Search The Scriptures —Study 30 — John 14:25 - 15: 8

Study 30 From the Book of John is: John 14:25 - 15: 8

1. The disciples were distressed at the thought of Jesus going away and leaving them alone in a hostile world; cf. 16:6. What promises does Jesus give in verses 25-29 to answer their fears? Why does His going to the Father bring greater benefit than if He had remained as He was? What also does verse 31 teach about Christ's reason for facing the cross?

2. What does the parable of the vine teach about (a) the purpose for which the branches exist, (b) the vinedresser's dealing with the branches, and (c) the dependence of the branches upon the vine? With verses 3 and 7 compare 14:15, 21, 23; see also 8:31, 32. What kind of fruit do you bear? Cf. Gal 5:22, 23.

Notes

1. 14:28. 'The Father is greater than I' cf. 10:29, 30. He is not greater in being more divine, but in the eternal Father -Son and God-man relationships.

2. 14:30. ' The ruler of this world': cf. 12:31; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1 Jn. 5:19. The RSV; 'has no power over me' gives the true sense of these words. There is nothing in Jesus over which the devil can claim possession, and therefore domination.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 29 — John 14:15-24

Study 29 From the Book of John: John 14:15-24

1. Three times in this passage Jesus speaks of loving Him (verses 15, 21, 23). How does our love for the Lord Jesus show itself? Is this true of you? Since love is personal, can you see to what personal relationship this love leads?

2. In what sense does Jesus 'come' to us (verse 18)? How is this related to the coming of 'another Advocate' (see Note 1)? Give examples of ways in which Jesus proved to be the first 'Advocate'.
3. Why Cannot the world 'see' the Spirit or Jesus (verses 17, 19)? Cf. 1:11; 3:19; 5:37; 7:34; 8:19, 47; 12:37-40. What explanation did Jesus give here in answer to Judas? How can the eyes of men be opened to see Him?

Notes

1. Verse 16. 'Counsellor': literally, one called to one's side to plead on one's behalf. 'Advocate' is a better translation. Cf. 1 Jn. 2:1
2. Verse 18. 'Desolate': better, 'bereaved'.
3. Verse 22. Cf. 7:4. The disciples also naturally expected that the Messiah would display His power to the world.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 28— John 13:33 – 14:14

Study 28 From the Book of John: John 13:33 – 14:14

1. Trace the connection between 13:33-37 and 14:1-6. Where was Jesus going? Why could they not follow until later? To what event does 'I will come again' refer?

2. In what respect were the questions of both Thomas and Philip short – sighted? How is Jesus the way, the truth and the life, especially in relation to the Father?

3. What prospect does Jesus set before His disciples as a consequence of His return to the Father? See verses 12:14. Do you know anything of this in your experience? Why are the works of the believers called 'greater works'?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 27 — John 13:21-32

Study 27 From the Book of John is: John 13:21-32

1. Trace the action of Satan upon the heart of Judas as shown in this gospel. See 6:70; 12:4-6; 13:2, 27. If the giving of the morsel to him in verse 26 was Jesus' last appeal of love, what state of heart does verse 27a indicate? What connection has verse 30 with 12:35,36.
2. Compare verses 31, 32 with 12:23, 28. Verses 31 and 32a point to the action of the Son and 32b to that of the Father. To what impending events did these words point? How can the Father be glorified in you?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 26 — John 13:1-20

Study 26 From the Book of John: John 13:1-20

1. Verse 13. 'Teacher and Lord'. What degrees of Lordship are revealed in verses 1 and 3? Did Jesus perform the task of a servant in spite of, or because of, His relation tot he Father? Cf. Phil. 2:5-8.

2. What important lesson did Jesus teach in response to Peter's interruptions? See verses 8 and 10. Cf. Tit. 3:5; 1 Jn. 1:7.
3. What further application did Jesus make of His actions as an example to His followers? Cf. Lk. 22:22-27. Are you giving sufficient heed to this matter? See verse 17.

Notes

1. Verse 10. 'Bathed': the disciples had been cleansed; all except Judas (verse 11). Cf. 15:3.
2. Verse 20. 'Anyone whom I send': ie., the apostles and all subsequent witnesses to Christ. So also verse 16.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 35 — 2 Kings 24 and 25

Study 35 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 24 and 25

With this lesson, we end the book of 2 Kings. Tomorrow, we delve into the book of John and will continue where we left off with John 13.

