picture of seagull www.atozmomm.com bsf john lesson 3

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

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).

Contact me today!

More Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

baby seal www.atozmomm.com bsf john

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

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.

Contact me today!

old gargoyle www.atozmomm.com bsf study of john's gospel lesson 2

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

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.

Contact me with questions!

Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

old gargoyle www.atozmomm.com bsf study of john's gospel lesson 2

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

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.

Contact me with questions!

Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of sunbeam shining on a lake people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 30 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 30, Day 2: Magnifying God

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 30, Day 2: Magnifying God

3) Truthfully, I’ve always loved the Old Testament because I’m a history buff. That being said, I saw this year how God’s magnificent plans unfolded perfectly. I saw the consequences of sin and of not listening to God. It’s comforting to find Truth in God’s Word.

4) I’ve realized that nothing happens without Him. I know there is purpose in everything He does. He works in ways we do not understand, and our role is simply to trust in that.

5) I loved Lamentations. As sad as it was to read the exile of God’s people, it challenged me to do better and be better in my own faith and walk in life.

Contact me today!

Cool Vacation Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of eagle people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 29 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 3: Jeremiah 4:22

JEREMIAH 4:22

“My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.”

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 3: Jeremiah 4:22

6a) To not be like them. Yet, God, in His mercy, still gives them chances to turn to Him and be forgiven.

b) God uses other countries to enact justice on His people. Everything in the world is orchestrated by God’s hand.

c) Their sin was constant; so is mine. I hope I can learn from it and be a bit better day-by-day.

7) It definitely gave me a new perspective and a deeper sense of gratitude for Jesus’s  sacrifice on the cross for me.

8 ) God, I thank you for always pursuing those who don’t pursue you. You never give up on us like we give up on you. You love us too much to do so. Thank you for always pursuing me even when I run from you.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 3: Jeremiah 4:22

Great lesson on how much God loves us and how He never gives up on us. Wonderful!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 3: Jeremiah 4:22

God explained that Judah was foolish. They did not know him. They pretended to be wise, but they were not. They were wise in evil, not good.

Contact me today!

Cool Summer Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

girl walking in field lamentations people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 27 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 3: Lamentations 3

SUMMARY OF LAMENTATIONS 3

Jeremiah has seen affliction from God and others. Yet, he has hope because of God’s great love for us. His compassions never fail. He is faithful. He is good to those whose hope is in Him. He waits for the Lord’s salvation. His love is unfailing.

Return to the Lord. God hears pleas. God redeems His people. Jeremiah prays for Lord to avenge His people.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 3: Lamentations 3

6) I, me, and my. Jeremiah. He. God. Jeremiah laments what has happened to him, but he has faith that God will redeem him and avenge him.

7a) Verse 5: He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. Verse 13: He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver.

b) It shifts from one of lamenting his lot in life to one of praising the Lord for His goodness, faithfulness, and coming redemption.

c) God is compassionate. His love is unfailing. He does not willingly grieve us. God is in control of all things. I am encouraged because I know everything happens for God and by God’s will. He watches me every second of every day. I take comfort in that.

d) Jeremiah admits the people have sinned and rebelled, but God has heard his cries. God redeemed him and asks Him to avenge him from his enemies.

8 ) His word. Prayer. His presence. Knowing He is in control, and I have to give it to Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 3: Lamentations 3

A long chapter that we can learn from. We learn that despite the consequences of our sins and what happens, God shows compassion, and when we cry out to Him, He answers. Powerful stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 3: Lamentations 3

Here, this is the poem that is different from the others. Instead, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is used for the first three lines, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet is used for the next 3 lines, and so on.

In chapters 1 and 2, Jeremiah worte as Jerusalem. Here, he writes as him (and as the people of Jerusalem).

The Lord afflicted His people. God became the enemy and sunk Jeremiah.

Here, for the first time in the book of Lamentations, we see hope. We see God as merciful to Jeremiah and His people. God is there even in our punishments. He never leaves us.

Each morning there are new hopes and new mercies from the Lord.

God is faithful, even in His justice. God is in charge.

The people should humbly turn back to God and examine their ways.

Jeremiah cries again. He prays for help against his enemies. He knows God will help him. Jeremiah leaves vengeance up to the Lord.

God’s actions reflect the consistency of who He is. He divvies out punishment and then yearns for us to return to Him.

