John 1

Study Guide #1: John 1

IN-CLASS QUESTIONS
1. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Gospel of,” found on page 715 in the Bible Appendix. What were John’s two objectives in writing his testimony? How is his point of view different from other gospel writers?


2. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “John” (p. 715). List three special events in the Savior’s ministry, at which John was present.


3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Gospels” (p. 682). What does the word “gospel” mean? To whom did John write, specifically? What percentage of John’s gospel is exclusive to his writing?


4. Read John 1:1-3 and JST John 1:1-3 (p. 807 in the Bible Appendix). List three truths, testified to by John about Jesus Christ in these opening verses. (X-Reference: Colossians 1:16-17 and Hebrews 1:1-4.)


5. Read D&C 93:6-10. What definition is given here for “the Word”? List the three prepositions used in D&C 93:10 to describe how all things were made.


6. Read Moses 1:31-32. What more do we learn about “the Word” from this verse?


QUESTIONS TO BE DISCUSSED SEPTEMBER 16
Day 1: Read John 1:4-5; JST John 1:4-5; D&C 45:26-29; D&C 88:49-50
1. What words are added to John 1:4-5 for clarification in the JST?


2. Read D&C 88:49-50. What does it mean to be “quickened” in and by God? (See also BD entry, “Quick,” p.756)



3. How many times is the word "light" used in John 1:4-9? Read D&C 45:26-29. Where can we find light today? Why do men and women reject the light?



Day 2: Read John 1:6-14, JST John 1:6-14; 1 Nephi 11:26-27
4. Read 1 Nephi 11:27. Which John is referred to in John 1:6-9? What phrases from JST John 1:6-10 add understanding to these verses?


5. In what way(s) does the world not recognize Jesus today?

6. According to John 1:12, what two things must we do to become sons and daughters of God?



BONUS: How was “the Word” made flesh?


Day 3: Read John 1:15-18, JST John 1:15-19, D&C 67:11
7. According to JST John 1:16, what is the fullness of the Son?


8. What word is used in place of “grace” in the JST of John 1:17?


9. Read JST John 1:19 and D&C 67:11. How do these scriptures clarify John 1:18?


Day 4: Read John 1:19-23, JST John 1:20-22; Malachi 3:1, D&C 65:1-6
10. What group did the Jews send from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist? What was the question they were sent to ask?


11. What was John’s answer? From D&C 65:1-6, list ways in which we can “make straight the way of the Lord” today.


12. Find the reference to the scripture in Isaiah John quoted in John 1:23.

Day 5: Read John 1:24-28, JST John 1:23-28, Luke 3:15-18, Bible Dictionary entry, “Elias” (paragraph 2, p.663)
13. How did John avoid taking any glory or honor for himself?


14. What important information is included in JST John 1:28 which is not in the KJV of either John or Luke?


15. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Elias,” part 2. What are the two kinds of Elias and what do they reflect?


Day 6: Read John 1:29-34, JST John 1:29-34, Matthew 3:13-17, Bible Dictionary entries “Dove, Sign of” (p.658) and “Lamb of God” (p.722)
16. Read Matthew 3:13-17. Why did Jesus request baptism of John?


17. How did John recognize Jesus as the Christ?


18. Read Bible Dictionary entry, “Lamb of God.” What did John the Baptist know about Jesus’ mission from the beginning?


Day 7: Read John 1:35-42 (with footnote 42a)
19. List two verbs describing what John the Baptist’s disciples did when they received his testimony of Christ. Who were these disciples?


20. With whom did Andrew share the good news first?


21. Read footnote 42a. What does this footnote add to your understanding of (a) the name “Cephas” and (b) the sacrifice which was required of Christ’s disciples?