November 5 – John 10: 1 – 12:50
As you read John 10, ask yourself, “What claim is Jesus making for Himself?” What does the I am the “door of the sheep” and “the good shepherd” reveal about Jesus’ identity? What is Jesus looking for from His hearers (and you and me)? In John 11, Jesus does the seventh of His signs and makes another claim with another “I am” statement. What is it and what does He desires as a result? (See vv. 15, 25-27, 40-42.) Jesus’ action evokes a division (even as occurred in John 10:31, 39-42), and as vv. 45-48 make clear. Note the prophecy that Caiaphas unwittingly delivered, vv. 49-52. In chapter twelve, we have signs that Jesus’ earthly ministry is reaching its climax. If the Greeks really wish to see who Jesus is, it will be necessary to see His death as victory over the “ruler of this world” and the way He will “draw all people to Himself” (vv. 20-36). What is necessary for such sight? (vv. 44-50)
November 6 – John 13:1 – 14:31
What double message is Jesus conveying by washing the disciples’ feet? (See esp. vv. 8, 12-17.) What does the uncertainty of the disciples about the identity of Jesus’ betrayer suggest about each of them? What is Jesus talking about when He speaks about “the Son of Man being glorified”? (vv. 31-33) What should the disciples devote themselves to? What comfort and encouragement does Jesus give His disciples in 14:1-12? In the concluding portion of this chapter, Jesus assures His disciples that He is not leaving them resourceless. What gift does He promise the Father will bestow? (vv. 16-17, 26) What do His promises also include? (vv. 1-3, 18-21, 27-29)
November 7 – John 15:1 – 17:26
What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ analogy comparing Him and us to a vine and branches? According to 15:18 – 16:4, followers of Jesus Christ (“on account of my name”) can expect to be hated as Jesus was hated. Jesus’ warning is to keep us from falling away (16:1). What can help us remain true and not succumb to their hatred? (See 15:26-27 and 16:3.) Although His followers cannot see Jesus, how can the Spirit He sends enable them to handle the hatred and Jesus’ seeming absence? What will give Jesus’ disciples joy and peace in the face of Jesus’ departure (16:16-33)? The Upper Room discourses of Jesus are now followed with His high priestly prayer (17:1-26). Note how He prays for Himself (vv. 1-5), for His disciples of that time (6-19), and for all who will believe in Him through their word (vv. 20-26). What does Jesus want for us to have?
November 8 – John 18:1 – 21:25
John’s Gospel presents Jesus as being in charge as His arrest, passion and death unfold. What can you point to as evidence for this assertion? How does Jesus demonstrate that He is indeed the king He is accused of being? How does Jesus’ burial re-enforce this impression? In chapter 20, what evidence do we have that Jesus is indeed the king? What is the climatic point of chapter 20 and the whole book (20:30-31)? It shows up in Jesus’ instruction to Mary (vv. 17-18), to the disciples (vv. 21-23) and to Thomas (vv. 27-28). How does chapter 21 emphasize themes that have appeared earlier in this Gospel?
November 9 – Revelation 1:1 – 3:22
Revelation is a book that is packed with vivid images and pictures. Chapter One, however, makes it clear that it is meant to read and be heard. In fact in chapters two and three we have letters sent to sever different churches; they represent the diversity of churches and their challenges in any age. As you read this section, what applications can you make to the church in our time? Identify what characterizes each of the churches.
November 10 – Revelation 4:1 – 5:14
Chapter Four presents a dramatic picture of heaven–with a rainbow around the throne, with 24 thrones around the throne (12 for the Old Testament elders and 12 for the New Testament apostles?, probably suggestive of the whole people of God. Also, there were four living creatures on each side of the throne and the picture is one of exuberant song (vv. 8,11). Chapter Five continues in this same vein, with the elders and four living creatures breaking out in song to the Lamb because He was worthy to open the scrolls (vv. 9,10,12). Clearly Jesus is the center of the revelation given to John.
November 11 – Revelation 6:1 – 7:17
In chapter six we have the opening of six of the seven seals. What does each of them stand for: 1) white horse [anti-Christ]? 2) red horse (war)? 3) black horse (scarcity)? 4) pale horse (death)? 5) martyrs under the altar, waiting? and 6) the universe is convulsed, sign of God’s wrath. What in this chapter signals that God is in charge for His people? How does Chapter seven embolden the people of God to “hang in there” through the pressure and suffering that can be expected? (Think of what chapter six is signaling to come.)