Gospel of John Evangelistic
Bible Study 
, Teacher Edition
Chapters 20-21:
Resurrection
Chapters 18-19:
Cross
Chapters 13-17:
Private Ministry
Chapters 1-12:
Public Ministry
©Tod M. Kennedy, 1982. Minor editing 2003, 2022.
todkennedy.com; knowbelieveapply.com
John Chapter One
The Living Word of God
- There are at least fifteen references to who the Word is in John Chapter One. Can you find them?
- God 1.1
- Light 1.8-9
- Lamb of God 1.29, 36
- Son of God 1.34, 49
- Jesus 1.37
- Rabbi-Teacher 1.38
- Messiah 1.41
- Only begotten of Father 1.14, 18
- The prophesied One 1.45
- King of Israel 1.49
- Son of man 1.51
- Pre-existent One 1.15, 30
- Infinitely greater than prophets 1.15, 27, 30
- Jesus of Nazareth 1.45
- Son of Joseph 1.45
- What did the Word do? Try to find ten references to what the Word did.
- Created world 1.3, 10
- Gave sonship to believers 1.12
- Became man 1.14
- Explained Father 1.18
- Takes away sin of world 1.29
- Baptizes with Holy Spirit 1.33
- Gathered disciples 1.42-51
- Gave Peter his name 1.42
- Knew about Nathaniel and Philip 1.48
- Gives grace and truth 1.17
- What did John the Baptist have to do with the Word?
See John 1.7, John 1.32-34, and John 1.35-36.- Was the witness to Him 1.7, 15, 23, 27-36
- Baptized Christ 1.32-34; Matthew 3.13-17
- Pointed Christ out to men 1.35-36
- How was the Word introduced to men? There are five different ways.
- By His baptism 1.23-34, Matthew 3.13-17
- By the descent of the Holy Spirit 1.32-34
- By John the Baptist pointing Him out 1.35-36
- By other men telling friends/relatives about Him
1.41-42, 45, 46 - By Jesus’ impression upon them 1.42, 43, 47, 49
- There are three responses that man should have to Jesus Christ, the Word. There are two results expected from the responses. Support the responses and results with verses from John 1.
Responses:
Receive Him 1.12
Believe in Him 1.12, 50
Follow Him 1.40, 43
Results:
Children of God 1.12
Born of God 1.13
Responses:
Receive Him
Believe in Him
Follow Him
Results:
Children of God
Born of God
Results:
Children of God, 1:12
Born of God, 1:13
Responses:
Receive Him, 1:12
Believe in Him, 1:12, 50
Follow Him, 1:40, 43
John Chapter Two
Cana Wedding
- What does the action and comment in each of the following incidents tell us about Jesus Christ?
- The water being changed into wine
(John 2.1-11).
Omnipotent = an ability of God => God - Jesus cleaning the temple and calling it His Father’s house (John 2.13-17).
Authority, relationship to Father =>God’s Son =>God - Jesus predicting His resurrection (John 2.18-22).
Omniscient, omnipotent, eternal, sovereign => God
- The water being changed into wine
- What did Jesus know about man (John 2.23-25)?
Man was sinful (unstable, undependable, unbelieving).
John Chapter Three
Nicodemus
- Why was Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler and religious teacher, attracted to Jesus Christ (John 3.2)?
The signs/miracles; semeion semeion = distinguishing work, miracle. - What does it mean to be born again (John 3.6, 8; also John 1.12-13)?
To be birthed (made alive) in relation to God by God. God makes us alive in relationship with Him. It is unseen, by the Holy Spirit, and gives life. - Why does a person need a savior and need to be born again (John 3.6, 18-21, 36; also John 2.24-25)?
Man is sinful => Dead to God
Man is born physically alive, but dead in relationship to God.
- What must a person do in order to be given eternal life (John 3.3, 16-18, 36; also John 1.12-13)?
Receive Jesus Christ (believe in Him).
Need to be born from God.
Believe in Jesus Christ.
- When John’s disciples ask him about Jesus, what does he say (John 3.26-36)?
Very glad that Jesus has come, is recognized, and received. John wants Jesus Christ to gain in popularity, respect. John admits he himself has a lower position, stature, purpose. John is a messenger, Jesus is the Son.
See Eternal Destiny Decision Diagram at the back of the booklet.
John Chapter Four
Samaritan Woman
- Is eternal life restricted to Jewish people (John 4.7-10)?
No. Offered to the Samaritan woman. - List six things the Samaritan incident reveals about Jesus Christ (John 4.1-42).