1. Looking back to 23:31, what four kings reigned between Josiah's death and the fall of Jerusalem? What was the length of their reigns, and what was their record, as described in these chapters?
2. In what ways was Nebuchadnezzar's treatment of Jerusalem after his second capture of it much more severe than when he captured it the first time? What reasons are given in chapter 24 for the captivity? Cf. 23:26, 27; Je. 15:1-4; Dt. 4:26, 27. What does this teach us about the end of persistent sinning? Yet what star of hope is seen shining in the closing verses of the book? Cf. 2 Sa. 7:14, 15.

Note. 25:22. 'Gedaliah the son of Ahikam': see 22:12; Je. 26:24. The story of his assassination is told more fully in Je. 40:1-41:10.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 34 — 2 Kings 22 and 23

Study 34 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 22 and 23

1. Make out a list of all that Josiah did, both positively to promote true religion, and negatively to destroy the false. Are our lives marked by a similar eagerness to depart from iniquity and to live in covenant with God? Cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1. What was the mainspring of Josiah's reforming zeal? Cf. Ps. 119:161b; Is. 66:2; see also 2 Ki. 23:25; and contrast the behaviour of Jehoiakim in Je. 36:23-25.
2. Examine the part played by Huldah the prophetess and compare with the influence of other women mentioned in previous chapters

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Search The Scriptures —Study 33 — 2 Kings 20 and 21

Study 33 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 20 and 21

The events described in chapter 20 happened in the earlier part of Hezekiah's reign before the invasion of Sennacherib (see verses 6 and 13), and also 18:15, 16) and are introduced here as a kind of appendix to the story of Hezekiah.

1. Put yourself in Hezekiahs place, and try to picture the effect on him of Isaiah's announcement. What did he do (cf. Ps. 102:24), and what did God then do? How would these experiences help to prepare Hezekiah for the greater tests of faith that he was to meet when Sennacherib attacked him? In spite of his faithfulness to God, in what way did Hezekiah fail in the incident recorded in 20:12-19? Cf. Pr. 29:5. How did Isaiah view the incident, and what word of Judgment was given him to speak? For its fulfillment over a century later see chapter 25.
2. Summarize in your own words Manasseh's flagrant idolatry. What judgments did God declare through His Prophets? Do you think it can have been easy for the prophets to speak thus? Cf. mi. 3:8.

Notes

1. 20:12. Merodach-baladan (see Is. 39:1) was a northern chieftain, who had seize Babylon and was looking round for every possible means of strengthening his position. His reign did not last long, and it would have been folly for Hezekiah to enter into alliance with him.
2. 21:13. The first half of the verse means that Jerusalem will receive the same measure of judgment as Samaria and the house of Ahab. The metaphor in the second half of the verse is a very strong and vivid one.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 32 — 2 Kings 19:8-37

Study 32 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 19:8-37

1. Comparing Hezekiah's action and word in verses 14-19 with those of the earlier crisis in verses 3, 4, what evidence do you find that Hezedkah's faith had grown stronger?
2. How did Sennacherib appear to merely human judgment? How did he appear as seen by Isaiah with the eyes of faith? Are we learning to look at the world situation today in relation to God? Cf. Jn. 14:1. What does the whole story teach as to the difference which faith in God makes in individual and national life?

Note: verse 29. The meaning is that only in the third year from the time at which the words were spoken would there be normal sowing and reaping. The fulfillment of the prophet's pronouncement would attest his divinely given authority.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 31 — 2 Kings 18:1-19:7

Study 31 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 18:1-19:7

1. What four points about Hezekiah's attitude and conduct with reference to God are mentioned in 18:3, 5 and 6? Are these things true of us? How did Hezekiah's faith manifest itself in action, and what evidence had he of God's favour and blessing? See verses 4, 7 and 8.
2. In what ways did the Assyrian speaker, Rabshakeh, threaten the people of Israel? What were the reactions to this attack of (a) the people, and (b) Isaiah? Cf. Ex. 14:13; I Sa. 17:44, 45; Dn. 3:15-18. Are you able to encourage others by your faith, or are you among those that fear and need encouragement?

Notes

1. 18:22. Hezekiah's reforming zeal was no doubt unpopular with many. Rabshakeh knew this, and sought to turn it to advantage for his own end.
2. 19:3b. A figure of speech denoting a crisis of extreme gravity.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 30 — 2 Kings 17

Study 30 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 17

This chapter tells of the end of the northern kingdom of Israel, with the causes of its downfall, and what followed after it.

