Where do you turn when the world around you grows dark? In this study of the Gospel of John, Dr. Tony Evans encourages us to turn to Christ by reminding us of the two purposes for the beloved disciple’s book—that we would believe in Jesus and find life in his name. Despite what our culture may argue, there is only one hope that is truly trustworthy and that is our savior, Jesus Christ. So join Tony for this twelve-session series that will draw you back to the essential truths of our faith and the life found in our king.
Session 1 | John 1:1–34
Who do you think Jesus is?
Today, everyone seems to have a unique perspective on who Jesus really was. People may say he was a good teacher, a charismatic leader, or just a nice man. They may even go so far as to say he was a prophet or a spiritually enlightened person. But in the Gospel of John, we will see that Jesus is much more than any of those answers.
He is the Son of God who came to us so that we might believe in him and have eternal life. To think he is anything less is to completely misunderstand who he is.
Who do you think Jesus is?
Today, everyone seems to have a unique perspective on who Jesus really was. People may say he was a good teacher, a charismatic leader, or just a nice man. They may even go so far as to say he was a prophet or a spiritually enlightened person. But in the Gospel of John, we will see that Jesus is much more than any of those answers.
He is the Son of God who came to us so that we might believe in him and have eternal life. To think he is anything less is to completely misunderstand who he is.
Session 2 | John 1:35–51
Who are your favorite celebrities? What draws you to them?
When Jesus calls us to follow him, he means us to do much more than appreciate him from a distance. In this session, Dr. Tony Evans shows us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. It’s an exciting future getting to know God and leading others to know him.
Who are your favorite celebrities? What draws you to them?
When Jesus calls us to follow him, he means us to do much more than appreciate him from a distance. In this session, Dr. Tony Evans shows us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. It’s an exciting future getting to know God and leading others to know him.
Session 3 | John 2:1–25
Who was your hero growing up? What did you do to be like them?
Jesus is a hero worth emulating. When we obey him and trust his guidance, we will find a life far greater and more purposeful than we ever imagined. In this chapter of John, Jesus shows us a glimpse of his glory and reveals his heart for worshipping the Father. As you learn about him, ask yourself, “How can I live more like Jesus?”
Who was your hero growing up? What did you do to be like them?
Jesus is a hero worth emulating. When we obey him and trust his guidance, we will find a life far greater and more purposeful than we ever imagined. In this chapter of John, Jesus shows us a glimpse of his glory and reveals his heart for worshipping the Father. As you learn about him, ask yourself, “How can I live more like Jesus?”
Session 4 | John 3:1–36
What makes you feel refreshed or “like a new person”?
Things as simple as a new haircut, a vacation, or a long night’s rest can make us feel brand new. We feel rejuvenated from our former way of living, even if only for a short time. When Jesus says that he wants to make us new, he truly means it. He doesn’t just want us to feel better for a little while—he wants us to have new lives and to live forgiven and free in the light.
What makes you feel refreshed or “like a new person”?
Things as simple as a new haircut, a vacation, or a long night’s rest can make us feel brand new. We feel rejuvenated from our former way of living, even if only for a short time. When Jesus says that he wants to make us new, he truly means it. He doesn’t just want us to feel better for a little while—he wants us to have new lives and to live forgiven and free in the light.
Session 5 | John 4:1–5:18
What gives you comfort and stability during difficult times?
Faith is an act of trust. When you put your faith in Jesus, you are entrusting both your present and your future to him. We will meet three people in this session: a Samaritan woman, a Judean official, and a paralyzed man. All three were in hopeless situations until they met and trusted in Jesus.
What gives you comfort and stability during difficult times?
Faith is an act of trust. When you put your faith in Jesus, you are entrusting both your present and your future to him. We will meet three people in this session: a Samaritan woman, a Judean official, and a paralyzed man. All three were in hopeless situations until they met and trusted in Jesus.
Session 6 | John 5:19–6:21
What evidence is there in your own life of God’s goodness?
Every Christian has a story of how God has been uniquely kind to them. Our experience of God’s goodness stands as a testimony to the truth of the gospel. In today’s passage, Jesus shows us people and events that have testified to him being the Son of God. When we put our trust in Jesus, we can experience his goodness.
What evidence is there in your own life of God’s goodness?
Every Christian has a story of how God has been uniquely kind to them. Our experience of God’s goodness stands as a testimony to the truth of the gospel. In today’s passage, Jesus shows us people and events that have testified to him being the Son of God. When we put our trust in Jesus, we can experience his goodness.
Session 7 | John 6:22–71
What is the best meal you have ever eaten? What made it the best? How did you feel after the meal was over?
There is nothing quite like eating a well-cooked meal with people we love. But no matter how filling a meal is, we know that we will be hungry again. In this session, Jesus describes himself as the Bread of Life. If you are spiritually hungry, he is what you have been searching for.