- Goes to Jew and non-Jew, 4.7-10
- Gives eternal life, 4.14
- Omniscient, 4.17-18
- The Messiah, 4.25, 26, 29
- Purpose => To do the Father’s will, 4.34
- Savior of the world, 4.42
- Did the miracle of healing the official’s son cause the family to make a decision about Jesus Christ? What did they decide (John 4.53)?
Yes. They believed Jesus was the Christ, 4.53.
John Chapter Five
Lame Man Healed
- Why were the Jews antagonistic to Jesus Christ in the incident in which He healed the lame man at Bethesda
(John 5.16-18)?
Breaking the Sabbath as per Jewish misinterpretation.
Said He was equal with God.
- Is it possible for a person to honor (believe, love, serve) God the Father if he does not honor Jesus Christ
(John 5.23)?
No. τιμαω timao = to place value on.
- List seven names and actions attributed to Jesus Christ in John 5.19-47.
Miracles 5.19
Gives eternal life 5.21
Judges men 5.22, 27, 30
Son of God 5.19, 20
Son of man 5.27
Sent by Father 5.36, 37
Scriptures tell about Him (application) 5.39
- Is it possible for someone to believe the Old Testament and not believe in Jesus Christ (John 5.45-47)? Explain.
No.
- Name five witnesses to Jesus Christ in John 5.19-47.
John the Baptist 5.33
Works 5.36
God the Father 5.37
Scriptures 5.39
Moses 5.46
John Chapter Six
Bread of Life
- Why were the crowds so interested in Jesus Christ
(John 6.2, 26)?
The signs.
Free food.
- Explain what Jesus meant in John 6.27-29.
Do not spend all your time, give priority, emphasis to the temporal things of life. First priority is to eternal. Work, do the eternal work = believe in Christ.
- Why is Jesus called the “bread of life” in John 6.35 and John 6.48?
Bread sustains and gives life. It is necessary for life. Manna was like bread. God gave it and it sustained Israel (in time). Now God gives another bread (eternal). This bread is the same as eternal life = Christ. As you must eat bread to benefit, so you must take Christ to benefit.
- If you come to Jesus Christ and believe in Him, will He accept you (John 6.37, 40)?
Yes.
John Chapter Seven
Tabernacles
- While on earth, from whom did Jesus Christ receive His ministry and message (John 7.16-18, 28-29)?
God the Father.
- Whom did Jesus promise would be given to those who believe in Him, and when would this occur
(John 7.37-39)?
The Holy Spirit. After Jesus was glorified — resurrection, ascension, session.
- What was the reaction to Jesus Christ by the Pharisees, rulers, and most of the people (John 7.1, 19, 20, 25, 27, 28, 32, 44, 48, 52)?
Rejection, criticism, tried to kill Him = unbelief.
- Based on our study to date, if they continue to reject Jesus Christ, will their destiny be heaven or hell?
Hell, judgment, perish.
John Chapter Eight
Abraham’s Descendants
- Why was Jesus Christ called the “light of the world” in John 8.12?
Light makes visible, known. Light is necessary for normal complete life. Light => God’s person and perfections, life, opposed to fallen world system. Shows way to God. John 1, Ephesians 5, 1 John 1.
- What two witnesses testify about Jesus Christ
(John 8.17-18)?
Jesus
God the Father
- What is the fate of those that do not believe in Jesus Christ (John 8.24)? What does this mean?
Die in sins. Die without having sins removed or forgiven. Reject the Sin Bearer. Guilty with no help.
- Do you understand the difference between physical heritage and relationship to Abraham, spiritual heritage and relationship to the Devil, and spiritual heritage and relationship to God? List some characteristics of each (John 8.33-59).
To Abraham:
Jews
Looks
Proud of Mosaic Law
To the Devil:
Devil is Father
Obey Devil
Liar
Sin
Murder
Reject Christ
Dishonor Son
Do not listen to Son
To Abraham:
Love Son
Listens to God
Will not die
(Continued)
John Chapter Eight
Abraham’s Descendants (Continued)
- Explain John 8.58.
Jesus was alive before Abraham was born in 2100 BC.
- What does the fact that Jesus Christ was alive before Abraham indicate?
Jesus is eternal = God
John Chapter Nine
Blind Man Healed
- Are you able to sense the antagonism to Christ by the religious people in John 9.1-23? Contrast the difference in response to Christ by the religious people and by the blind man who was healed in John 9.30-41.
Religious people:
Self-righteous
Know it all
Disbelieved
Hypocritical
Healed man:
Open, straight forward
Honest, not trying to fake it
Faith in Son
Worship
- True or False? As Jesus continues His ministry, man’s opposition hardens. This will become more evident as His earthly life draws to a close.
