Introduction to the Exodus:

At the close of the book of Genesis, Jacob and his entire family are in Egypt after having been saved from the world famine by Joseph, Jacob’s son. Joseph was 2nd in command next to Pharaoh, highly favored, so much so that Pharaoh had given his family the choicest land of Egypt.

As we begin the Book of Exodus we must fast forward about 400 years as we find the Israelites in a very different situation. Under the rule of a new Pharaoh and Joseph now long since passed away, the Israelites have been enslaved and treated harshly. Moses, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes the book of Exodus to display God’s gracious deliverance of His people from slavery to freedom and the promised land.

March 1: Exodus 32

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How did the people respond to Moses being on the mountain for 40 days? What was Aaron’s solution? Can you point out the number of sinful choices the people and Aaron made? Note: “play” in verse 6 means to engage in lewd behavior. Ponder: What does this reveal about the heart of Aaron, the one who has been with Moses since the beginning?
2. How does the Lord feel about what Aaron and the people are doing down below the mountain? What does the Lord call them? Ponder: why do you think He calls them this? (Hint: how many times have they grumbled?) What does the Lord tell Moses He is going to do to the people? How does Moses mediate for the people; what does he remind the Lord of? How does the Lord respond?
3. Moses carries the two tablets down the mountain; what is written on them and who wrote it? What does Moses do when he sees the people before the alter of the calf? When Moses asks Aaron what is going on, is Aaron truthful in his reply? What happened to 3,000 men that day?
4. On the next day, what does Moses call their sin and what does he say he will do for them? How does the Lord deal with the sin of the people? Ponder: how does this show God’s view of sin and at the same time His grace and mercy? How does this lead you to pray?

March 2: Exodus 33

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 1-3, God is restating, to Moses, the promise of the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; to give them the land of Canaan. However, there was one significant difference; what did He say He would not do and why?
2. How did the people respond in humility and sorrow of their sin when they heard the news that an angel would go with them rather than the Lord (vs 4-6)?
3. Who would Moses meet with in the tent of meeting? (Note: this is not the tabernacle, it had not been built yet) In Moses’ conversation with God he makes 3 requests from God; what are they? How does God respond?
4. Recalling from the last chapter, the people had sinned against God and therefore it had effected their fellowship with God but it had not cut them off from their relationship with God; they were still His people and His promises were still theirs. Ponder: how is this similar to a believers relationship with God when we sin? How do you respond when the Lord convicts you of your sin? Are you as desperate for God’s presence and leading in your life as Moses was? How do we meet with God today? (Hint: if you are doing GP Reads and answering these questions - you are meeting with God because you are in His word!) How does this lead you to pray?

March 3: Exodus 34

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In this chapter we will see God renew His covenant with Moses and the people. When Moses is called by the Lord to return to the mountain to present himself before the Lord; what is he to bring with him and who will rewrite the words? What does this tell you about the Lord’s desire for His commandments to be clear and known?
2. In verses 6-7, how will the Lord treat the guilty? Does this mean children will be held accountable for the sins of their parents? The answer: no. However, the sins we model for our children impact them; the consequences impact them and sometimes they “catch” our sinful patterns. But God! What does the Lord proclaim about Himself? Note: this is the only place in Scripture where God declares His own attributes. As you consider the context (what took place in chapter 32 & 33), what is the significance of what He says about Himself; what does He reveal first? Check out the following for more information: https://www.gotquestions.org/parents-sin.html.
3. How does Moses physically and emotionally respond to the Lord’s declaration of Himself? How does the Lord respond to Moses’ request to pardon their sin and take them as His inheritance? What are the conditions and warnings connected to the blessings of the covenant? What was the Lord’s warning for those who made covenants with the people of the land?
4. Ponder: when you consider the attributes of the Lord, how do you respond? What are you modeling for your children and how can turning to the Lord with humility break the bonds of sin in a family line? How does this lead you to pray?

March 4: Exodus 35

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. There is a key repeated word throughout this chapter; can you find it? Hint: It has to do with the motivation for bringing a contribution to the Lord. What do you learn about the people’s attitude toward working and giving to the Lord?
2. What would it require of the people if they were to carry out what the Lord was commanding in this chapter? At the beginning of the chapter, what law does Moses reiterate to the people? In light of the rest of the chapter, why do you think Moses restates this law? How does this reveal God’s heart toward hard work and rest?
3. In verse 29 the offering the people are bringing to the Lord is called a Free Will Offering; who was to bring this type of offering? Notice the command is to build the tabernacle; how it was to be built and with what materials was based on the Free Will Offering. For more info on the Free Will Offering: https://www.gotquestions.org/free-will-offering.html.
4. How does this chapter impact your attitude toward giving to the Lord? Do you see giving to the Lord through your resources, time, and talents as duty, out of guilt, as an afterthought; or from a generous heart, moved by the Spirit of the Lord in gratitude for what He has done for you? How does this lead you to pray?

