Chapter One
Study 1
The One Who Makes
All Things New
John 1:1-14, 35-51; 2:1-25
It is always exciting to get something new. Children wait for Christmas
morning and birthdays with eager expectation of some new toy,
game, or clothes. It is fun to watch children receive new things. The
gleam in their eyes, the smile on their face, and the bounce in their
walk all witness to the joy exploding in their hearts.
Let's face it-aren't we all big kids at heart? Sure, we may not rip
off the paper of a birthday gift with the same shredding fury we did
when we were eight years old, but our hearts still beat a little quicker
with joy as we discover a surprise. Young or old, the experience of new
things still gives us a thrill.
Two thousand years ago, heaven opened and God placed his most
precious gift in a manger in Bethlehem. The God of heaven gave his
only Son as a gift for all who would receive him. This event marked a
whole new beginning-a fresh start.
The opening chapters of John tell us of God's plan to make all
things new. Through Jesus Christ, God began a new creation, a new
order, a new beginning.
Do you need a new lease on life? Have you reached a point where
you desire a fresh start? Rest assured that new beginnings are found
in the person of Jesus Christ. Walk with him, and you will discover,
through his presence and power, newness of life and refreshment for
your soul.
1. What is one gift you received that you remember with great
joy?
Why did this gift mean so much to you?
2. Read John 1:1-14. What similar themes do you see in this
passage and the opening verses of Genesis?
3. How does this passage point to a new beginning in human
history?
4. Verse 14 speaks of the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ.
How do Christ's grace and truth bring newness of life?
5. Read John 1:35-51. Here we meet some men who were
given a new direction in life when they met the rabbi named
Jesus. What can we learn from the example of Andrew (vv.
40-42)?
In what ways can we follow Andrew's example?
6. What is the significance of the three titles Nathanael used
when he addressed Jesus (v. 49)?
- Rabbi
- Son of God
- King of Israel
What is a favorite title of yours for Jesus, and why is it
meaningful to you?
7. Read John 2:1-11. What spiritual significance do you find in
Jesus' turning the water into wine-and better wine than
the first?
8. Read John 2:12-25. What was Jesus' goal or intention in
cleansing the temple courts?
9. What are some things we need to clear out of our lives so
that we can freely approach God in worship and prayer?
What specific "house-cleaning" projects need to take place
in our lives in the coming weeks?
10. Why were Jesus' words inverses 18-22 confusing to those
who heard them?
Recall, if you can, other instances in the gospel of John
when Jesus said one thing and the people thought he was
talking about something else.
11. How can faith in Jesus Christ breathe new life into a person
who discovers his love and forgiveness?
Memory Verse
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who
came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
-John 1:14
Between Studies
In John 1 there are more than a dozen titles or names given to
Jesus. Take time to read this chapter again and identify these names.
Reflect on each one and what it teaches us about the Savior.
(Continues.)
