MESSAGE NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL/GROUP REFLECTION QUESTIONS, 10/27/24
So, what do you believe about Jesus? We all believe something about Him. A.W. Tozer, a famous American pastor in the mid 1900s declared, “What comes into our minds when we think about Jesus is the most important thing about us.”
In week 11, we focus on John 12 and consider this question of belief: Do you believe Jesus is the King of Kings?
*Next week, we will focus on John 11, since it is the best fit for All Saints Day. Forgive us for being out of order!
CONNECT
Flip through the first 10 chapters of the gospel of John and note the titles of certain chapters and sections. Which of the chapters/stories/ theological declarations within the Gospel of John are resonating with you the most during this season of your life?
REFLECT
Read John 12:1-11. It is 6 days before Passover, Jesus’ crucifixion is nearing. What are all the agendas that are colliding in this scene at Lazarus’ house (Mary’s, Jesus’, Judas’, crowd’s, and chief priest’s)? What is the significance of Mary’s extravagant offering (see 2 Kings 9:3, Philippians 4:18-20)? If you were present, do you think you would have missed that this event was anointing Jesus as King?
Read John 12:12-19. Based on the size of the crowd, one would imagine that Jesus is parading into the city on a mighty steed. Instead, He is riding a tiny donkey. See the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10. This is one of some 300+ prophecies He fulfilled. How does this make you feel? The crowd expected their Messiah to be a warrior king, yet Jesus behaved much differently. What type of king is Jesus? What supports this?
Read John 12:20-36. The Greeks wanted to see Jesus. What did Jesus mean by what He declared to them? What is challenging and beautiful to you about it? Then, He conveys that He is troubled and calls out to His Father, who replies back. What is wonderful and surprising to you about this? Why do you think He refers to Himself as the “Son of Man” (another fulfilled prophecy from Daniel 7:13-14) and the light?
Read John 12:37-50. Note the third fulfilled prophecy in this chapter by Isaiah. Why do you think John included this? At this point, near the end of Jesus’ public ministry, many are beginning to believe, but what is holding them back? How is this the same way in our lives today? In vv. 44-50, Jesus is making His final public statement. This is a rich theological summary. Identify all the different truths He is declaring.
APPLICATION
Ponder – What things in your life hold greater reign over you than Jesus? And why?
How could you make Jesus King more than other things throughout your day?
Pray – Jesus, rule in my life, so I live with and for you more.
RESOURCES
Gospel of John Simple Journal/Reading Plan (in lobby)
Gospel of John Overview Video [https://shorturl.at/hVyfX]