Category: BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Welcome to AtoZMom’s BSF Blog! Learn about the apostle John as we study BSF International, or Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)’s study of the book of John called “BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth.” See Jesus through John’s eyes and grow in your relationship with him in this rewarding bible study. See all of the 12 Apostles learn from Jesus as they walk with him to the cross and to our eternal salvation.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 2:13-17

Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. When he saw that inside the temple courts people were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, he drove all of the money lenders out of the temple.

He told them to stop turning His Father’s house into a market.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

6) Passover. At Passover, a sacrificial lamb is required to cleanse them of sin. If the people traveled, they could instead tithe silver. The money lenders were there to supply these requirements to the Jewish people.

7a) He got angry. He made a whip and drove the money lenders out.

b) To take bold, immediate action when you see something being done that is not right.

8a) Psalm 69:9: “for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” This speaks to the zeal Jesus had for the purity of the temple. And, God speaks this in Psalm, but here it explains Jesus’ actions. It is implied that Jesus is acting for/as God here.

b) Jesus will come to the temple and purify it, which is what he did when he kicked out the money lenders.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

I love this example of Jesus’ very human emotions and his direct action to correct the wrong.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

Bible scholars estimate that more than 2 million Jews came to Jerusalem for Passover. Paying the temple tax was required, which is why there were money lenders there.

Background: The money lenders were in the Court of the Gentiles, the only place the Gentiles could allowed to pray and offer sacrifices. Jesus sees this as a defiling of the temple since it’s been turned into a marketplace. Great synopsis HERE

Furthermore, the temple tax had to be paid in Tyrian shekels, which had the most amount of silver in it, so the money changers had to exchange the Jews’ coinage in order to satisfy this requirement.

Making a whip would take a bit to time. Jesus did this methodically. He did not drive out the money lenders out of passion.

The outer court was where Gentiles could worship the Lord. With the money lenders there, this space was not corrupt.

Jesus converts water first, then cleanses the temple. Conversion first, then cleansing of the temple.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

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

Summary of John 2:1-12

Jesus attends a wedding with his mother and disciples in Galilee. When they run out of wine, Mary asks Jesus to help. Jesus turns water into wine for the wedding banquet. It was choice wine.

This is the first of many signs that Jesus performed that revealed his glory and who he was. Jesus then traveled to Capernaum.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

3a) They ran out of wine for the wedding banquet. This is an embarrassment and could bring shame upon the couple. Hospitality was huge back in ancient times, and failing to provide your guests with adequate drink was a major faux pas.

b) I think Mary was asking Jesus for a solution, not necessarily a miracle. We see this when she tells her servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. She responds with obedience.

c) If you approach Jesus with the expectation he will do what you want, you can expect a poor response. If  you approach Jesus with an open heart and looking for help, you can expect him to answer in his way.

d) Jesus is hesitant to reveal himself yet to the masses, but he does so.

4) Miracles but also answering people’s requests with an active answer.

5a) Jesus did something only the Messiah could do.

b) It shows me that not only is anything possible with God, but anything is possible when you have an open heart and mind.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

I love this miracle! It solves a basic human need (drink) and helps avoid an embarrassing situation (shows Jesus’ compassion), and it’s done in an unpresumptuous way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

The 3rd day refers to the continuation of John’s telling of events: the beginning (John 1:19-28), Day 1: (John 1:29-34), Day 2: (John 1:35-42), Day 3: (John 1:43-51)

Jesus blesses weddings (he does this as we see by attending them). He blesses events in our lives when we invite him in.

It is presumed that Joseph died young since he is not mentioned here. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus took care of the family until they were of age. This is why he stayed in Nazareth and left when they were all cared for.

Mary probably approaches Jesus as the head of the household who is used to solving problems. It’s no different today from going to your family members to solve problems.

By calling Mary “woman,” Jesus is distancing himself since he is now in the public eye.

Fun Fact: Many only appears in the Gospel of John one more time — at the cross (John 19:26)

When Jesus spoke of “his hour,” he meant the cross.