True.
John Chapter Ten
Sheepfold-Shepherd
- Why is Jesus called the door in John 10.7, 9?
Door: Entrance, exit, keeps in together, protects.
Jesus Christ is the only entrance to salvation.
After salvation, Jesus Christ is the door to experiential eternal life.
- Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd in
John 10.11-16?
Shepherd:
Enters door 10.2
Recognized by doorkeeper 10.3
Calls sheep and leads them 10.3-5
Good Shepherd:
Gives life for sheep.
Recognizes sheep.
Recognized by sheep.
Gathers all sheep that belong to Him from all fields = Salvation given by Jesus Christ.
- Was Jesus a martyr caught up in uncontrollable events? Explain (John 10.15-18).
Lays down His life from His own initiative. No one makes Him a martyr.
(Continued)
John Chapter Ten
Sheepfold-Shepherd (Continued)
- Why should the Jews know that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah, anointed by God to deliver)? John 10.24-25
Jesus told them, John 4.25-26, John 8.24, 56-59
Works tell them, John 5.36, 10.38
- What did Jesus mean in John 10.30? See also
John 10.27-33.
My hand/Father’s hand > both keep in hand secure. Both are one God.
One person in nature.
Said He was God.
John Chapter Eleven
Lazarus
- Why did Jesus handle the Lazarus event as He did
(John 11.4, 15, 40-42)?
To glorify Son 11.4
To teach them so they may believe 11.15
To see glory of God 11.40
So people may believe Father sent Son 11.41-42
- What do we learn about Jesus Christ from this incident (John 11.33-36, 41-42, 43-45)?
Sent 11.41-42
Power to raise dead 4.43-45
True man 4.33-36
Cares for people
- What was the response to this miracle
(John 11.45, 53)?
Faith in Son 11.45
Some rejected Him 11.53
- What was Martha’s response to Jesus Christ in
John 11.24-27?
Believed He was the Messiah, the Son of God, and responded.
- Explain John 11.25-27.
Jesus Christ is the source of resurrection and eternal life. Those that take Him have these. Physical death is not the end. Spiritual life granted.
- What is your response to Jesus Christ? Are you like Martha and those of John 11.45? Or, are you like those of John 11.53 and 57?
John Chapter Twelve
Entrance Into Jerusalem
- Summarize the events of John 12.1-8.
Lazarus: At table eating with Jesus.
Martha: Serving
Mary: Anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive oil.
Judas: Complained about using this oil in this way.
- What does the answer of Jesus teach us about life
(John 12.7-8)?
Rapport relationship with Jesus is more important than external.
Expressing worship more important than doing good.
Motives are not always pure.
- What is the significance of John 12.13-16 and the Old Testament quotes in particular?
Thanksgiving Psalm for a person that comes from God, in God’s power, authority and blessing. Psalm 18.26
Prophecy of the coming King of Israel. Judgment of other nations. Protection for Israel.
Jesus Christ is the prophesized King, Messiah of Israel coming to the nation.
John Chapter Twelve
Entrance Into Jerusalem (Continued)
- Explain John 12.27 “But for this purpose I came for this hour.” See John 12.23-24, 31-33
The reason for Jesus Christ pointing to the coming events = death > Judgment of Satan; offer of salvation to the world.
- Explain John 12.34. Note Isaiah 9.7, Psalm 110.4, Daniel 7.14, Isaiah 53.
The Messiah King will reign forever. He will dominate all peoples. But first, He must suffer according to
Isaiah 53. The Jews missed this.
- Why did Jesus Christ come into the world (John 2.47).
To save man.
John Chapter Thirteen
Foot Washing
- In John 13 Jesus begins to prepare His close friends for the future. With this chapter we have a change of tone in the book. Do you sense this?
- What are three significant points in the supper incident found in John 13.1-30? See also John 13.1-3, 21, 26-27; John 13.10-11; John 13.16-17.
Not all are His friends that profess to be.
Illustration of salvation and cleansing.
Mental attitude of the sent servant.
- Where was Jesus going and why could they not follow Him at that time (John 13.36)?
Death => Heaven
John Chapter Fourteen
Way — Truth — Life
- What is Jesus talking about in John 14.1-4?
Heaven
- Who will go there (John 14.6)?
Believers in Jesus Christ. He is the only way.
- What general subject is Jesus talking about in
John 14.13?
Pray to the Father.
Pray in the name of Christ.