1. Can you trace a progressive deterioration in Israel's moral and spiritual condition in verses 9:18? Compare the phrase 'did secretly...” in verse 9 with 'sold themselves...' in verse 17. What are the modern counterparts of the sins which Israel committed? Cf. Col. 3:5; Heb. 12:25.
2. Consider what great events had taken place in Israel's history in the territory of the norther kingdom which had brought glory to God, and deliverance to the people. To what condition was it now reduced? Cf. A Tim. 3:5; Is. 29:13

Notes

1. Verse 2. In what way Hoshea sinned less grievously than preceding kings is not explained.
2. Verses 33 – 34. The word 'fear' is used here in two senses; in verse 33 of outward worship, and in verse 34 of heart reverence.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 29 — 2 Kings 15 and 16

Study 29 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 15 and 16

These two chapters cover a period of about eighty years. It is helpful to make a list in parallel columns of the kings of Judah and Israel respectively, mentioned in today's portion, which the length of their reigns.

1. Taking first the kings of Judah, how does Ahaz stand out in sharp contrast to his father Jotham, and his grandfather Azariah (Uzziah)? What two particular acts of folly, one political, the other religious, are recorded of him? Cf. Ps. 146:3-5; Is. 7:1-9.
2. How long did the dynasty of Jehu in Israel? See 10:30 and Ho. 1:4. What happened after the dynasty came to an end? What great loss did the northern kingdom suffer in the reign of Pekah? Do you find any good thing recorded of any of the kings of the northern kingdom in these two chapters? Cf. Ho. 7:7; 8:4; 13:11.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 28 — 2 Kings 13 and 14

Study 28 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 13 and 14

This is another composite portion, containing first a brief account of two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash or Joash (to be distinguished from the king of Judah of the same name); then two incidents connected with Elisha; and finally an account of the reigns of Amaziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II of Israel.

1. What evidence is there that in the reign of Jehoahaz Israel was greatly impoverished? Also what reason is assigned for this state of things?
2. In what ways did all four kings, whose reigns are descried in chapter 14, fall short of what God required of them?

Notes

1. 13:5. A reference to Jeroboam II; see 14:27
2. 14:13. 'Four hundreds cubits' : about 200 yards
3. 14:23. Jeroboam II had a long and successful reign, during which the northern kingdom of Israel was greatly extended. See verse 25.
4. 14:25. “The entrance of Hamath” may refer to the pass between Hermon and Lebanon in the north; 'the sea of Arabah' is the Dead Sea. There is no other reference in Scripture to this particular prophecy of Jonah.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 27 — 2 Kings 11 and 12

Study 27 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 11 and 12

1. What was Athaliah's purpose, and by what two persons, under God, was it brought to nought? What new light does 2 Ch. 22: 11 throw upon the story? Compare with the faith and courage of Jehosheba and Jehoiada that of Mose's parents (cf. Heb. 11:23).
2. What signs of healthy moral and spiritual life do you find in these chapters, and in what respect shortcoming? What part did Joash play in this? See further 2 Ch. 24: 17-24

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Search The Scriptures —Study 26 — 2 Kings 10

Study 26 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 10

1. Trace the course of Jehu's rise to power. Looking back to chapter 9, where was he first anointed, and acclaimed as king? Whither did he then go, striking down in swift succession Jehoram, Ahaziah and Jezebel? Whom did he further slay, as recorded in 10: 1-14, and by what means?
2. From this account of his reign, what do you learn about Jehu's aim, his character, and his attitude to God?

Note. Verses 9, 10. Jehu quietens the people of Samaria, by reminding them that all that was happening was but the fulfillment of God's word through Elijah. See 1 Ki. 21:21, 23,24.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 25 — 2 Kings 8 and 9

Study 25 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 8 and 9

Today's portion contains (a) tow incidents connected with Elisha's ministry; (b) a brief summary of the reigns of two kings of Judah; (c) the story of the revolution under Jehu, through which the house of Ahab was destroyed.