Jesus most likely prayed before performing this miracle and did not do it just to please Mary.

Note that not very many words of Mary’s are recorded in the Bible. Those that are point to Jesus as Sovereign. As we see here, you are to do whatever he tells you to do.

Jesus used the existing water pots, allowing the servants who filled them to share in his miracle.

The pots were filled to the brim; a transformation was coming, not an additive to the water.

They took out the water in faith that was now wine.

Whether the wine was transformed in the pot or at the pouring, we do not know. There was extra, which the couple could have sold for more money for a start in life.

This is the FIRST of SEVEN signs recorded in John’s Gospel, each designed to bring the reader to faith in Jesus.

Jesus’ 7 Signs in the Gospel of John

  1. John 2:1-11 – Water into wine
  2. John 4:46-54 – Healing of the nobleman’s son
  3. John 5:1-15 – Healing at the pool of Bethesda
  4. John 6:1-14 – Feeding the 5,000
  5. John 6:15-21 – Jesus walks on water
  6. John 9:1-12 – Healing of the man born blind
  7. John 11:1-44 – Lazarus raised from the dead

Fun Fact: The Greek word for “signs” is used 74 times in the New Testament, 23 times in John’s Gospel.

Note the hint of the 3rd day of glory as this miracle happened on the 3rd day.

The disciples believed in Jesus more after the miracle, which was probably a motivation for Jesus performing it — to strengthen their faith.

We believe more in the Lord when He does great things for us, too!

Mary expects great things and lets Jesus do it his way. Great example!

map of Galilee in times of Jesus www.atozmomm.comCapernaum was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus spends a lot of time here during his ministry. (Matthew 4:13).

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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2

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 2

  • Your testimony of Jesus is important
  • Never underestimate simplicity: Come and see
  • Jesus knows who we can be
  • Jesus transforms your life
  • There is important work for you
  • Bloom where you are planted
  • With Jesus, the world is greater and the world opens its doors for you

TAKE AWAY: Believe, trust, and commit in Jesus.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

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

Summary of John 1:43-51

Jesus calls Philip in Galilee to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael that they have found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses wrote about in the Law.

Nathanael asks if anything good can come from Nazareth. He meets Jesus who tells him that there is no deceit in him because he saw him while still under a fig tree.

Upon hearing this, Nathanael believes Jesus is the Son of God. He tells him he will see great things, including ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

11) Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip does and tells Nathanael, too.

12a) Skeptical. Prejudiced. Hesitant.

b) Kindly. Matter-of-factly. By telling him there is no deceit in his heart and proving who he was.

c)  Jesus has come to bring heaven to humanity. Jesus is the ladder or bridge to God for humanity.

13) Unsure. Put out feelers and keep giving God the glory. When you talk about Jesus, you never know who is listening.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

I love how everyone comes to Jesus differently. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

So simple words (Follow me); such a profound impact on a life and on others.

Nathanael was prejudiced against those from Nazareth, as we see by his response. Jesus challenged him to come and see for himself.

Bible scholars differ on if Nathanael actually prayed under a fig tree or if this common expression of the times meant he meditated on the Scriptures.

All believers can expect to see greater things when they believe in Jesus.

Jesus is the link between heaven and earth. He came to bring us to heaven. Jesus is the mediator for us to God.

Jesus calls himself The Son of Man frequently because it was a title that referred to the Messiah.

4 Ways to Come to Jesus We See Here

  1. Preaching/spreading the Word about Jesus
  2. Witness by others
  3. Direct call by Jesus
  4. Overcame prejudices to find Jesus

All the Ways to Identify Christ

  • Eternal
  • Anointed with Holy Spirit
  • Lamb of God
  • Son of God
  • The Messiah, Christ
  • One prophesied about in the Old Testament
  • Son of God
  • King of Israel

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

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

Summary of John 1:35-42

Two of Jesus’ disciples followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist call Jesus “The Lamb of God.” One was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He brought his brother, Simon (renamed Peter), who followed Jesus, too.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

9)

John the Baptist’s influence. I love how when John the Baptist validated who Jesus was, he gained two disciples. This is great! It shows how much credibility John had.