What is the best meal you have ever eaten? What made it the best? How did you feel after the meal was over?
There is nothing quite like eating a well-cooked meal with people we love. But no matter how filling a meal is, we know that we will be hungry again. In this session, Jesus describes himself as the Bread of Life. If you are spiritually hungry, he is what you have been searching for.
Session 8 | John 7:1–52
What is your plan for the weekend? Are you doing anything fun? How would you feel if something spoiled your plans?
We are all looking forward to something—a good time, a good meal, a good rest, a good reunion. If something were to derail our plans it would be frustrating, maybe even heartbreaking.
As Christians, we have great hope in God’s future, but our hope may disrupt our day-to-day plans. Trusting God and his timing can be difficult when we focus on our plans. But when we focus on God’s timing, how he is making us like Jesus, and his glorious future for us, his timing becomes a source of joy and hope.
What is your plan for the weekend? Are you doing anything fun? How would you feel if something spoiled your plans?
We are all looking forward to something—a good time, a good meal, a good rest, a good reunion. If something were to derail our plans it would be frustrating, maybe even heartbreaking.
As Christians, we have great hope in God’s future, but our hope may disrupt our day-to-day plans. Trusting God and his timing can be difficult when we focus on our plans. But when we focus on God’s timing, how he is making us like Jesus, and his glorious future for us, his timing becomes a source of joy and hope.
Session 9 | John 8:1–59
When was the last time you were lost? How did you find your way back to where you needed to be?
In this session, Jesus divides humanity into two categories: those who have the light of life and those who walk in darkness. If we do not trust in Jesus, we are lost in darkness. But he does not leave us in darkness to find our own way. Instead, he oers himself as our light, life, and true freedom.
When was the last time you were lost? How did you find your way back to where you needed to be?
In this session, Jesus divides humanity into two categories: those who have the light of life and those who walk in darkness. If we do not trust in Jesus, we are lost in darkness. But he does not leave us in darkness to find our own way. Instead, he oers himself as our light, life, and true freedom.
Session 10 | John 9:1–41
When have you faced rejection? How did you respond to that rejection?
In John 9 we meet a man who was born blind. As we follow his story of redemption, rejection, and healing, we will see our own stories reflected in him. Knowing Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever be given, but not everyone will see it that way.
When have you faced rejection? How did you respond to that rejection?
In John 9 we meet a man who was born blind. As we follow his story of redemption, rejection, and healing, we will see our own stories reflected in him. Knowing Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever be given, but not everyone will see it that way.
Session 11 | John 10:1–42
What person in your life makes you feel safe? What is it about them that gives you security? Does that sense of safety change the way you behave in any way?
People who make us feel safe often put us at ease and allow us to forget about our anxieties and rest, even if just for a moment. In this session, Jesus calls himself the good shepherd, the Son of God who protects and cares for his sheep. He is our caring, gentle, savior who oers us ultimate security, from now into eternity.
What person in your life makes you feel safe? What is it about them that gives you security? Does that sense of safety change the way you behave in any way?
People who make us feel safe often put us at ease and allow us to forget about our anxieties and rest, even if just for a moment. In this session, Jesus calls himself the good shepherd, the Son of God who protects and cares for his sheep. He is our caring, gentle, savior who oers us ultimate security, from now into eternity.
Session 12 | John 11:1–57
What is the most outlandish promise you ever made? Were you able to keep that promise?
Jesus makes some big promises to us. His promises— especially of our future resurrection—can seem outlandish or even impossible. There may be circumstances in our lives where we are sure he isn’t trustworthy. But even when doubt dominates our hearts and we can see no way for God to deliver us, we can rest assured that Jesus’s promises to us—even the ones that seem impossible—are assured.
What is the most outlandish promise you ever made? Were you able to keep that promise?
Jesus makes some big promises to us. His promises— especially of our future resurrection—can seem outlandish or even impossible. There may be circumstances in our lives where we are sure he isn’t trustworthy. But even when doubt dominates our hearts and we can see no way for God to deliver us, we can rest assured that Jesus’s promises to us—even the ones that seem impossible—are assured.
Gospel of John: Part 2
Dr. Tony Evans returns for the eagerly anticipated The Gospel of John: Part 2. The second half of John shows us the love of the Father displayed in his Son. In this nine-session series, you will study Jesus‘s last days, crucifixion, and resurrection. Through John’s Gospel, Dr. Evans will show us the heart of God, the one who is ready to offer us hope and restoration in eternal life with him.
Part 2 | Session 1: John 12:1–50
Imagine that all of the lights in your home were turned off. How well do you think you could navigate your home—including cleaning, cooking, and hosting friends—without any light?
