John Explained: A Bible Study

John the Baptist had one job.

John came to prepare people to meet Jesus.

Specifically, he would 'make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah had foretold.

However, the people wouldn't listen.

John would be a voice crying in the wilderness. He would be misunderstood, and eventually killed.

And the same would happen to the Messiah.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why was John 'baptizing' people? What kind of baptism was...

It wasn't just a miracle - it was a sign.

In John 2, Jesus attended a wedding.

And at this wedding He performed His first recorded miracle (turning water into wine).

So, what was this miracle really about?

As we'll see, it pointed forward to the cross - even if no one knew it at the time.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did Jesus tell Mary that His 'hour had not come?'

B) In what way(s) did this miracle point forward to Calvary...

To Nicodemus, it seemed like crazy talk.

But to Jesus, this was serious business.

If God's people are to be saved, we must first be 'born again.'

So what does that term mean? And how does it happen?

In today's study, we'll dive into the critical topic of regeneration.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Who was Nicodemus, and why did he go to Jesus?

B) Why did Jesus say Nicodemus must be 'born again?'

C) What are the implications ...

Surprising. Shocking. Scandalous.

Jews and Samaritans were NOT supposed to interact.

Their mutual hatred went back generations.

And yet, here Jesus was, not only talking with this woman in John 4 - but asking her for water.

What was this encounter all about?

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What was the history of the Samaritans? Who were they?

B) What had the woman done to be ostracized by her own people?

C) What did Jesus tell the...

"Do you want to be made well?"

That was Christ's question of the sick man.

It is also Christ's question of you. Do you want to be made well?

And what do you want to be made well from?

This will be the focus of today's sermon from John 5.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What was Christ's objective?

B) Why did He enter the 'Sheep Gate?'

C) Who did He seek out, and why?

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Would you please leave a review to...

It was late. The people were hungry.

Thousands had followed Jesus out of desperation. They were sick, hurting, and now starving.

And as Jesus looked out at the crowds, He had compassion.

In today's study, we'll see how He responded.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did the people follow Jesus?

B) Why didn't they bring food?

C) What sign did Jesus perform, and why?

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Would you please leave a review to...

Some things are hard to believe. Others are hard to accept.

At the start of John 6, thousands pursued Jesus. By the end, few remained.

What happened to the rest?

The short answer: they heard Jesus talk, and they didn't like what He said.

They could not accept His difficult teachings, and so they left.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What drew people to Jesus initially?

B) What caused His disciples to remain?

C) What does this say a...

She was guilty. No doubt about it.

As the woman stood before Jesus, no one defended her actions - not even her. She was guilty.

So what would Jesus do?

That's what they all wondered.

The Pharisees had set this whole encounter up to trap Jesus.

How would He deal with her sin and her guilt?

Would He condemn her and risk the wrath of Rome?

Would He free her and reject the law's demands?

They were not ready for His answer.

Questions Th...

What makes a 'good' shepherd?

He doesn't run when the wolves come.

In John 10, Jesus faced all sorts of 'wolves.'

From Pharisees, to Romans, to the Devil himself, Jesus was always in grave danger.

But so were His sheep!

And so, instead of running, Jesus faced the evils of this world on their behalf. Then, He drank down the cup of God's wrath on Calvary. Truly, there has never been a Shepherd like Jesus of Nazareth - the One who gav...

He let him die.

That's what the people were thinking.

Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, and rather than go to him, He let him die.

But that's not what happened, was it?

Instead, Jesus allowed a difficult situation in order to bring about a miraculous outcome.

We will consider that outcome in today's study of John 11.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did Jesus wait so long to go to Lazarus?

B) Where is Jesus when His people need...

Motives matter.

For example, some people pursued Christ with good, positive intentions.

But others (like Judas Iscariot) had selfish or wicked motives.

What are your own motives in coming to Christ?

Is it for His glory and interests, or for yours?

That will be the focus of today's study in John 12.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Would you please leave a review to help others find the show?

Also, please visit our channel for sermons...

Jesus wept on Palm Sunday.

While others shouted 'hosanna,' Jesus wept.

But why?

Because He knew something the others did not.

In today's study, we'll consider what that was.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Would you please leave a review to help others find the show?

Also, please visit our channel for sermons from additional Bible books.

Support This Podcast: https://www.bible101.co/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

God's voice boomed from Heaven.

Did the people listen and obey?

No. They dismissed it as mere 'thunder.'

Many say they're waiting for proof of God and His plan, asking for a clearer revelation from on high.

Yet when He answers, guess what? They ignore Him.

What about you?

This will be the focus of today's study in John 12.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Would you please leave a review to help others find the show?

Also, please visi...

Unthinkable.

In John 13, the Creator washed the feet of people that He created.

And moments later, one went out to betray Him.

The Last Supper was filled with several shocking moments like these.

We'll consider two of them in today's study of John 13:1-17.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Visit our channel for a full list of our Bible podcasts.

Finally, please leave a review to help others find the show.

Support This Podcast: https://...

Fear overwhelmed the disciples.

Huddled in the Upper Room, Jesus had talked about His coming death, the presence of a betrayer, and of the dark days to follow.

The men were shaken.

But, sensing their anxiety, Jesus gathered them close, saying "let

not your heart be troubled." Dark days would soon give way to hope and

victory.

If your heart is troubled today, then be encouraged by this study of John 14.

Support This Podcast: https://www....

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does He do?

In John 14, Jesus promised that the 'Holy Spirit' would appear after His departure.

"I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He

may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth." - John 14:16

Jesus also said that this 'Spirit' would be of great blessing to His disciples.

So, what kind of blessing would that be?

That will be the focus of today's study in John 14.

Suppo...

Picture a branch.

If that branch is on the ground, it's dead.

A severed branch bears no fruit.

However, if that same branch is connected to a tree or vine, it's alive.

In John 15, Jesus says that the same is true of us.

Specifically, He tells us to 'abide' in Him (as a branch on a vine).

But what does the word 'abide' really mean?

That will be the focus of today's study.

Support This Podcast: https://www.bible101.co/

See omnystudio.com/list...