Their initial response. The two disciples immediately followed Jesus. There was no doubt or question. I love this!

Their interaction with Jesus. Jesus asked them their intent and they replied with Teacher. I love how this shows their hearts for Jesus immediately.

The impact on Simon Peter. This then influenced Simon Peter to follow Jesus since his brother was doing so. Love the impact of family here!

10a) I want to know you.

b) Jesus has invited me and all of us to know him better through prayer, his Word, others, and creation. He has invited me though Bible studies such as BSF and others, too.

c) So much! His compassion, his love, his desire to help others and support others, how he picks us up when we fall, and how he’s there for us.

d) In every way: career, family, life, personally, and more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

I didn’t remember this story of how Peter came to Jesus! Love the influence of others here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

Andrew is identified here as one of the two disciples who followed Jesus. Bible scholars think John himself was the other.

Jesus asks everyone what do they seek. He wanted to know their motivations.

Fun Fact: Every time Andrew is mentioned in the Bible, he is bringing someone to Jesus! (John 6:8 and 12:22) That is so cool! Could the same thing be said about you?

Many people have an Andrew in their life — someone who brings them to Jesus.

Note that Andrew knew Jesus to be the Messiah.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

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

Summary of John 1:29-34

John sees Jesus coming. He calls out “Look, the Lamb of God!” He is the one.

John testified that he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove on him. God told John that this will be the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. He says this is God’s Chosen One.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

6a) The lamb was the sin offering that cleansed the people from sin. It’s blood was poured out to atone for sin. With John calling Jesus the Lamb of God, he is saying Jesus is the one who has come to cleanse the people of sin. He is saying Jesus is perfect as the lamb had to be as well.

b) I’m in awe. It’s so hard to believe Jesus would die for my sins, but it’s the truth I hold on to!

7) Jesus was sent by God as the Spirit descending from heaven upon him proved. God declared “This is my Son.” This is the Messiah who was sent by God to save the world and who is God incarnate.

8 ) Water baptism is an outward sign that you accept Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins into your heart. Jesus’ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and saving grace, granting us eternal life with the Father.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

So powerful! Can you imagine seeing Jesus get baptized?! What a sight!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

Scholars believe this scene was after John baptized Jesus and after the 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. Jesus is paying a visit to John.

Note that John points out Jesus’ great reason for coming: to save us!

Note there’s only one sin of the world. Jesus takes away all sin.

Jesus was before all; he is eternal.

God gave a visible symbol of who Jesus was. This allowed John to be a witness for Jesus, the Son of God.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

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

Summary of John 1:19-28

John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet when asked who he was by the Jewish leaders. Instead, he quotes Isaiah and says he’s the one preparing the way for the Lord.

The leaders ask John why he baptizes then if he’s not the Messiah. He says he baptizes with water. He says that Jesus is coming after him. They do not know him, but he is not worthy to untie his sandals.

This happened in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan where John was baptizing.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

3)

Question 1 – 1:19-20 Question: Who are you? John answered, “I am not the Messiah.”

Question 2 – 1:21a (Malachi 3:1; 4:5) Question: Are you Elijah? John answered: “I am not.”

Question 3 – 1:21b (Deuteronomy 18:15) Question: Are you the Prophet? John answered: “No.”

Question 4 – 1:22-23 (Isaiah 40:3) Question: Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John answered: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

Question 5 – 1:24-27 Question:  “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered:  “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know.  He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

4) He was solid in his identity. He understood Jesus was much greater than him. John is very clear about his purpose and calling and never questions it. He wants no attention on himself.

5) John never wavers. He quotes the Bible for his answers. He makes simple statements. He is straightforward. I think we all could be like this.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

I love how John does not cave when confronted by the Jewish leaders. He stands firm in his purpose and for the Lord. Fabulous!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

Here, we see for the first time in John’s Gospel the word “Jews,” referring to one particular group here, the religious leaders.