1. 8:1-15. How does the first of these two incidents illustrate God's watchful care over His own? Cf. Ps. 33:18-22; Rom. 8:28. In the second incident why did Elisha weep? Cf. Je. 8:16-9:1; Lk. 19:41-44.
2. Ponder the vivid story of the revolution, as given in chapter 9, noticing especially how it began, and the references to the world of God and its fulfillment. Cf. Heb. 10:31; 12:29; 2 Ki. 10:30.
3. Consider throughout the history of the kings of Israel and Judah the results of marriage alliances with those who are the enemies of God.

Notes

1. 8:10. The sickness itself was not fatal, but Elisha was given a vision of other things that would happen, which filled him with horror. Moffat translates verse 11 thus. 'The man of God's face became rigid with horror, absolute horror.'
2. Verse 13. Hazel was elated at the prospect of doing such deeds.
3. Verse 16. It is important to distinguish between Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and Jehoram (or Joran), son of Ahab, king of Israel. Their reigns were in great measure contemporaneous.
4. Verse 26. Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and therefore granddaughter of Omri. See 1 Ki. 16:29-31. She married Jehoram, king of Judah (verse 18).

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Search The Scriptures —Study 24 — 2 Kings 6:8 – 7:20

Study 24 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 6:8 – 7:20

1. 6:8-23. Why was the young man afraid, and why was the prophet not afraid? Have we learned the secret of the conquest of fear? Cf. Heb. 11:27.
2. Observe the severity of the siege, and the greatness of the faith that enabled Elisha to speak as he did in 7:1. How does the judgment that fell upon the unbelieving officer illustrate the punishment that will follow all wilful unbelief? Cf. Mk. 16B; Jn. 3:36
3. What lessons do you learn from the part played by the four lepers in this story?
   Notes.
   1. 6:25. 'Ten pounds in silver was paid for the head of an ass and twelve shillings for a pint of doves' dung' (Moffat).
   2. 6:30, 31. Elisha appears to have been sustaining the hopes of the king and people by the promise of divine deliverance. The king's faith now gave way, and he burned with anger against the prophet.
   3. 7:1. “A shekel': 'half a crown' (Moffat)

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Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — 2 Kings 5:1-6:7

Study 23 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 5:1-6:7

1. Chapter 5. There are four important figures in this chapter: the captive maid, Naaman, Elisha and Gehazi. What lessons may we learn from each?

2. 6:1-7. Think about this incident in relation to Elisha's position as a spiritual leader. Are there lessons here for the Christian church?

Notes

1. 5:17. The idea in Naaman's mind was that Jehovah, the God of Israel, could not be rightly worshiped except except on Israelitish soil. His faith was still very imperfect, as verse 18 also shows.

2. 5:22 'A talent of silver' i.e 'four hundred pounds' (Moffat), a very large sum to be asked for two young men of the sons of the prophets.

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Search The Scriptures—Study 22—2 Kings 4:8-44

Study 22 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 4:8-44

1. Verses 8-37. In what ways is the woman of shumen an example to us? What do you learn about the reason why God allows His servant to undergo acute suffering? What lesson are to be drawn from Gehazi's failure?
2. What features in Elisha's character are brought out by the incidents in this passage?

Note. Verse 42. The present was for Elisha; and if there was still scarcity of food (verse 38), the gift would be the more precious. But, Elisha shared it with all who were with him.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21 — 2 Kings 3: 1 – 4:7

Study 21 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 3: 1 – 4:7

1. what was the cause of the attack upon Moab, and how was Elisha brought into the situation? A map should be used to identify the route taken by the attacking armies and the place where the miracle was wrought. How does the story show what one man of faith can do to save a multitude?
2. How does the story of 4:1-7 illustrate the working of faith? Was it easy for the woman to do what Elisha bade her do? Has this any lesson for you in your own life?

Notes

1. 3:1. Cf. 1:17. The apparent discrepancy may be explained by the fact that father and son frequently reigned together during the latter part of the father's life.
2. 3:11. 'Who poured water...' : i.e., he was Elijah's attendant.
3. 3:20. Travelers report that in that region there is water under the sand.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20 — 2 Kings 1 and 2

Study 20 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 1 and 2

These two chapters contain the last two stories about Elijah.

1. contrast the end of King Ahaziah with Elijah's end What was the fundamental difference between these two men? Cf. 1 J n. 2:15 – 17; 5:4.
2. In what three ways was Elisha tested (see 2:1-15), and what qualities in him does his conduct reveal? Have we the same resolute spirit? See Note 1 below. Elisha's miracles are parables of spiritual truths. What do you learn from this first miracle (2: 19 – 22)?

