Research and discussion

IDevice Icon Activity

 

1.    Explain the following passages in their context and then show their relevance to a Christian today:

(a) Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God and he was the same as God. (John 1:1)

(b) He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. (John 1:8)

(c)   Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave right to become God's children. (John 1:12)

(d) 'Can anything good come from Nazareth?' (John I :46)

37.  (a) Compare the accounts given in the gospels of Mark and John about John the Baptist and comment on the particular emphasis of each gospel writer.

(b)  What do these gospels indicate about the attitude of Jesus to the Baptist?

3.    Discuss the distinctive presentation in John's gospel of the account of the cleansing of the Temple. What significance might a modern Christian see in this account?

4.(a)      With reference to the New Testament writings you have studied, discuss the teaching in them on the end of the present age, the return of Jesus and God's Judgement.

(b)         How can these teachings help a Christian today?

5.(a)      Show how 'witness' is an important theme in John's gospel (as far as chapter 6).

(b) Discuss how a Christian may witness to Christ today, in action as well as words.

6.    Show how the teaching of two of the discourses of John's gospel (as far as chapter 6) develops from a small incident and a misunderstanding of something Jesus says.

7.(a)      Explain the meanings of the first two signs of John's gospel.

(b) Give two examples from contemporary Christian life today of signs that Christ is continuing to work in the world.

 

8. (a)     Explain the meanings of the third, fourth and fifth signs of John's gospel.

(b) What significance may a Christian today see in these particular signs?

 

9. (a)     Show how water is an important symbol in John's gospel (as far as chapter 6).

(b) Discuss two common symbols (not necessarily Christian) which have important significance today.

10. (a)   Show how teaching on the Eucharist is presented in the first six chapters of John's gospel.

(b) What references are there to Christian baptism in this same section of the gospel?