Fun Fact: Jews meaning Jewish leaders appears almost 70 times in John’s Gospel.

John says who he is not, not who he is. He does not want any attention focused on himself.

Remember that Jesus referred to John as a type of Elijah in spirit. (Matthew 11:13-14 and Mark 9:11-13).

John’s work is to prepare for the work of the Lord. He baptized people to prepare for Jesus, cleansing them.

Baptism in Jesus’ time was only for Gentiles who converted to Judaism. Here, John is baptizing Jews as a sign of repentance.

The lowest slave untied sandals. John is saying he is below the lowest when it came to Jesus.

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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1

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 1

  • The Word is Life
  • The Word is Jesus
  • The Word is Light
  • The Word is Everything
  • The Word is grace
  • With the Word, you are blessed
  • If you have the Word, you have God
  • You are nothing without the Word

TAKE AWAY: Having the Word is as simple as believing.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 5: John 1:14, 16-18

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

Summary of John 1:14, 16-18

The Word (Jesus) became human and he came from the Father. Christ has given us grace and truth. No one has seen God but Jesus has made God known.

We receive grace from Jesus. The law was given through Moses but Christ brings grace and truth. No one has seen God, but Jesus who is God has made him known.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 5: John 1:14, 16-18

12)

The Word became flesh: Jesus became human.

And made his dwelling among us: Jesus came to earth.

We have seen his glory: Through Jesus, we see God’s glory and the glory of Jesus.

The glory of the one and only Son: This is Jesus’ and God’s glory.

Who came from the Father: God sent Jesus.

Full of grace and truth: Jesus is full of grace and truth

13a) We receive the grace given by Christ that he has already given us since the beginning of time.

b) Too many ways to count. From not dying, not being harmed, having a good life, having a great family, being blessed with animals, being able to help others, and the list goes on.

c)

The law was given through Moses: the laws put forth by God for living was given by Moses.

Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ: Christ gives us grace and truth.

God’s “one and only Son, who is himself God…has made him known.” Jesus who is God has made God known. This one speaks to me because in Jesus, I can see God and they are one and the same who are with me always. I need all the help I can get!

14) So much. God is full of love, compassion, helpfulness, strength, and judgment. God corrects me when I need it and gives me another chance. God picks me up when I fall. Always and forever.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 5: John 1:14, 16-18

Great emphasis on the grace of God/Jesus and how we can be close to God/Jesus as God’s children. Great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 5: John 1:14, 16-18

John states that the Word/Jesus became flesh and lived among us, not in the tabernacle only. John saw Jesus and saw his glory. The Greek verb is “beheld.” The glory of Jesus is full of grace and truth.

Jesus brings a never-ending supply of grace. Jesus replaced the law of Moses.

When you see Jesus, you see God.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 4: John 1:9-13

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

Summary of John 1:9-13

The light (Jesus) was coming to bring light/life to the world. The world, however, did not recognize him or receive him. Those who did believe in him became children of God born of God.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 4: John 1:9-13

8a) Most did not recognize Jesus or receive him.

b) God’s chosen people, the Jews

c) Reasons is that they just can’t see Christ or see him in their life. Following Christ is too hard. And, they believe God/Christ to be unloving or distant.

9) You must receive Christ and believe in his name and what he did for you.

10)

Born not of natural descent: We were born of the Holy Spirit.

Nor of human decision: Chosen by God to believe.

Or a husband’s will: Believing in Christ is the choice of no other by yourself.

Born of God: Born or God’s will.

11) I know I am God’s child because I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior into my heart.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 4: John 1:9-13

Jesus came for one reason: to give us eternal life. Yet, many cannot grasp this simplicity. Do you?

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 1, Day 4: John 1:9-13

We are all born by God’s grace.

How powerful is sin that the Creator of the Universe (Jesus) came and no one recognized him?

We are born anew, in Christ, when we believe.

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