March 5: Exodus 36

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In chapters 36-39 we see the details of the building of the tabernacle stated again; but the question is why; how does this second description differ from the first that we saw in chapters 25-28? Hint: Read 25:1; who is speaking to whom? Now look at 36:8; what is happening?
2. Ponder: As the tabernacle is being constructed, what would be the significance of restating the details? The people of Israel had struggled to do “all the Lord commanded” in the past; so by writing down exactly how the tabernacle was constructed shows they followed the exact instructions from the Lord.
3. Look at verses 3-7; what does this tell you about the peoples heart to give to the service of the Lord? How does this impact you? How does it lead you to pray?

March 6: Exodus 37

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In chapter 37 we see the making of the furnishings that were to go inside the tabernacle. What do you notice that is similar about the material used to make each furnishing?
2. Where would the Israelites have obtained enough of the gold? Check out Exodus 12:35-27. How does this show the heart of the Lord to supply all you need, before you even realize you need it? How does this lead you to pray?
3. The furnishing of the tabernacle are all a foreshadowing of Christ’s work on our behalf. As you have time, check out the following articles to see the significance and how Christ is reflected in each piece. The Ark: https://www.gotquestions.org/ark-of-the-covenant.html; The Bread of Showbread (Presence) https://www.gotquestions.org/bread-of-the-presence.html; The Lamp stand https://www.gotquestions.org/lampstand-Bible.html; and The Altar of Incense https://www.gotquestions.org/altar-of-incense.html. How does this lead you to praise and pray?

March 7: Exodus 38

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. As you read this chapter, what do you notice about the material used to make the items outside in the courtyard versus the items made inside the tabernacle (Holy Place)? Ponder: why would this be? Where did God say He would meet with them? Read Revelation 21:18-22 (Describing the New Jerusalem after Christ returns to take us Home!) How does this lead you to pray?
2. In verses 24-31, we see the record of how much gold, silver, and bronze was used for the work of the Tabernacle. To put this into our modern day terms: “The materials included slightly over a ton of gold (v. 24), almost four tons of silver (vv. 25-28), and about two and a half tons of bronze (vv. 29-31).” (Dr. Constable, Sonic Light: https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/pdf/exodus.pdf , p238.) Remember how they obtained this precious material?
3. We also see in this chapter some insight into how many people were under Moses’ leadership as the people of God. What is the number of men?
4. According to verse 22, how did Bezalel make the Tabernacle? Bezalel was just a man, given special skill by the Lord, filled with the Spirit of God, and called to carry out what the Lord had commanded. We get no other details about him, yet his name is in the Bible for the world to see that he “made all that the Lord commanded.” What about you? How do you want to be remembered? How does this lead you to pray?
5. For more information on the Bronze altar and Basin check out these two articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/brazen-altar.html and https://www.gotquestions.org/brazen-altar.html.

March 8: Exodus 39

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. This chapter focuses on the priests clothing. According to verse 1, in what location were the priests going to wear the garments and for what purpose? What names did the stones of the Ephod represent? What was inscribed on the turban? For more info on the priestly garments check out: https://www.gotquestions.org/priestly-garments.html.
2. How many times is the phrase, “as the Lord had commanded” repeated in this chapter? Ponder: in light of Israel’s journey thus far and in light of the future priests of Israel who would read this to the people of God; how do you imagine this repetition would impact their thinking? How does this shed light on God’s authority of His creation? Read John 14:15 and Romans 6:16. How does this lead you to pray?

March 9: Exodus 40

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. As Exodus comes to a close we see the Tabernacle is built. Who told Moses where to place the furnishings? What did Moses need to do to the furnishings and Aaron (and his sons) before they could use the Tabernacle for the first time?
2. As soon as the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle were completed, how did the glory of the Lord show up? How would the Lord lead the people on their journeys?
3. Allow yourself to take a moment and imagine how would you feel and what would you do if you were among the people? How does the glory of the Lord fill you with awe? Read: Psalm 138:5; Revelation 21:23; Psalm 19:1; and John 1:14. How does this lead you to pray?
4. Through Exodus we have learned that the Lord, He is Holy. He is our deliverer and protector. The Lord sets the standard for how we are to live and how we are to approach Him. He loves us, but at the same time He is a righteous judge and will not let sin go unpunished. We saw how Moses was a mediator between God and the people, a foreshadowing of the Perfect mediator, Jesus. We saw how God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle so that His presence could be with them in the cloud. Tomorrow we begin the book of John where we will see a new way that God came to be with us!

Intro to John

The book of John is one of the four gospels; each written with a different emphasis and audience. The book of John has a clear purpose statement as seen in John 20:30-31 which states, “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.” As you read through the book of John you will see this key repeated word “believe” many times. It is widely thought that John wrote primarily to the Gentiles (non-Jews) so that they would believe the deity of Christ and place their faith in Him for their salvation.

