Prepare your heart for the Sermon by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together hearing God's Word.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.

Carefully Think

• Who was John, the author of this gospel? What do we know about this John?
• How does John begin his book? What is the significance of this introduction? What does this intro reveal about Jesus’ identity?
• What is the purpose of the book of John (John 20:31)?
• What are “I am statements” and how many are in the book of John? What is the content of the I am statements?

Prayerfully Meditate

• Was the book of John written primarily for beliers or nonbelievers? What evidence do you have for your answer?
• John uses multiple reoccurring themes throughout his book. What are some of the most prominent themes?
• What does the theme of blindness reveal in this book? Who is truly blind? (See chapter 9 especially 9:39)
• Look at the following passages and examine the theme of being sent (John 1:6, 3:34, 5:37-38,7:16, 14:26, 17:3-8, 17:18, 20:21) What significance do you see in these verses taken together?
• What do the I am statements communicate about Jesus? How do the I am statements accomplish the purpose of the book found in John 20:31?
• How does Jesus treat outcasts across the book of John? Why is this significant for this time especially? (See John 4:7-30)
• Is Jesus in control and reigning even as he heads to his death? How do you know? (John 13:18-38)