Contact me today!

Cool Easter Books

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

jeremiah burning tree people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 25 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

9)

Jeremiah 16:1-4: God told Jeremiah not to marry or have kids because they would die of deadly diseases.

Jeremiah 20:1-2: Jeremiah was beaten and put in the stocks for prophesying.

Jeremiah 26:7-11: The priests, the prophets and all the people seized Jeremiah and said he should be sentenced to death.

Jeremiah 37:1-2, 16: Jeremiah was ignored by Zedekiah and all the people. Jeremiah was put into a vaulted cell in a dungeon, where he remained a long time.

Jeremiah 38:6: Jeremiah was put into a cistern, which was full of mud.

10) We all go through trials in life, and God’s calling on our lives is not easy. But God protected Jeremiah and provided for him, and no doubt he did make some impact on those who he preached to in his 40 years of doing God’s bidding.

11) First, that Ebed-Melek (his name means ‘servant of the king’) was a Cushite, a foreigner, and may not have been a believer. Thirty men came and rescued Jeremiah and did so compassionately. But, God used him to save Jeremiah. God watches over the faithful and does save them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

What a great example of the trials of God’s calling, but the great rewards of it. God does save and care for us, and He sends people to rescue us every day, whether we realize it or not.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

Almost everyone in ancient Israel was expected to get married and have children. In fact, it was a shame and dishonor not to do so. This is a very unique command of God’s in the Bible. He did this for Jeremiah’s sake so that he would not feel the pain of losing his wife and kids.

The people treated Jeremiah as a false prophet when they ignored him and put him in the stocks.

Jeremiah was speaking from the temple court (Jeremiah 26:2) in Jeremiah 26:7-11 when he was seized. At the end of the day, the people did not like his message. Shiloh was a town close to Jerusalem that had been destroyed previously by the Philistines. Jeremiah was condemned and brought to judgment.

King Zedekiah only reigned in Jersualem around 598 B.C. He was supposed to obey Nebachadnezzar, the King of Babylon, but he did not. This is when Nebachadnezzar took over Israel for good. Jeremiah told the king to surrender to King Nebachadnezzar. King Zedekiah did not like that. They ignored him, and threw him in jail.

Then, the princes of Judah (most likely King Zedekiah’s sons) lowered Jeremiah into a cistern with the intent to leave him there to die. They could have pushed him in and he likely would have died from the fall, but they did not want blood on their hands. Cisterns were wells that stored water that most people either had or used. Read the verses ahead of Jeremiah 38:6 for the full story.

Jeremiah was rescued from the cistern, but still remained in prison.

Contact me today!

Best Easter Gifts for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

treat others like christ treats you people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 23 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 2: Micah 1-2

SUMMARY OF MICAH 1-2

Micah 1

We learn when Micah prophesized in verse 1: during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. The Lord will come down and punish His people for their sins. Micah will mourn because of the people’s sins, weeping and wailing.

Micah 2

Micah says that there is woe to those who plot evil, who covet, steal, defraud, and rob others. As consequences, the Lord will plan disasters upon His people. There will be false prophets. Yet, God will redeem a remnant of Israel.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 2: Micah 1-2

3) During the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

4a)

Micah 1:1-7: because of Jacob’s transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel. They worshipped idols.

Micah 2:1-5: Planning sin and plotting evil. Covet fields and houses and seize them. They defraud people of their homes and rob them of their inheritance

Micah 2:6-11: They steal and drive people from their homes. There are false prophets.

b) Because our hearts and nature are evil. We are tempted, and we sin.

c) Sin is easy to do, which is why so everyone does it. Sometimes, following God’s ways are harder. It’s a choice to not sin just as much as it’s a choice to sin. It’s important to be cognizant of your choices.

5) God would gather a remnant and the One (Jesus) would go before them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 2: Micah 1-2

See here the consequences of sin clearly for God’s people.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 2: Micah 1-2

Micah 1

Moresheth (also called Moresheth Gath in Micah 1:14) was about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Jerusalem. Micah was from the country and he preached somewhere around 739 BC and 686 BC, the same time as Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea. His name means “Who is like the Lord.”

Micah tells the people to listen to what he has to say. Idolatry was everywhere, and it was time to put God first again.

