NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: John 7:1-52
Discussion Questions: What do people think about Jesus today? Why do you think people view Jesus in the way they view Him? What role does faith have in understanding who Jesus is?
Food for Thought:
He had just turned 13 and was trying to learn how the boyfriend/girlfriend thing worked. He had his eye on this one girl but was not sure where he stood. He didn’t know if she viewed him more like a brother or more like a potential boyfriend. Instead of going directly to her, he talked to the girl’s best friend, with hopes of getting an answer one way or the other. He got his answer, but now he had to decide if he believed what he was hearing.
The teachings and miracles performed by Jesus caused a division among the Jews about the identity of Jesus. Some wondered if He was the promised Messiah, but He didn’t meet all their expectations (see John 7:25-27). During an annual feast, Jesus affirmed His identity by declaring that God had sent Him (John 7:29). Some responded with anger while others responded with faith. They both had the same information, yet their responses were very different.
The issue about Jesus’ identity goes beyond having the right information. Ultimately, it boils down to believing what Jesus declared. The Bible paints a clear picture of Jesus as the Savior who was sent by the Father to redeem sinful humanity. You either trust the biblical account or you don’t. If you choose to trust in something other than the biblical account, then you have to decide why that account is more trustworthy than the Bible. Ultimately, it all comes down to faith.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in eight years. The eight-year plan and more information can be found on the Internet at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at www.LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
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