March 10: John 1

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. The first chapter of John is so rich and full of Truths about Christ. I encourage you to read and re-read it several times to just soak it all in! In verses 1-18 we find the prologue or introduction to the book. As you slowly read, what do you learn about Christ? Has He always existed? What was made through Him and for Him; and how was He treated? How is He the Word and the light? What did the Word do and what is He full of? How does this lead you to awe of the Word, the Light, the Son, God - JESUS!
2. Note: The John mentioned in this chapter is John the Baptist, not the John who wrote the book. What does John the Baptist declare that Jesus has come to do and what does he call Him? What does John say we have received from Jesus?
3. As you read again through this chapter, list all the titles given to Jesus. What do they declare Him to be?
4. Read John 1:12-13, for those who believe in Jesus (who He is declared to be); what right do they receive (what are they called) and who gave this right? How does this lead you to pray?

March 11: John 2

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. The first miracle Jesus’ performs is at the wedding feast in Cana; what is the miracle? What attribute of Christ, as God, does this display? How old was the wine? How does this support God’s ability to create new but with the appearance of age as in creation? How did this miracle impact the disciples?
2. When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem at the temple, what does He find? How does it impact Him and what does He do? Ponder: Think back to your reading of Exodus; why did Jesus respond this way? How were they taught to approach and treat the meeting place of God in Exodus?
3. In verse 18, the Jews want Jesus to prove His authority to kick them out of the temple by giving them a sign. What did His response foreshadow (what prophecy did He make)? How did this statement impact the disciples in the future?
4. How did Jesus authenticate His authority before the people, in Jerusalem? How did they respond?
5. What did Jesus not do in verses 24-25? Ponder: Jesus knew man, did not need anyone to testify about the trustworthiness of man. This is sad commentary on man and his heart; but what does this say about Jesus, though man was not dependable, He still chose to come down to save us? He is God and chose to become flesh and dwell among un-dependable man! He did not need us, but we desperately need Him! How does this lead you to pray?

March 12: John 3

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” 
In this chapter we see situations in which Jesus faced opposition. This is a turning point in His ministry as the religious leaders move from argumentative and unresponsive to rejection and attempted entrapment.

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 1 - 9, what do we learn about Nicodemus? Ponder: why would he come to Jesus by night? What does he call Jesus? Jesus responds with the first of three “truly, truly” statements; what does Jesus say is the requirement to see the kingdom of God?
2. Nicodemus responds with a question focused on the physical nature of birth. Is Jesus describing a physical re-birth; why or why not? (The second truly, truly statement).
3. Why does Jesus say in the 3rd truly, truly statement, “you do not receive our testimony”? Hint: what is Nicodemus question in verse 9 and how does Jesus respond in verse 10-12?
4. In verses 13-21, Jesus gives one of the earliest predictions of His death and salvation. What does Jesus say you must do to have eternal life? If you do not believe, what does Jesus say about your condition? What is “the judgment” in verses 19-21? What is the contrast between those who come to the light and those who do not? What about you? Do you believe? Do you love the light? How does this lead you to pray?
5. When John the baptists followers pointed out that Jesus was baptizing people and more people were going to him; how did John respond to their jealousy? Who is Jesus above and why does John rejoice?

March 13: John 4

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What confusion does the woman have about the “living water” and how does Jesus correct her confusion? What does Jesus know about her that shocks her?
2. In an attempt to change the subject (and get the heat of herself) she brings up a known controversy regarding where one should worship. Jesus does not take the bate but tells her a new way of worshiping is coming; what does He tell her about how people will worship in the future? In response to Jesus’ statement what does the woman say in verse 25? What is Jesus declaration of Himself in verse 26?
3. Don’t miss what happens next! What does she do in verse 28-29? Ponder: this woman had come during the middle of the day, an unusual time when other women would not have been there. Why? Was she avoiding the other women? Was she ashamed of her life, with 5 husbands and now living with someone? Jesus has just pointed out all her sin, called her out on it; but He had not rejected her, instead He showed love and compassion. And what does she do? (28-29) How had an encounter with Jesus changed her? What impact did this change in her have on the people of her town? How does this story impact you? How does it lead you to pray?
4. What does the official from Capernaum ask Jesus to do? Jesus responds to the man by saying, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The man asks a second time for Jesus to come and heal his son; but what does Jesus do instead of going with him? How does the man respond? Ponder: how did this encounter with Jesus take this man to a deeper place of belief and faith in Jesus; one that believes first, by faith?
5. In verses 31-38 Jesus is talking with His disciples; the disciples are focused on food, but what is Jesus focused on? How can you “lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are ripe for harvest.”? How does this lead you to pray?
6. For further study check out: John Piper on worshiping in spirit and truth: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/god-seeks-people-to-worship-him-in-spirit-and-truth. 
The Journey: Share your faith: https://www.gracepointefc.org/share-your-faith.