God will come to judge Israel and Judah. Samaria will be left desolate because of it.

Micah announces the judgement on Judah howling and wailing, very sad to do so.

The nations will know of God’s judgment, and it will bring shame on the people.

Micah 2

Sin is bad, but planned sin is even worse. God will bring His people low because of their planned sins.

God would take away what He had given them.

Still, God will restore His people even if they embrace false prophets.

Contact me today!

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

soar on the wings of eagles people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 20 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 44:24-47:15

Isaiah 44:24-28

God tells His people that He is the Maker of all things and the one in control. Jerusalem shall be inhabited and rebuilt. Cyrus is his instrument of justice.

Isaiah 45

God will go before Cyrus and give him victory so that he will know that God is Lord. God gave him his title for the sake of Jacob and Israel (His people). God will strengthen Cyrus so that all may know that He is God.

Righteousness will flourish, and woe to those who quarrel with Him. God is not to be questioned. He made the earth and the heavens. He will free his people from Cyrus.

Everyone will acknowledge that God is with Cyrus. The makers of idols will be shamed. Isreal will be saved for the ages.

God declares what is right. There is no other god. Turn to Him and be saved. He has sworn by himself. Every knee will bow and every tongue will swear. Everyone will boast in Him.

Isaiah 46

Idols cannot rescue themselves and are carried around by others, not with their own power.

God will sustain His people. Carry them. Rescue them. God is incomparable. There is no other God. God will bring about His plan.

Isaiah 47:1-15

God will take vengenance on Babylon for their sins. They showed no mercy on His people. They loved pleasure. They were prideful. They engaged in sorcery and spells. They did not trust God; they trusted in themselves.

God promises disaster and calamity will fall on them. Their magic spells, sorceries, and astrologers cannot help them. They cannot save them. There is no one to save them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

9a) Cyrus is the king of the Persians who would conquer the Babylonians. God appointed him to be His instrument of justice on Judah, to carry them away to exile in Babylon. God grants him victory so that all may know that He is the Lord and that God is the one behind Cyrus’s power. He also shows some mercy to the Israelites and frees them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild God’s temple.

b) First, it reveals that God is the only God and is omniscient. Second, it reveals that God’s people will flourish. God has a plan. His people will be saved for all of eternity by His son, Jesus Christ.

c) It gives me hope. Gives me a purpose. Allows me to be more God-like in my every day interactions with others.

10a) Babylon showed no mercy to God’s people. They loved pleasure. They were prideful. They engaged in sorcery and spells. They did not trust God; they trusted in themselves.

b) It’s the same reason that knowing that God will punish those who do evil to us. When something bad happens to you, you want justice. There is something inside all of us that demands justice. Justice is God’s and Jesus’ responsibility. So, when we know that God will handle evil, we are comforted knowing they will pay with consequences for the evil they have caused others.

11) The same as 10b. It’s comforting to know that God has it all. I don’t have to worry about what others do and how they will pay. God knows.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

Another LONG passage, but this one is not as difficult as yesterday’s, so hang in there! The gist: God uses Babylon to show the world that He is in charge; God will then bring justice on Babylon for their treatment of His people. There is no one that can save you EXCEPT God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

Isaiah 44:24-28

God, Judah and Israel’s redeemer, prophesizes a future deliverer of Israel, Cyrus, whom He will use to bring consequences to His people for their disobedience.

Isaiah 45

God calls Cyrus (200 years before the exile will take place) to subdue nations, including Israel. He would allow Cyrus to win, knowing God was behind him. He wanted Cyrus to be king to His people, granting His people the right to return to the Promised Land after the exile.

God is in control, and it’s foolish to resist the Creator of the universe. God will deliver His people, saving them. Idolaters will submit before Him. They are foolish, and He is great.

Look to God and be saved. This verse saved Charles Spurgeon. And, it can save you.

Every knee will bow.

Isaiah 46

The idols of nations are carried away, powerless to defend themselves.

God is not powerless; He will carry and save His people. God knows everything, and He will bring a deliverer to His people (Jesus).

Isaiah 47:1-15

Babylon will be humbled, and God will be glorified. Babylon will pay for their pride and arrogance, sorceries and enchantments, their treatment of God’s people. The sorcerers cannot save Babylon; only God can save.

Contact me today!

Best Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases