Dec. 31 | Discovery Questions

By Doug Redford

1. How did you do focusing on one verse from John 1:1-18 each day this past week? 

2. In the opening statement from his study, Mark Scott wrote, “The world contains all kinds of bread.” What is your favorite kind of bread? What kinds of bread did you get to enjoy over Thanksgiving and Christmas?  

Ask two people to read aloud John 6:25-40, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage. 

3. Jesus told the people, “Do not work for food that spoils.” What are some types of “food” on which our contemporary culture tends to focus? 

4. When the people asked Jesus about “the works God requires,” he told them, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28-29). Do you think believing in Jesus requires work (or effort)? Why or why not? 

5. The people also asked Jesus to give them a sign so that they could believe in him (v. 30). 

• Do you think asking for such a sign indicates spiritual strength or weakness? Explain your answer. 
• If someone told you that they were looking for a sign to help them believe in God, what would be your response? 

6. The people called Jesus’ attention to how their ancestors ate manna in the wilderness (John 6:31).  

• How can looking to the past aid us in spiritual matters? 
• How might looking to the past become a hindrance to us in spiritual matters? 

7. Jesus declared that he had come to do the will of the one who sent him (John 6:38). 

• In what way or ways is any follower of Jesus sent by God? 

8. Twice in our passage, Jesus referred to the “last day” (John 6:39-40). 

• What word would you use to summarize Jesus’ description of what will happen on the last day? 
• How does this viewpoint compare with how the world often looks at the last day/end of time? 

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .” 

10. As the new year gets underway, focus this week on reading each day some of God’s promises in the Bible. Many websites can provide a starting point for your reading. In addition, spend some time each day listening to Christian music, whether hymns or more contemporary music. Pay close attention to the words; note what promises are included in those hymns/songs. 

For Next Week: Read and reflect on John 8:31-58 as we continue with Part 2 of our study of the Gospel of John; the theme for January is “I AM.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.