Set 14: The Cross of Christ
We will spend four weeks studying Jesus' ministry in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). For this fourth week, we will be focusing on John.
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." - John 20:30-31
"This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." - John 21:24-25
John's statement is clear that his goal for sharing these writings is evangelical: he desires for people to hear about the saving work of Jesus and have eternal life. John often refers to miracles as signs and presents himself as a reliable witness, having been with Jesus as a disciple.
READ
REVIEW
Message from Sunday, January 28th
DISCOVER
Recorded: Traditionally held to be written around 85 AD or later. Because John omits several stories found in the Synoptic Gospels, some scholars believe he wrote after then and felt it important to record other situations.
Who was John? Not John the Baptist! John is referred to in scripture as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He is also called a son of Zebedee (along with his brother James) and is a cousin of Jesus on his mother Mary's side. He does not mention himself as "John" in his own Gospel - anytime "John" is listed the author IS referring to John the Baptist.
Why the different start? John's gospel is notably different from the other three in that it starts almost poetically with a callback to Genesis 1 and the creation of the world. He spends the first chapter establishing how Jesus is God and how John the Baptist was simply a messenger of God. All of this may have been to combat heresies already springing up about the nature of Jesus.
NEXT STEPS
These questions can apply to all readings individually or can be done after all readings are finished.
PRAY
Dear God in Heaven, we thank you that your fight was not against us but against sin, death, and the power of the devil. Remind us daily that you have power over everything in our lives, and grow us faith to trust you through all of our trials and temptations. Give us the humility to see the cross and repent of our sins. From our repentance, help us to testify to the power of Jesus in our lives to everyone around us. Amen.
You can engage these readings and devotional times individually or as a group. If you want to send an email to Family of Christ with your thoughts and questions, you are invited to click the link below.
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." - John 20:30-31
"This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." - John 21:24-25
John's statement is clear that his goal for sharing these writings is evangelical: he desires for people to hear about the saving work of Jesus and have eternal life. John often refers to miracles as signs and presents himself as a reliable witness, having been with Jesus as a disciple.
READ
- January 29 The Last Supper – Luke 22:1-46 || LISTEN
- January 30 Arrest and Trial – John 18:1-40 || LISTEN
- January 31 The Crucifixion – John 19:1-42 || LISTEN
- February 1 The Resurrection – John 20:1-21:25 || LISTEN
- February 2 The Ascension – Acts 1:1-11 || LISTEN
REVIEW
Message from Sunday, January 28th
DISCOVER
Recorded: Traditionally held to be written around 85 AD or later. Because John omits several stories found in the Synoptic Gospels, some scholars believe he wrote after then and felt it important to record other situations.
Who was John? Not John the Baptist! John is referred to in scripture as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He is also called a son of Zebedee (along with his brother James) and is a cousin of Jesus on his mother Mary's side. He does not mention himself as "John" in his own Gospel - anytime "John" is listed the author IS referring to John the Baptist.
Why the different start? John's gospel is notably different from the other three in that it starts almost poetically with a callback to Genesis 1 and the creation of the world. He spends the first chapter establishing how Jesus is God and how John the Baptist was simply a messenger of God. All of this may have been to combat heresies already springing up about the nature of Jesus.
NEXT STEPS
These questions can apply to all readings individually or can be done after all readings are finished.
- What did you find most interesting or thought-provoking?
- What challenged you?
- What did you learn about the character of God?
- What does this Biblical account invite you to do, think, or believe after reading it?
PRAY
Dear God in Heaven, we thank you that your fight was not against us but against sin, death, and the power of the devil. Remind us daily that you have power over everything in our lives, and grow us faith to trust you through all of our trials and temptations. Give us the humility to see the cross and repent of our sins. From our repentance, help us to testify to the power of Jesus in our lives to everyone around us. Amen.
You can engage these readings and devotional times individually or as a group. If you want to send an email to Family of Christ with your thoughts and questions, you are invited to click the link below.
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