Pray in the sphere of or under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
- Whom does Jesus promise to send for those who believe in Him and why will He send Him (John 14.26)?
The Holy Spirit:
To teach the Bible.
To cause recall of Christ’s words.
John Chapter Fifteen
Vine — Branches
- What does it mean to abide in Christ in John 15.1-10?
Αbiding refers to staying close in space to someone and depending on that person. It is a relationship of the branch to the vine. Stay in contact. Flow of nutrients provides life, one with vine minute by minute > production. Rapport friendship = fellowship = harmony with Jesus Christ minute by minute.
- Why is abiding necessary for the believer (John 15.5-6)? Also see 1 John 1.
To have production in Christian life. To live Christian life.
- What should the attitude of believers be to each other (John 15.12, 17)?
Internal response to God. Internal and external response to believers. Wanting God’s will in and for object.
- Will the world be compatible with those that trust Christ (John 15.18-27)? (The world refers to those who reject Jesus Christ along with their standards, goals, and attitudes.)
No.
See Eternal Destiny Decision Diagram at the back of the booklet.
John Chapter Sixteen
Christ to Depart
- When Jesus leaves the earth and goes back to God the Father, what provision will He make for those who will remain on earth (John 16.7)?
Will send the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit convicts the world (unbeliever) about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment
(John 16.8-11). Explain.
Sin: We are guilty sinners. Why? Because we are not believing on Christ. This removes sin and guilt.
+R: There is a standard for righteousness required. Christ did the work. +R must replace sin and guilt. Why? Because Christ demonstrated and vindicated His +R, person and work by ascension.
Judgment: We will be judged if we reject the +R substitute. Why? Because Satan, the leader, was judged.
See the Gospel Core Diagram at the back of the booklet.
- What does “to ask in My name” mean in
John 16.24-26?
Ask not in our own authority, resources, or righteousness but in someone else’s authority, resources, and +righteousness, that is Jesus Christ.
- What is the basis for the believer’s strength while he lives in an antagonistic world system (John 16.33)?
Relationship with Christ and all that comes from that. We are in Him and because of that, we benefit from Him.
John Chapter Seventeen
Lord’s Prayer
- Identify the “hour” Jesus mentions in John 17.1.
Cross; dying for sins of the world.
- What does John 17.5 teach about Jesus Christ?
Christ’s eternal existence.
Christ possesses the glory of God.
Christ was with the Father in eternity past.
He is God and a member of the Godhead.
- John 17 presents a spiritual war between God and His kingdom and Satan and his world system. What does Jesus say about this spiritual war?
Believers live in an enemy world system, which Satan controls. Jesus Christ prays for believers’ safety, stability, and sanctification to the Father. The Father will protect believers. The Word of God sets them apart for their priestly life.
- What does John 17.24 imply about the future of the believer?
Sure, safe, secure.
John Chapter Eighteen
Arrest and Trials
- Why did Jesus not resist the men who came to arrest Him (John 18.11; also John 19.11)?
It was God’s plan for Christ to be arrested and go to the cross.
- What concrete charges were brought against Jesus by the Roman authorities and by the Jews
(John 18.19, 21, 23, 29, 30, 38; also John 19.4)?
None.
John Chapter Nineteen
Death for Sins
- What does John 19.11 indicate about the inevitability of Jesus Christ dying on the cross?
It was the purpose of God; men did not control events.
- When Jesus said “it is finished” in John 19.30, what did He mean?
The work, which was dying for sins of the world, was completed. τελεω teleo, perfect passive indicative. Judgment during darkness.
- A more detailed account of the death of Christ is given in Matthew 27.32-51. The death took place over a period of hours, and culminated in His voluntary physical death. What occurred during His death (why did He die)? Note also 1 Corinthians 15.3-4.
12 noon — 3 pm; judgment for sins of world.
- The death of Jesus Christ for the sins of man is spoken of in the Old Testament. One place is Isaiah 53, written about 700 BC. Identify the main ideas of the Isaiah passage.
Israel at first did not accept the Messiah. He was not the popular aristocrat (53.1-3). She then realizes the meaning of His death — a substitution for man (53.4-6). The details of His death are in 53.7-9 — He silently accepted it though He was innocent. This is the plan of God and from this death, many of mankind will gain salvation (53.10-12).
John Chapter Nineteen
Death for Sins
- Summarize the cross of Jesus Christ under the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How does man benefit?
Who? Jesus Christ, God-man, Tribe of Judah.
What? +R God-man judged by –R man and by +R God.
When? Circa 33 AD.
Where? Jerusalem.