Notes

1. 2:19 Elisha wanted to be fully equipped for the high service to which he was called
2. 2:23-25. 'Small boys': better 'young' as in rv mg. These were youths of Bethel whose attitude reflected the spirit of the place. Coming out to meet Elisha in a large band they mocked the prophet, who was bald in mourning for his master (cf. Jb, 1:20), and said ;Go up' i.e., Ascend to heaven as you say your master did'. It was a grievous insult, and Elisha, righteously angry, invoked the judgment of God upon them. Shaken by the whole episode, he did not enter Bethel but made his way to Carmel.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 25 — John 12:37-50

Study 25 From the Book of John is: John 12:37-50

With this lesson, we take a break from the book of John and will reconnect again later on the subject. Tomorrow we will CONTINUE with the book of Kings. Last time we ended the book of 1 Kings on the 19^th lesson. As we move forward we will pick up from 2 Kings and study 20 because as mentioned before, 1 and 2 Kings form a single unit

This passage presents the problem of unbelief in face of manifest evidence of God's power and presence

1. Both quotations from Isaiah in verses 38-40 speak of Christ, the latter because Christ's glory is included in the vision of God's glory in Isaiah 6. Who has and who has not 'believed our report' Why has God blinded their eyes. Etc.? Does this apply today to (Jews, and (b) non-Jews? Why do you believe?
2. The seriousness of rejecting Jesus is the subject of verses 44-50, in which John summarizes the teaching of Jesus on this matter. Why is it so serious to reject Jesus? See especially verses 45, 46, 50 and compare Pr. 1:20-33. Why will Jesus word be the judge (verse 48)?

Notes

1. Verse 42. 'Put out of the Synagogue': cf. 9:22. This was a very severe punishment, involving separation from public worship and from social intercourse.
2. Verse 45. 'Sees': here is the concept of careful observation leading to spiritual insight.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 24 — John 12:20-36

Study 24 From the Book of John is: John 12:20-36

The Greeks who inquired for Jesus were a token of the world of people beyond Israel who would be saved through Jesus' atoning death and resurrection (cf. 10:16; 12-32) Their coming therefore introduces the consummation of Jesus' work; see verse 23.

1. Give examples of the ways in which you can love your life, or hate it. To whom does Jesus primarily refer in verse 24? In view of this, what is involved in following Him (verse 26)?
2. In what sense did the coming 'hour' (verse 23) bring about the glorifying of the Son of man and the Father (verse 28)? How did His being lifted up involve the judgment of this world (verse 31-34)?
3. Verses 35, 36 give Jesus's last appeal to the nation. What is meant by walking and believing in the light? Are you doing this?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — John 11:45 – 12:19

Study 23 From the Book of John is: John 11:45 – 12:19

1. Observe the varied effects of the miracle. See especially 11:45., 46, 47-53, 54; 12: 11, 17-19; and cf. Lk. 16:31. How is it that the same act quickens faith in some, and hatred in others? Cf. 11:47, 48; 12:11, 19; Mt. 27:18.
2. 12:1-8. What insights does Mary's action reveal? How far does your love for the Lord lead you to understand Him, and to serve Him without counting the cost?
3. In 11:47-53 and 12:12-16 there are two examples of God overruling men's words and actions to fulfill His own purposes. What is the real purpose of God to which each points?

Note. 11:48. The Jewish leaders feared that Jesus might lead a revolt for which the Romans would exact severe punishment.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 22 — John 11:28-44

Study 22 From the Book of John is: John 11:28-44

1. What is the special significance of this seventh 'sign'? How is it related to the events which Jesus was shortly to experience as the climax of His work? In what way was the glory of God revealed?
2. Why did Jesus pray aloud before calling Lazarus from the tomb? What does this teach about the means by which His miracles were accomplished? Cf. Jn. 5:19, 20; 14:10.

Note. Verses 33-38. The word 'weep' in verse 33 is the wailing of mourners that in verse 35 implies silent tears of sympathy. The rendering of rsv in verse 33. 'he was deeply moved in spirit', does not give the full force of the Greek, for which Prof. Tasker suggests, 'He was enraged in spirit and troubled Himself' (TNTC, p. 140) His anger was roused against the evil powers of death, which caused such distress to mankind, and which He was about to conquer, here by a mighty display of divine power, and finally on the cross by His own death and resurrection.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21— John 11: 1-27

Study 21 From the Book of John is: John 11: 1-27

The seventh 'sign'.

