Introduction to Snapshots of Jesus

Introduction

There is nothing like studying the life of Jesus to refresh us in our faith! The gospel of John shows us Jesus in a way that no other gospel does. It focuses on His identity and gives us wonderful pictures of His greatness. It is as if John takes snapshots of Jesus so that we get to know Him from different angles and perspectives.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus says to the church at Ephesus, “But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love!” My prayer for us all as we come to this study is that we will fall in love with our Savior again, that we will return to our first love.

May God richly bless you as you commit to know Jesus in a new and fresh way through the study of John!

How to Use this Study Guide

This study is designed to help you consistently spend time in God’s Word. You will gain more from this study if you do it day by day, answering just that day’s questions, rather than trying to stuff it all in at once. Each week’s lesson is divided into five days of homework to encourage you to listen daily to His voice. The Bible is God’s message to you, and He wants to speak with you personally.

Unless instructed otherwise, use only the Scriptures to answer the questions. Rather than go to commentaries or notes in a study Bible, enjoy the excitement of letting God speak to you from His word. When we need help in interpretation because of a difficult passage or because of cultural information, I will include it in the lesson. Trust God to help you answer the questions.

Although paraphrases are often easier to understand, it is best to study with a literal translation. Paraphrases are someone else’s interpretation, not the actual words. The NET Bible, the New King James, the New American Standard, or the New International are good choices.

A Precious Word from God—Each week you will have a verse to memorize that brings out an essential lesson or thought from the week’s study. Begin learning it the first day, hiding God’s Word in your heart.

Personal Stories—Each lesson includes a true story that relates the truths of the week’s lesson to a woman’s real life experience. Some of the names have been changed to protect the guilty! These stories will encourage you in your walk with God and your growth in godliness.

Specific types of questions included in each day’s work

Sharing questions are designed for you to write stories, insights, and applications from your own life. You will never be forced to share one of these answers aloud with your group, but growing in community with one another requires us to be open and vulnerable so volunteer to share. What you share may be a needed influence on another woman’s life.

Responding to God questions are reminders that we study God’s Word so that He can speak to us and we are changed thereby. We should be listening for His voice. These types of questions ask for a response to God’s personal message to you. I have found that writing out my prayers helps me to focus better on what I need to say to God. No one will ask you to read yours, but you should always feel free to share your response with your group. Sometimes you will be asked to draw a picture. Please try! Stick figures work very well.

Diamonds in the Word are optional questions designed for those who want to dig deeper. Some of the answers will be easy for even a beginning Bible student, and some will require more experience in God’s Word. As a group you will not discuss these, but the background that you gain will certainly enrich your personal study. Feel free to discuss these with your leader.

Works Cited

Bruce, F.F. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1983.

Burge, Gary. The NIV Application Commentary: John. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.

Carson, D.A. The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1991.

NET Bible: New English Translation. Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C., 1996-2003.