1. The Gospel of John is beloved by those who appreciate its theological and philosophical

      depths, as well as the scripture often given to those new to faith or wanting to know

      more about Christianity. What do you appreciate about this gospel? What are some of

      the passages or images in this book that have been especially meaningful to you?

  2. Read John 4:43-54. Is this a story with which you are familiar? Are there things in this

      passage that surprise you? Are there things in this story that challenge or encourage

      you?

  3. When Jesus first responds to the official in verse 48, he speaks to the man but uses the

      plural “you” – implying that this is meant for a larger audience. Considering the

      reception Jesus received among the Samaritans (John 4:39-42), is something being

      conveyed about Jesus’ reception among the people of Galilee – people who had seen

      him perform signs in Jerusalem (John 2:23) and Cana?

  4. Jesus does not go with the official to Capernaum as the man requests but instead tells

      the man to go, and that his son will live. The man had to decide if he would trust Jesus

      and he does – he takes Jesus “at his word.” Have there been times in your life when you

      have had to step forward in faith and trust like the official did?

  5. In John 4:48-53 the words for belief and life are each used three times. Belief and life

      are inextricably linked in the Gospel of John. Read and reflect on some of the other

      passages in John that link belief and life (John 1:6-7, 11:25-26, 20:30-31).

  6. John 20:30-31 tells us that the signs presented in this gospel are written that “you might

      believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have

      life in his name.” Throughout John we are invited to “come and see” Jesus, see what he

      has done that we might believe. We are invited to see Jesus for who he is, God incarnate

      who poured out his love for us on the cross. What sorts of things do you think stood in

      the way of the Galileans believing in Jesus? What sorts of things stand in the way of us

      today seeing Jesus for who he is?

  7. I want to encourage us as followers of Jesus, and as brothers and sisters in Christ to

      share with each other how God’s grace and love continue to shape our lives. Are there

      “signs” of the Holy Spirit working in your life?