Week 20: Exploring the Gospel of John Chapters 8-12
In week 20 of our 1 year New Testament reading journey, we will delve into John chapters 8 through 12. These chapters reveal crucial moments in Jesus’ ministry as He teaches profound truths and performs powerful miracles. From asserting His identity as the Light of the World and healing a man born blind to describing Himself as the Good Shepherd and raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus’ actions and teachings challenge and inspire us. We will also witness the anointing of Jesus by Mary and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, events that highlight His mission and prepare the way for His coming sacrifice. This week’s readings invite us to explore the depth of Jesus’ message and its impact on our lives.
John 8
In John 8, Jesus asserts His identity as the Light of the World and engages in a heated dispute with the Pharisees over His authority and origins. He declares that the truth will set people free and emphasizes His unique relationship with the Father.
John 9
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, leading to an investigation by the Pharisees and a debate about the nature of sin and healing. The healed man and his parents testify to the miracle, and Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of Man, addressing spiritual blindness.
John 10
In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, contrasting His care with the behavior of hired hands. He speaks of His authority and unity with the Father, leading to further division among the Jews.
John 11
In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection. The miracle intensifies opposition from Jewish leaders and sets the stage for Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem.
John 12
In John 12, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, symbolizing His impending burial, while Jesus predicts His death and speaks of His purpose to save the world. The chapter includes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and further discourse on His mission.
Week 20: New Testament Reading Assignment
Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!
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Week 20: Reflection Questions for the Gospel of John Chapters 8-12
Consider the following reflection questions:
John 8: The Light of the World and the Woman Caught in Adultery
- What is the significance of Jesus’ response to the woman caught in adultery, and how can you embody grace and forgiveness in your own relationships?
- How does Jesus describe Himself as the “light of the world,” and how can you reflect His light in your daily interactions and decisions?
- What does Jesus mean when He says, “The truth will set you free,” and how can you seek and apply His truth to experience greater freedom in your life?
- What is the significance of Jesus’ statement, “Before Abraham was, I am,” and how does recognizing His eternal nature affect your understanding of His identity and mission?
John 9: The Man Born Blind
- What is the significance of Jesus healing a man born blind, and how can you embrace and share the light of Jesus in a world that may be spiritually blind?
- How did the Pharisees respond to the healing of the blind man, and how can you respond to opposition or criticism when you act according to your faith?
- What does the man born blind’s response to Jesus reveal about faith, and how can you cultivate a deeper, more personal faith in Jesus?
- How can the blind man’s story encourage you to trust in Jesus’ power and work in your own life, especially when faced with personal challenges?
John 10: The Good Shepherd and the Sheep
- What qualities of the Good Shepherd does Jesus describe, and how can you reflect these qualities in your relationships and leadership?
- What were the reasons for the unbelief of the Jews in this passage, and how can you address and overcome your own doubts or skepticism about Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ description of Himself as the “door” to the sheepfold relate to your understanding of access to salvation and security in Him?
- How can you find comfort and reassurance in Jesus’ promise of eternal life and His role as the Good Shepherd in your own faith journey?
John 11: The Raising of Lazarus
- How does the death of Lazarus set the stage for Jesus’ miracle, and how can you trust Jesus’ timing and plans even when they differ from your expectations?
- What does Jesus mean when He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and how does this promise impact your hope and faith in eternal life?
- What does the raising of Lazarus reveal about Jesus’ power over death, and how can you find comfort and strength in His power over your own challenges?
- How did the raising of Lazarus influence the plot against Jesus, and how can you stand firm in your faith despite opposition or danger?
John 12: The Anointing at Bethany and the Triumphal Entry
- What is the significance of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, and how can you show devotion and worship in your own life?
- What does the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem signify, and how can you acknowledge and celebrate Jesus as King in your daily life?
- What is the significance of the Greeks seeking Jesus, and how can you embrace and share the inclusive nature of Jesus’ message with people from diverse backgrounds?
- What does Jesus mean by being “lifted up,” and how can you embrace the significance of His crucifixion in your own life and faith?
- How does John explain the purpose of his Gospel, and how can you use the teachings of this book to strengthen your faith and witness?
Reflective Prayer
Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:
- Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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