March 14: John 5

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Jesus encountered a man by the pool in Bethesda; how many years had the man been an invalid? What does Jesus tell him to do to be healed? In verse 14, what does Jesus tell the man to stop doing? On what day did the man’s healing take place?
2. Why are the Jews upset about the man’s healing? When they found out it was Jesus who healed the man, what were the two reasons they were persecuting Him? (V 18)
3. Knowing the Jews anger toward Him, Jesus rebukes them and declares His equality with the Father in verses 19-47. If you have time, take a moment to listen to this chapter, especially to Jesus’ sermon at the end: https://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/popPlayer.cfm?type=esv_n&b=43&c=5
4. What is the relationship between Jesus and the Father; what can Jesus do? Who has been given all judgement; why and what is true if the Son is not honored? According to verse 24, who has eternal life?
5. What hour is coming; who will Jesus judge and how will He determine this judgement? What is Jesus saying is the true value of the Scriptures that the Jews are missing? To whom do the Scriptures point to?
6. If the Scriptures are pointing to Christ, what has impacted you the most about who Jesus is in the first 5 chapters of John? How does this lead you to pray?

March 15: John 6:1-24

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Why did the large crowd follow Jesus? Why did Jesus ask His disciples, “Where are we to buy food…”; is it because He did not know what to do? What did Andrew suggest and was he confident in this suggestion, why or why not? How many people did they need to feed? What did Jesus do before he passed out the fish and loaves?
2. As the disciples passed out the food, how much did each person take? When they finished feeding the people, how much was left over? How did the people respond when they saw what Jesus was able to do for them?
3. Ponder: How does this account speak to Jesus’ ability to meet our needs? Note: the boy gave all he had and Jesus multiplied it. How does this lead you to pray?
4. In verse 15, what did Jesus perceive and what did He do? Ponder: what does this indicate about Jesus’ control over the timing of what He came to do?
5. In verses 16-21, when the disciples were in the boat, what were they experiencing before Jesus appears? From reading the same account in Matt. 14:24 Mark 6:47 we find that the disciples had rowed about halfway across the sea when they saw Jesus walking on the water; how do they feel when they see Him. How does Jesus calm their fears and protect them from the storm? (Hint: how quickly did they make it to shore?) Ponder: How does this account speak to Jesus’ authority over nature and His protection over those who trust and obey Him? How does this lead you to pray?

March 16: John 6:25-71

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. When the crowd found Jesus on the other side of the sea, what did He say was their reason for seeking Him? What kind of food does He tell them to seek after? In answer to their question, what does Jesus say is the work of God in verse 29? In verse 30-31, what do the people ask for so that they will believe Him; and what example do they give?
2. In verses 32-33, where does Jesus say this bread (in Moses day) came from and how does He describe the true bread from heaven? Do the people understand what Jesus just said to them, why or why not? In verses 35 Jesus uses a metaphor (several times in this chapter); what is the bread of life, what will it supply, and how do you receive it?
3. In verses 36-51, what does Jesus say about what the Father gives to Him? Will Jesus lose what the Father gives Him? Who are the one’s the Father has given Jesus? How does one come to Jesus (44)? Ponder: who does the keeping according to these verses? If you have believed in Jesus as God who came to take away your sins, how does this section impact your security of your salvation? How does this lead you to pray?
4. Keeping the concept of bread metaphor in context, how does verse 51 define the living bread? Was this an easy concept for the Jews or disciples to understand? How does Jesus explain this metaphor to his disciples in verse 63? For more information on this topic: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-eat-flesh-drink-blood.html.
5. Not only do we need Jesus for salvation, but for every day of our life: read John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” How are you abiding in Him? How does this lead you to pray?

March 17: John 7

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. At the beginning of the chapter, in verses 1-8, where is Jesus and why would He not go to Judea for the Feast of Booths (2 reasons)? What are His brothers wanting Him to do and why? Why does Jesus say the world hates Him?
2. In verses 10-24, Jesus finally arrives in secret, what does He overhear people say of Him and why don’t they speak openly about Him? Why do the Jews marvel at Jesus? What does Jesus say is the test to determine by whose authority someone speaks? How does Jesus point out the hypocrisy of the Jews?
3. In verses 25-36, what were some of the people questioning? Where does Jesus say He comes from? Why were the Jews seeking to arrest Jesus and why were they unsuccessful? How did this encounter impact the people? What did Jesus tell the Pharisees that caused them much confusion?
4. In verses 37-52, why has the Spirit not yet come? Why was their a division among the people concerning Jesus? Why did the officers not bring Jesus to the Priests and Pharisees? What was the concern of the Priests and Pharisees and how did Nicodemus question them?
5. Ponder: Our world is much like the Jewish people in this chapter, doubting and questioning who is Jesus. Do you know how to answer their questions? If not, check out our resources in The Journey to grow in this ability to defend your faith: https://www.gracepointefc.org/core-value-3-cards. How does this lead you to pray?

