

We not told how the division of the food happened, and the people weren’t even aware of it at the time. Jesus simply distributed food that was never ending — like his love for us.

Everyone ate their fill. They were satisfied, and the leftovers were more than what the boy had brought. Remember, that eating and drinking in the Old Testament was a great event and signified prosperity and happiness.

The disciples participated by distributing the food.

Jesus likes to give in abundance. He more than meets our needs.

Calling Jesus “The Prophet” is a reference to Moses’ prediction of the coming Prophet/Jesus. (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Jesus also provided the people with food like Moses did in the wilderness with manna.

The people wanted to use Jesus to throw off the Roman powers. They were only interested in what Jesus could do for them. Jesus, of course, wanted nothing to do with this, so he retreated to be with His Father.

Jesus is our King, just not in the way we think of a king.

How often do we think the same way?

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:5-9

Jesus asks Philip where they shall buy bread to feed the people who was following him and who he was teaching. Philip only sees the expense, saying they don’t have enough money. Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother points out a boy’s lunch of five small barley loaves and two small fish.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

6) John tells us that Jesus is testing Philip.

7a) Philip only sees the expense and the impossible. He doesn’t have faith or doesn’t think about how Jesus can solve this dilemma because of who he is. Andrew sees the practical food, but wonders how it would be enough. The boy presumably is willing to share his lunch.

b) I am willing to share, but I feel like I’d be incredulous as to how Jesus would solve the problem, too. Definitely convicting to believe in the power of Jesus to do anything.

8 ) Meager is all you have, like all the boy’s lunch. I can give the Lord everything just like the boy.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

I love how we see the different attitudes of people towards Jesus, which still hold true today. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

Some Bible scholars say that perhaps Jesus asked Philip this question because he was from Bethsaida (John 1:44), which was close to the area that this miracle occurred (Luke 9:10).

Jesus was teaching his disciples by asking the question.

Philip should have believed in Jesus’ divine abilities to do the impossible.

Barley was a grain that fed animals mostly, indicating that the boy was poor. The fish were small, too.

Jesus and God like others to participate in miracles to grow their faith. He doesn’t need our help.

Fun Fact: The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all 4 Gospels.

Everything Jesus said and did meant so much more than surface value. It was to fulfill needs, but also to teach us so much about the Lord and his powers.

Andrew is always mentioned in the Bible when he is bringing someone to Jesus.

The boy simply gave what he had to Jesus, no matter how small. So must we. Then, Jesus will do great things.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:1-4

Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.  Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

3) The Jewish leaders were out to get Jesus and have him killed. The time had not yet arrived for Jesus’ death, so he has to avoid any altercations with the Jewish leaders.

4) Jesus puts his needs aside and tends to his flock, the people. He had compassion on them and taught them. He considers his people important.

5) I would like to be more generous with my time and put others ahead of myself like Jesus. I would also like to serve more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

What a scene with Jesus preaching to the multitudes! Love it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

We are in the region of Galilee where Jesus is teaching. The feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all the other three Gospels, too.

John is the only one to mention the timeframe of the Passover.

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Helping Those In Need

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

Hey all!

I hope you are enjoying BSF’s John’s Gospel Bible study as much as I am! Such wisdom in each and every lesson!

As the holidays rapidly approach (seems faster every year, doesn’t it?), I would like you to consider those in need.

There is so much need in our communities and around the world that even a little goes a long way.

I would also like to ask that you consider donating to my blog if you find anything useful here.

DONATE HERE

I ask twice a year, as this money goes directly to help my writing/creative career.

There is a button in the sidebar. Just click that for secure giving via PayPal. No need to have an account.

No pressure as always. Just give as you are led, or give to another wonderful charity this holiday season.

Thank you in advance, and may all your days be bright! God bless!

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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF JOHN’S GOSPEL: THE TRUTH LESSON 7

  • Jesus’ deity establishes his authority
  • Action is often required with obedience
  • God is always working
  • Jesus’ work is never done
  • God and Jesus are one and can never be separated
  • Jesus is the only way to God
  • God works behind the scenes for our good
  • We cannot understand His purposes or plans; we are to trust Him

TAKE AWAY: Choosing to walk with Jesus means choosing a new life.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 5:40-47

The religious leaders refused to come to Jesus. They do not have the love of God in their hearts. They accept and seek glory form other, but they don’t seek the glory that comes from God.

Moses is their accuser. They don’t believe Moses because Moses wrote about Jesus and they don’t believe him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

13a) The religious leaders could have believed in Jesus. But it was by choice that they would not come to him. They did not have the love of God in their hearts (aka they were unbelievers).

b) For them to accept Jesus into their hearts.

14) We need to believe in Jesus and have God in our hearts. It’s a choice.

15) Because God and Jesus are the same. They are inextricably intertwined as part of the Trinity. If you reject one, you reject both.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

I love the emphasis on free will. Belief is a choice.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

The religious leaders did not believe all of the overwhelming testimonies before them (John the Baptist, his works, Scripture, and God), so they would not believe Jesus’ word either.

They did not love or honor God.

If another comes (the Anti-Christ), they would embrace him instead.

The religious leaders cared only about honor from others. Their pride got in the way.

Moses wrote about Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15), and the leaders still rejected him when he came. Therefore, the religious leaders don’t believe Moses, either.

The testimony was overwhelming, and the religious leaders still did not believe. Very sad, indeed.

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