Bible Reading
John 1:1-14 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
[05:46]Luke 7:36-50 “One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
[43:41]John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
[40:10]Observation questions
- In John 1:1–14, what connections does John make between Jesus, God, creation, and life? What does this reveal about Jesus beyond his being a human teacher? [38:03]
- What does John 1:1–14 describe people receiving through Jesus, and how does John describe his character? [38:21]
- In Luke 7:36–50, how do the woman’s actions and Simon’s response reveal their different attitudes toward Jesus? How does Jesus respond to the woman? [43:41]
- In John 10:11, what action shows the depth of Jesus’ care for his sheep? How does this add to the picture of Jesus as someone who leads and guides? [40:10]
Interpretation questions
- John presents Jesus as God coming near in human flesh. How does this challenge the idea that God is distant or uninterested in people’s daily struggles? [37:37]
- In Luke 7:36–50, how does Jesus’ response to the woman hold together the reality of her sin and her worth as someone loved by God? What does Simon seem to miss about forgiveness and love? [44:05]
- How does Jesus’ willingness to give his life for his sheep help explain the difference between being rescued by him and being promised a trouble-free life? What kind of hope does this offer someone facing loss? [35:12]
Application questions
- Jesus’ rescue does not mean that pain disappears or that grief is a failure of faith. If you feel comfortable sharing, where are you facing something painful right now? What would it look like to hold on to his hope without pretending that everything is fine? [35:17]
- Calling Jesus Lord means giving him authority over our lives. Think of a decision you are facing about your time, money, work, or relationships. What might change if Jesus’ direction carried more weight than convenience or other people’s approval? [35:43]
- Jesus meets broken people with love rather than shame. When you have failed, what makes it difficult for you to receive his forgiveness? What might help you bring that failure honestly to him instead of hiding it? [44:14]
- Think about someone who might feel uncomfortable entering our church, perhaps because of their past or an experience of being hurt by Christians. Without sharing their private story, what could you or this group do to help them feel genuinely welcomed rather than examined? [45:48]
- Shared allegiance to Jesus makes room for people who do not think or vote alike. When have you found it hard to listen to or worship alongside someone who disagrees with you? What could help you treat that person as someone worth knowing and loving? [46:10]
- Think of one person in your family, workplace, or neighborhood whom you find difficult to love. What is one specific way you could show them Jesus’ care this week, and how could this group support you in taking that step? [46:38]