March 18: John 8:1-30

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. While Jesus was teaching in the temple, what did the scribes and Pharisees do in an attempt to test Jesus? How did Jesus get them to back down and walk away? How did Jesus treatment of the woman differ from the scribes and Pharisees? What does He implore her to do? Ponder: How might this woman have felt at the beginning of the incident versus at the very end? How would verse 11 speak into those, in our culture, who say Jesus is only about love and acceptance?
2. What does Jesus call Himself in verse 12 and how can we avoid walking in darkness and have life? How do the Pharisees respond to His statement from verse 12? In verses 14-18, who does Jesus say bears witness about Him and judges with Him? What does Jesus accuse the Pharisees of concerning the Father in verse 19?
3. Why did they not arrest Him on the spot? How does Jesus contrast where He is from versus where the Jews are from? Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will die in their sins; unless what (v 24)? Did the Pharisees understand what Jesus was saying? When did He say they would know “I am He” (v 28)? To whom does Jesus attribute His authority to speak?
4. What happened as He was having this conversation with the Pharisees (v30)? Ponder: what if you were in the crowd, listening to this argument between Jesus and the Pharisees; what would have caught your ear? How would it have impacted you? Tomorrow we will read the rest of the story in this chapter.

March 19: John 8:31-59

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. We saw in verses 1-30 (yesterday’s reading), an argument between the Pharisees and Jesus. In verse 30 we saw that some of the Jews who had been listening believed. In verses 31-32, what promise does Jesus give to the Jews who had believed? In verse 34-36, what is the one who practices sin called? Who sets us free?
2. Why do the Pharisees not understand according to verse 43? Who does Jesus say is the Pharisees father and how is this father described? In verse 47, how does Jesus declare who is of God and who is not?
3. Can you feel the tension rising in the conversation? If you have time, listen to the chapter and pay close attention to the argument Jesus is making. He is telling the Pharisees, the Jewish leadership, that they do not know God and are not of God! The climax hits in verse 58: what does Jesus declare of Himself? Do you know why they immediately want to one Him? He has just declared He is the I AM, God! https://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/popPlayer.cfm?type=esv_n&b=43&c=8.
4. Ponder: In verses 31-36, we saw that to truly be Jesus’ disciple we must abide in the word. How important is the word of God in our lives? Where do you go to for truth: science, media, family, self, or the word of God? How does this lead you to pray?

March 20: John 9

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to the Lord in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What question do the disciples ask of Jesus when they see the blind man? What was Jesus answer? Ponder: Is this saying all sickness/ailments are from God? For more insight check out: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-allow-sickness.html.
2. In verses 5-12, what does Jesus call Himself before He heals the blind man? After the man is healed, given sight, how do the people of the city respond? Does the blind man, now seeing, know where Jesus is or what He looks like?
3. In verses 13-23, what was causing the division among the Jewish leaders? When the leaders asked the blind (seeing) man what he thought about the man who healed him, how did he answer them? The Jews struggled to believe the man had ever been blind; so what was their idea to solve this dilemma? Why did the parents of the blind (seeing) man tell the Jewish leaders to ask their son, since he was of age? Ponder: What does the response from the parents indicate about the heart of the Jewish leaders and the impact on the community of the Jews?
4. In verses 24-34, the Jewish leaders once again speak to the blind (seeing) man; why did the leaders revile the man (v 27-28)? Why does the leaders statement in verse 29 lead the blind man to say, “This is an amazing thing”? What does the blind (seeing) man say that cause the Jewish leaders to cast him out?
5. When the blind (seeing) man realizes he is talking with Jesus, what does he say and do? Why does Jesus say He came into the world? How does this statement impact the Jewish leaders who overhear it? Ponder: What did Jesus mean in verse 41? Was He referring to physical blindness or spiritual? What do the Jewish leaders lack? Think of the words to the song Amazing Grace, how does this lead you to pray?

“Amazing grace!

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

March 21: John 10

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In Jesus description of the sheep and the shepherd, how do the sheep respond to the Shepherd versus the stranger; and why? In verses 7-9, what does Jesus call Himself? In verse 10, what is the contrast Jesus makes?
2. In verses 11-18, how does the hired man relate differently from the Good Shepherd toward the sheep? How do the sheep respond to the Good Shepherd? In these verses Jesus says three times, “I lay down my life for the sheep.” Ponder: what might this be a foreshadowing of? How does verse 18 display the Jesus’ power, choice, and love for His sheep? How does this lead you to pray?
3. In verses 19, what caused the division among the Jews? In verses 23-30, when they see Jesus in the temple, what do they ask Him? Jesus response is, “I told you…..”; why does He say they do not believe? What assurance of salvation is found in verses 27-29 for those who hear His voice and follow Him? How does this lead you to pray and praise?
4. What declaration does Jesus say in verse 30? Immediately the Jews pick up stones to stone Him; why do they say they want to do this? In verses 34-38, Jesus uses a stall tactic and semantics to challenge their thinking. He refers to Psalm 82:6 which says: "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you.” Instead of His words, what does He want them to look to for verification that He is who He says He is (v 37-38)? For more information check out: https://www.gotquestions.org/you-are-gods.html.
5. In verses 40-42, we see the grace of God the Father on His beloved Son and the humanity and deity of Jesus. Ponder: How might Jesus have felt after this encounter with the Jewish leaders? Exhausted? Profoundly sad at their unbelief? In these verses we see Jesus went across the Jordan; what did He encounter and how might this have brought Him encouragement? Jesus was fully God and fully man. We, as humans, relate to the need for encouragement and the joy we feel when loved ones accept Jesus as Savior. I can only imagine the joy this brought to our Good Shepherd. How does this lead you to pray? 
For more insight into this full chapter: https://www.gotquestions.org/life-more-abundantly.html.