1. Compare verse 4 with 9: 3. Explain the apparent contradiction both in verse 4 and also in verses 5, 6. See verses 14, 15. Can you see why God sometimes seems to delay answering your prayer?

2. What direction and assurance do verses 9, 10 give for the conducts of your life? Cf. 9:4, 5.
3. In verses 21, 22, 24 Martha makes three correct but limited statements. In respect to each of them Jesus' answer in verses 25, 26 reveals that He has within Himself infinitely greater powers than she knew. What are they?

Note. Verse 26. 'Shall never die': for the believer death is no longer death. It introduces him into a new state of life. See Note on Jn. 8: 51.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20— John 10:22-42

Study 20From the Book of John is: John 10:22-42

1. Why would a plain answer to the Jews' question of verse 24 have been useless? What indications of the nature of Jesus' Person were already being given? See verses 25, 32, 37, 38. Why were the Jews incapable of seeing this? Do your works corroborate your words?
2. In the statements of verses 27, 28 how is the sheep's relationship to the shepherd described, and how the shepherd's relation to the sheep? On what grounds given in verses 28, 29 can you be sure that you will never perish?
3. In what terms does Jesus describe His relationship with God, and what evidence does He give in support of His claim? How far are the words of the Jews at the end of verse 33 correct? What ought they to have done?

Notes

1. Verse 30. The word 'one' is neuter in the Greek: 'a unity', not 'one person'.
2. Verses 34-36. See Ps. 82:6. Even the judges of Israel, acting as God's representatives, were called 'gods'. The Jews should have seen that Jesus was far superior to them. This comparison with the men of the Old Testament is sufficient argument to refute the charge of blasphemy. Jesus does not imply that He is merely a man like them.

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Study 19 From the Book of John 10:1-21

Study 19 From the Book of John is: John 10:1-21

Compare Je. 23: 1-4. By their attitude to the blind man of chapter 9, the Pharisees, who claimed to be the spiritual guides of Israel as the people of God, had shown themselves to be 'thieves and robbers' (verses 1-8), like the false prophets of the Old Testament.

1. Verses 1-10. Why does Jesus call Himself ' the door of the sheep'? What are the privileges and blessings of those who enter in? How do the sheep recognize the true shepherd? What does he do to them? Do you know his voice?
2. What are the marks of the good shepherd? Can you find in verses 11-18 (a) proof that our Lord's death was not a mere martyrdom (b) the purpose of His life and death, and incentive to missionary work? Cf. Rev. 7:9, 10, 15-17.

Notes

1. Verse 3. 'Hear': i.e., listen attentively to, and so obey.
2. Jesus is both 'door' and 'shepherd'. Other also are under -shepherds (Acts 20-28, 29; 1 Pet. 5:2-4) who must themselves first enter through the 'door'.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 18 — John 9

Study 18 From the Book of John is: John 9

1. This is the sixth of the seven 'signs'. To which aspect of Jesus's work does it point? See verses 5, 39. In how many ways is the opening of this man's eyes to be compared with the giving of spiritual sight? Does your personal experience of Jesus's power give you the same assurance in answering His critics as this man had?
2. Explain verses 39-41. Detail the ways in which the words and actions of the Pharisees in verses 13-34 illustrate this passage.

Note. Verses 14. The 'work' for which the Pharisees condemned Jesus as breaking the Sabbath was making clay, as well as healing. The latter was allowed, but only in an emergency.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 17 — John 8:30-59

Study 17 From the Book of John is: John 8:30-59

1. The form of expression in Greek in verse 31 shows that 'the Jews' here did not commit themselves to Jesus as much as the 'many' in verses 30. What steps leading to full freedom are seen in verses 31-36? What is this freedom? In what sense did the Jews claim to be free? Are you truly free?
2. This section is concerned with the real meaning of parentage. For what reasons did Jesus argue that these Jews were not truly the children of Abraham or of God's Son? Why were they were they not able to see this?

Notes

1. Verse 51. 'He will never see death': i.e., know the experience of that death which is God's judgment on sin; cf. Gn. 2:17; Jn. 5:24; 11:26.
2. Verse 56. 'My day': Abraham in faith saw ahead to the day of Christ's incarnation, and anticipated His saving work.
3. Verse 58. 'I am': the divine name, as in Ex. 3:14.

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