Signs to Believe: The Gospel of John

Signs to Believe: The Gospel of John - NextLevel Online curriculum

Lessons

"These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31) In this fifteen session study, Jim Dalrymple of Ozark Christian College leads you through the entire Gospel of John. Follow John's two part story, Signs of Glory (John 1 to 12) and Suffering and Glory (John 13 to 21), and trace the themes that run through the book: belief, truth, witnesses, trials, signs, feasts, and the "I am" statements of Jesus. Rich historical background brings each scene to life, and every session invites you to render your own verdict about who Jesus is. Ideal for small groups, Sunday school classes, and personal study.

Session 1

Introduction

Why did John write his gospel? Discover his stated purpose in John 20:30 to 31, the seven organizing themes that run through the book, and a simple outline for reading John as Signs of Glory and Suffering and Glory.

Session 2

Firsts, Part 1: Things & Witnesses

John opens his gospel with a series of firsts. Explore the prologue's themes of creation, wisdom, exodus, and family, and hear the question John places before every reader: will you follow Jesus?

Session 3

Firsts, Part 2: Week & Signs

From John the Baptist's witness to the call of the first disciples, the wedding at Cana, and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus invites us to come, see, follow, and worship Him as King.

Session 4

Four Encounters

Nicodemus, John the Baptist, the Samaritan woman, and a desperate father from Capernaum each meet Jesus in John 3 and 4. Which of these encounters is a mirror of your own journey to belief?

Session 5

Four Feasts, Part 1: Sabbath & Passover

Jesus heals a lame man on the Sabbath, feeds the five thousand, walks on water, and declares, "I am the bread of life." Witnesses take the stand as Jesus' identity is put on trial.

Session 6

Four Feasts, Part 2: Tabernacles

At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus offers living water and declares Himself the Light of the World. The division over who He is leaves only two choices, believe or reject.

Session 7

Four Feasts, Part 3: Tabernacles & Dedication

The healing of the man born blind, the Good Shepherd, and the Feast of Dedication reveal who truly sees and who remains in darkness as the courtroom drama over Jesus' identity intensifies.

Session 8

Final Sign

The raising of Lazarus is the final sign of John's gospel. Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life," and the plot to take His life begins.

Session 9

Final Preparations

Mary anoints Jesus at Bethany and crowds welcome Him into Jerusalem with palm branches. The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. How will you respond to Jesus?

Session 10

Final Meal

At the Passover meal in the upper room, Jesus washes His disciples' feet, faces betrayal, and gives a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.

Session 11

Final Words

In His farewell address in John 14 to 17, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, calls His followers to abide in the vine, assures them He has overcome the world, and prays for all who will believe.

Session 12

Final Hours, Part 1: Trials

Arrested in the garden and questioned by Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, Jesus remains in complete control. Pilate asks, "What is truth?" while Truth stands right in front of him.

Session 13

Final Hours, Part 2: Crucifixion

Jesus is flogged, mocked, and condemned while Barabbas goes free. Walk through the crucifixion, the inscription above the cross, and the seven sayings from the cross.

Session 14

Final Victory

Jesus is buried in a garden tomb and rises again. Meet the witnesses of the resurrection and weigh the historical evidence that the tomb was empty. Will you choose to believe?

Session 15

Final Encounters

Beside the Sea of Galilee, the risen Jesus provides a miraculous catch, restores Peter, and calls him again to follow. John's gospel closes with an invitation to believe and find life in His name.