March 22: John 11:1-37

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. When Jesus hears the news of Lazarus’ death in verse 4, how does He described what has happened and why? After two days, when Jesus tells His disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again,” why do they express hesitation? When Jesus tells them why they must go; what are the disciples confused about? Why does Jesus say He is “glad” He was not there?
2. When Jesus first encounters Martha, does she display faith or doubt in Jesus’ ability to heal? As you read the interaction between Jesus and Martha, look at Martha’s statement in verse 24 and compare it to Jesus’ declaration in verse 25; what is different about the way they each use the term “resurrection”? What is Jesus asking Martha to believe? For further help: https://www.gotquestions.org/resurrection-and-life.html. The question for you: Do you believe? How does this lead you to pray?
3. When Mary first sees Jesus, what is revealed about her faith in Him? As Jesus sees Mary and the Jews with her; what moves Him deeply and how does He respond?
4. In verse 35, this one short verse shows the heart of our Lord for the pain we encounter. Do not miss it; Jesus did not weep because Lazarus had died (remember verse 11). He wept because He entered into Mary and Martha’s pain. And He enters into yours; He is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Do you need to know that your God sees your pain and enters into it with you? How does this bring you comfort? How does it lead you to pray?
5. Tomorrow we will finish the chapter and find out what happens to Lazarus!

March 23: John 11:38-57

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 38 -44, how long had Lazarus been dead? When Jesus commands for the stone to be taking away, how does Martha’s response display her lack of understanding what Jesus had told her in verse 23?
2. Ponder: Imagine you are Martha or someone in the crowd and you hear Jesus pray to God in verses 41-42; what thoughts might be going through your mind right at that moment? Then to interrupt your thoughts, you hear Jesus with a loud voice say, “Lazarus, come out!” What would you have done when you saw Lazarus walk out?
3. In verse 42, why did Jesus pray out loud to the Father? In verses 45-46, we see two different responses from the Jews as they saw Jesus bring Lazarus back to life. What are the two responses? What fear do the Pharisees have (vs 47-48)? What was the plan, for Jesus, that Ciahphas influenced the Pharisees to put into place? Why did Jesus no longer walk openly among the Jews? What orders did the chief priests and Pharisees give to the people and why?
4. Ponder: what is Jesus’ heart, even toward the Pharisees who plot to kill Him? Again, why did He pray out loud in front of them? How can we model Jesus’ heart toward those who are hostile against us for our belief in Jesus? How does this lead you to pray?

March 24: John 12

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:,

1. How did Mary display great love and honor for Jesus? In contrast, the action Mary took greatly upset Judas; how were his outward words different from his true motivation? Ponder: Do your outward words and actions match the inward motivation of your heart? What would it look like for you to lavishly love the Lord both inwardly and outwardly? How does this lead you to pray?
2. When the Jews learned where Jesus was; what were the two reasons they wanted to find him (v9)? Why did the chief priests make plans to kill Lazarus? In verse 19, why did the Pharisees say “The whole world has gone after Him”?
3. In verse 25, what is the comparison statement Jesus makes? Ponder: what are we to focus on and care about more than we do our earthy pleasures in this life? How did Jesus say we could receive honor from the Father? As you think back to question 1, ponder how the example of Mary verses Judas; how does this comparison connect with their decisions in life?
4. How did Jesus’ statements in verses 27-36 show His resolve to complete His purpose and His desire for people to believe in Him? How did Jesus say people could become sons of the light?
5. While many did not believe despite the signs they witnessed, many did believe but kept silent about their belief; why (vs 42-43)? How does this relate to verse 25-26? As Jesus cries out in verses 44-50, by what authority does He speak and how does one not remain in darkness?

March 25: John 13

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What “hour” did Jesus speak of in verse 1; and what other details do we get from verse 3? Who was influencing Judas to betray Jesus?
2. Looking back at verse 1, who did Jesus love and how did He love them? What was the outward demonstration of Jesus' love for His disciples? How did Peter respond to this demonstration; did he understand what Jesus was doing? Why did Peter tell Jesus to wash all of him? How did Jesus respond to Peter’s request; what made one clean? Were they all clean? Ponder: how can one be completely clean, but still need their feet washed? How does 1 John 1:8-10 shed light on this? The answer requires jumping into theology a bit. When we accept Christ as our Savior we are made positionally right with Him; all sins forgiven (completely clean). However, we still sin (get our feet dirty) which can hinder us relationally with God. For more info: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-sin.html. Are you “dirty” or just your feet? How does this lead you to pray?
3. When Jesus finished washing their feet He explained the meaning behind His act of love; what was the example He wanted them to follow (vs 12-20)? Next, in verses 21-30, Jesus reveals who will betray Him; was this obvious to the disciples? After Judas took the morsel, what happened to him?
4. In verses 31-35, Jesus gives a new commandment (which summarized what they had seen Him do for them); what was the commandment? Is there enough evidence of your love for others that all would know you love Christ? Was this act and commandment of love and servanthood done for Judas? What is your heart toward loving and serving others, even those who are your betrayers/enemies? (Romans 12:14) How does this lead you to pray?
5. We don’t want to miss the last nugget in this chapter; what does Peter say He is willing to do for Jesus? What ominous prediction does Jesus make about Peter?