Why? Man guilty sinner, needs +R or else judgment, therefore, God provided the +R substitute, i.e, Jesus Christ.
How does man benefit? By faith in the +R substitute.
John Chapter Twenty
Resurrection
- What was Mary’s reaction to the empty tomb in
John 20.1-13?
Fear, sorrow, misunderstanding.
- How was this misunderstanding corrected
(John 20.14-16)?
Jesus visited her and talked with her.
- What two things did Mary do upon recognition of the resurrected Jesus Christ (John 20.17-18)?
Embraced Him.
Told the disciples she had seen Jesus Christ.
- What do we learn about Jesus Christ’s resurrection body in John 20.16, 17, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28 and
John 21.12-15?
20.16: Same voice.
20.17: Physical body — touch, feel it.
20.19: Able to move through solid objects; body not confined.
20.20: Recognized; looks same, retained cross wounds.
20.26: Pass through solid objects.
20.27: Can touch it.
20.18: Same person.
21.12: Eat, continuity of existence.
John Chapter Twenty
Resurrection (Continued)
- When Thomas saw the evidence about Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, what was his response
(John 20.28)?
Faith that Jesus Christ was sovereign God, the Messiah.
- Why did John record the events in his gospel
(John 20.31)?
Man may believe in Christ for eternal life.
John Chapter Twenty-One
Sea of Tiberius
- John 21.14 records an incident involving Jesus and His disciples. What main point does this incident reinforce (John 21.14)?
Jesus Christ was resurrected physically and this was seen and verified.
- What lesson can we learn from John 21.20-22 that applies to our personal lives as believers?
Pay attention to our Christian life; God’s plan for us; not mind other people’s business.
The Gospel of John
Summary Questions
- What are the four major sections of the outline of John?
The public ministry of Christ, John 1-12.
The private ministry of Christ to His disciples, John 13-17.
The cross, John 18-19.
The Resurrection of Christ followed by His post-resurrection ministry, John 20-21.
- List some of the principles which Jesus Christ taught in John 13-17 that are specifically for the believer.
Need our feet washed when dirty, confession, John 13, 1 John 1.
Our ministry is that of a gracious servant,
John 13.
Jesus Christ will take us to heaven, John 13.
We have the privilege and responsibility of prayer in Christ’s name, John 14.
Prayer should be exercised when in fellowship, Bible dominating us, John 15.
The Holy Spirit lives in believers to help, teach, guide, to be the ability and thought, John 14, 16.
We are totally dependent upon Jesus Christ for the Christian life, John 15.
We are in God’s kingdom, in union with Christ, but live in the enemy’s territory, John 17.
Bible doctrine is vital to our priestly ministry on earth, John 17.
The Gospel of John
Summary Questions (Continued)
- Why did Jesus Christ come to earth, take on a human body, and allow Himself to be arrested (John 1.29, 12.27, 47; 16.8-11)? See also Romans 3.23, 6.23,
1 Corinthians 15.3-4, John 3.16-18.
It was the Father’s plan for Christ to come as the God-man and be judged as our substitute for our sins.
- Why did John record the events found in this gospel (John 20.31)?
So man may believe on Christ for eternal life.
- Summarize the Person, Jesus Christ, under who, what when, where, why, and how does He relate to man?
Who? God-man
What? Perfect anointed Savior King, Lamb of God.
When? Lived c. 4 BC—33 AD.
Where? Palestine.
Why? To die a substitute, must be man.
How does He relate to man? Man accepts Jesus Christ or rejects Him by faith.
The Gospel of John
Summary Questions (Continued)
- Summarize the Work of Jesus Christ under who, what when, where, why, and how does He relate to man?
Who? God-man
What? Substitution, judgment, death
When? 33 AD
Where? Jerusalem.
Why? Man sinful, under judgment. Christ is the +R sacrifice.
How does this relate to man? Man accepts the work or rejects it by faith.
- The gospel is good news about Jesus Christ. What is the content of the gospel (John 1.29, 3.16-18, 16.8-11, and 1 Corinthians 15.3-4)?
Christ +R.
Died—Judgment.
Substitute for man’s sins, buried and resurrected.
Alternative to Christ is judgment.
- How do you personally enter the family of God and possess eternal life (John 1.12, 3.16-18, 20.31, Acts 16.31, Ephesians 2.8-9)?
Believing in Jesus Christ.
- Will you personally believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Eternal Destiny Decision Diagram
Gospel Core Diagram
Confession/Fellowship Diagram
©Tod Kennedy1982. Updated 2003
todkennedy.com; knowbelieveapply.com