March 26: John 14

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. This chapter contains some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples before His crucifixion; so let’s look closely! Jesus begins with an acknowledgment of their troubled hearts. Do you ever have a troubled heart? What does Jesus say can calm the heart that is troubled in verse 1? Right out of the gate, He draws our minds away from our troubles and to the God of All! Where do you focus when your heart is troubled; on your circumstances or on Him? How does this lead you to pray?
2. In verses 2-3, what is the location of the house with many rooms? What promises for the believer does Jesus make? Ponder: what perspective is Jesus wanting them to focus on when their hearts are troubled; earthly or eternal? So when you are facing trouble, where does your mind focus on more; earthly or eternal? How might a focus on an eternal perspective and the God of all, impact the way you view your troubles? How does this lead you to pray?
3. When Thomas reacts to Jesus’ words in verse 4 with “how can we know the way”; what declaration does Jesus make about Himself in verses 6-7? Ponder: how exclusive of a statement is this? How might our world react to this statement? Does fear of the worlds reaction keep you from declaring this truth to others? If you feel intimated and want to learn how to share your faith with confidence, check out The Journey: Share Your Faith at: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-sin.html. Also, keep an eye out for the next Reach Out class offered at church.
4. Jesus’ declaration of His deity with the Father confuses the disciples. In verses 8-11, in their struggle to understand, Jesus states two reasons to believe Him; what are the two reasons? In verses 12-14, what promises does Jesus give to the disciples? What is the context of asking for anything from Jesus (vs 12); and what is the “if” clause for asking (13-14)? Ponder, is God a vending machine; or do I treat Him as one? For further study: https://www.gotquestions.org/ask-and-you-shall-receive.html.
5. In verses 15-31, if we love Jesus, what will we do and what will be the result? Jesus begins to give them more details about the Holy Spirit; how is He described in these verses? Who receives the Holy Spirit and who cannot receive Him? Ponder: How would the news of the Holy Spirit have comforted the disciples? Do you find comfort in knowing, if you are a believer, you too have the Holy Spirit? How does this lead you to pray?

March 27: John 15

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 1-11, Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and vinedresser; why does he take away some branches and prune others? How can the branch bear fruit? When we abide in Jesus, what is the result? If we do not abide in Jesus, what is the result? How do we abide in His love? According to verse 11, why does Jesus tell them these things?
2. In verses 12-17, what commandment does Jesus give and what is the standard by which we are to carry this commandment out? Jesus has been calling them servants, what does he change this to and why?
3. According to verses 18-25, why might the world hate us? Who has the world hated first? What does Jesus want them to remember? Why does Jesus say the world will do these things? Why does the world have no excuse for their sin? How does the Truth Jesus speaks impact those who do not know Him, hate Him? If the world hates Jesus, who else do they hate? What word must be fulfilled? Ponder: Has the “world” ever hated you for your stand for Christ? Are you surprised? Has the “world” ever accused you of being hateful or judgmental because you choose to obey Jesus, stand for what He stands for and oppose what He opposes? Have you ever found yourself watering down Truth for fear of how those who don’t believe in Jesus (the world) will react to you? How do these verses impact how you view the world hating you? How does this lead you to pray?
4. Ponder: In light of the questions in section 3 and God commands to love, is there a right way and wrong way to speak the Truth of Jesus? How does our tone, words, and body language display love, grace, and Truth as we stand for Jesus and His word? Ask the Lord to show you any area of your life where you are speaking Truth but lack in grace and love. The world will hate us, but it should not be for our lack of grace and love. How does this lead you to pray?
5. Who will Jesus send and what will He do? What is the Helper also called? What are we called to do? Ponder: how does the knowledge that we have a Helper encourage you? How does this lead you to praise?

March 28: John 16

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 1-4, why has Jesus said these things to His disciples? How will the disciples be treated and to whom do their offenders think they are offering service? Why would people treat the disciples this way?
2. In verses 7-11, why is it to the disciples advantage that Jesus leave? What will the Holy Spirit do?
3. In verses 12-16, what will the Holy Spirit guide you into and declare to you? How does the Holy Spirit know what to declare?
4. In verses 16-33, what confuses the disciples? While they may have sorrow, what will come and why? What are the main things Jesus wants them to know about the Father?
5. In verses 33, Jesus declares why He has shared all these things about His departure with them. What will He give them? What does He want them to be ready for; and why can they take heart? Ponder: do you face tribulations in this world; sorrows, fears, overwhelming situations? When you face tribulations, what Truths do you cling to? What do you know to be True about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that you can choose to trust in that will help you as you face your tribulations? When you focus on God and these Truths, it will bring you peace. How does this lead you to pray?


March 29: John 17

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. This entire chapter is a prayer of Jesus to the Father; and the disciples listened in. Follow the link below to hear this chapter read to you. As you listen, imagine you are of the disciples; how would you have felt as you listened to this intimate prayer of Jesus to the Father? https://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/popPlayer.cfm?type=esv_n&b=43&c=17
2. What does Jesus say is eternal life? Look at all the uses of “glory/glorify” and notice what you learn about Jesus and the Father; when did Jesus receive glory (v5)?
3. In verses 6-19, how does Jesus describe the people who have believed in Him; who gave them to whom? What is Jesus’ prayer for those who are His? Whose joy does Jesus want His people to have? What has Jesus given them, why does the world hate them, and what does He pray instead of praying for the Father to take them out of the world? How will His people be sanctified?
4. In verses 20-26, in addition to the people the Father has already given Jesus, who else does Jesus pray for; and how will they come to believe? Jesus is speaking not only of Jews, but foreshadowing to the inclusion of Gentiles (all non-Jews) as well; all those who will come to believe in Him. What is Jesus prayer for all believers and why does He pray for this? How long has the Father loved Jesus? What kind of love does Jesus pray that His people have?
5. Ponder: Look again at verse 17. How are we sanctified in Truth? Where do we find absolute Truth? How will this Truth protect us in this world? How does this lead you to pray?

March 30: John 18

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 1-11, when they come to arrest Jesus in the garden, who is with Judas besides the soldiers ? What happens to the people when Jesus answers them with “I am He”? What prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus asked the soldiers to let His disciples go? What does Peter do to Malchus? How does Jesus respond to this attempt by Peter to protect Him? Ponder: what does this tell you about Jesus determination to go to the cross?
2. In verses 12 -14 and 19-24; what did they do to Jesus when they arrested Him? Who did they take Him to first and what was his title? When he asked Jesus about his teaching, what was Jesus response that led to Him being struck across the face?
3. Who did Annas send the bound Jesus to and what was his title? (Note: this encounter is not given in John, but you can read about it in the other gospels) In verses 28-32, the priests are now talking with Pilate about Jesus; what are they requesting of Pilate? What prophecy was fulfilled?
4. In verses 33-40, ponder, how does Jesus’ response to Pilate in verse 34 and 36 demonstrate His grace for Pilate? What would Jesus’ answers have forced Pilate to consider? What question does Pilate end with at the end of their conversation in verse 38? Ponder: In our culture of “my truth”, where do we find absolute Truth?
5. In verses 38-40, since Pilate found no fault in Jesus, why didn’t he release Him?
6. In verses 15-18 and 25-27, we find the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy about Peter from 13:37-38. What was the prophecy and what does Peter do? Ponder: picture the scene. Jesus has given His final message to His disciples that confuses and concerns them greatly; and now Jesus has been bound in the middle of the night and soldiers have taken Him away. How would you have felt if you were Peter? Have you ever denied Jesus in some way; perhaps been silent when you should have spoken? How does this lead you to pray?

March 31: John 19

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In verses 1-8, how does Pilate and his soldiers treat Jesus? After treating Jesus as they did, Pilate brings Him out to the Jewish leaders; what does he say to the leaders? How does Pilate dress Jesus when he brings Him out before the Jews; and how do the Jews respond when they see this? Even though Pilate finds no fault in Him, why do the Jews want to kill Jesus and how does this reason impact Pilate (vs 7-8)?
2. Pilate then goes back to Jesus, what makes Pilate mad? How does Jesus answer to Pilate reveal who is actually in control of this situation? Ponder: when things in your life feel chaotic, scary and out of control, how can it be comforting to know God is always in control? How does this lead you to pray?
3. In verses 12-22, what is the timing of Pilate handing Jesus over to the Jews? Ponder: do you think Pilate believed Jesus was their king when he presented Jesus to the Jews and said, “Behold your King!”; or was he mocking? How did the Jews respond to Pilate’s declaration? How does this passage describe how Jesus went to the cross? What inscription did Pilate have placed above Jesus head?
4. In verses 23-27, we see a stark contrast between the soldiers and the women who were at the foot of the cross. Ponder: what is the contrast? How does Jesus show love and compassion for His mother? Even in His agony, He was thinking of others.
5. When Jesus died, how does verse 30 display who is in control of His death? There are 3 prophecies revealed to be fulfilled in the rest of this chapter, what are they? Ponder: why do you think John included these? (Hint: Look ahead to John 20:30-31)
6. Who took Jesus body down from the cross and where did they lay Him? Ponder: who were these two men who cared for Jesus? What do we learn about them from this chapter? What did they risk in order to care for Jesus in this way? Note: The family and disciples would not have been able to take Jesus body down due to the customs of the day. Criminals were typically placed outside the city in a criminal cemetery. (See for more info: Dr. Constable, Sonic Light, https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/pdf/john.pdf, pg 847).