Most of us would struggle without light. If we were deprived of our sense of sight, our world would become much more difficult to navigate. Simple tasks would be complicated and potentially dangerous. In the same way, living apart from Jesus deprives us of spiritual light—God’s wisdom and guidance.
In this study, Dr. Tony Evans will guide us through the second half of the Gospel of John, showing us who Jesus is and how our lives can radically change when we turn to him. In our passage today, Jesus says that he is the light of the world. Through him, we can know the Father and see the path of obedience he’s called us to.
Imagine that all of the lights in your home were turned off. How well do you think you could navigate your home—including cleaning, cooking, and hosting friends—without any light?
Most of us would struggle without light. If we were deprived of our sense of sight, our world would become much more difficult to navigate. Simple tasks would be complicated and potentially dangerous. In the same way, living apart from Jesus deprives us of spiritual light—God’s wisdom and guidance.
In this study, Dr. Tony Evans will guide us through the second half of the Gospel of John, showing us who Jesus is and how our lives can radically change when we turn to him. In our passage today, Jesus says that he is the light of the world. Through him, we can know the Father and see the path of obedience he’s called us to.
Part 2 | Session 2: John 13:1–38
If you had to choose, would you prefer to hear “I love you” or experience acts that express love toward you?
We hear a lot about love in our culture. We love our spouse, but we also love pizza. In general, “love” is a positive feeling or desire for someone or something. But when the Bible talks about love, it’s not empty talk or a fleeting feeling. Love—true love—is laying yourself down for another person.
In this session, we will see an example of love as Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and gives us a new commandment: to love one another just as Jesus has loved us.
If you had to choose, would you prefer to hear “I love you” or experience acts that express love toward you?
We hear a lot about love in our culture. We love our spouse, but we also love pizza. In general, “love” is a positive feeling or desire for someone or something. But when the Bible talks about love, it’s not empty talk or a fleeting feeling. Love—true love—is laying yourself down for another person.
In this session, we will see an example of love as Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and gives us a new commandment: to love one another just as Jesus has loved us.
Part 2 | Session 3: John 14:1–15:17
How strong do you like your tea or coffee? What’s your secret to making the perfect cup?
The strength of your morning brew depends upon how long you let the tea leaves or coffee grounds sit in the water. The longer they steep, the darker the water becomes, and the more flavorful your drink tastes. Similarly, the “flavor” of our spiritual fruit depends upon how well we abide in, or hang out with, Christ. The longer we infuse ourselves with God’s Word, the more deeply we’ll know and the better we’ll resemble Christ.
How strong do you like your tea or coffee? What’s your secret to making the perfect cup?
The strength of your morning brew depends upon how long you let the tea leaves or coffee grounds sit in the water. The longer they steep, the darker the water becomes, and the more flavorful your drink tastes. Similarly, the “flavor” of our spiritual fruit depends upon how well we abide in, or hang out with, Christ. The longer we infuse ourselves with God’s Word, the more deeply we’ll know and the better we’ll resemble Christ.
Part2 | Session 4: John 15:18–16:33
Who was your favorite teacher in school? What was the most important thing he or she taught you?
As students, we were not expected to begin class already knowing the content. Teachers explain new information. Good teachers help us understand what to do with that information. And the best teachers help us become better people.
There are many things the Holy Spirit does, but one of his primary roles is to teach us God’s will and enable us to become more like Jesus. Without him we are unable to know the truth of Jesus, understand God’s Word, or stand firm against opposition. Our session today explores how the Spirit testifies to Christ and enables us to face the world.
Who was your favorite teacher in school? What was the most important thing he or she taught you?
As students, we were not expected to begin class already knowing the content. Teachers explain new information. Good teachers help us understand what to do with that information. And the best teachers help us become better people.
There are many things the Holy Spirit does, but one of his primary roles is to teach us God’s will and enable us to become more like Jesus. Without him we are unable to know the truth of Jesus, understand God’s Word, or stand firm against opposition. Our session today explores how the Spirit testifies to Christ and enables us to face the world.
Part 2 | Session 5: John 17:1–26
Think of your best friend or spouse. In what ways are you completely different from one another? What do you appreciate about those differences? Why aren’t those differences obstacles to your relationship?
Every person you know, no matter how close you are to them, is different from you. Their personalities, backgrounds, interests, and talents make them unique. Yet friendships and marriages still form and thrive between diverse individuals. Our distinctions are not divisive but enriching.
The church is supposed to act the same way, letting differences teach and inspire one another on to accomplish our purpose—to glorify Christ. When we are unified—living in community with one another—we will reflect his light to the world.
Think of your best friend or spouse. In what ways are you completely different from one another? What do you appreciate about those differences? Why aren’t those differences obstacles to your relationship?
Every person you know, no matter how close you are to them, is different from you. Their personalities, backgrounds, interests, and talents make them unique. Yet friendships and marriages still form and thrive between diverse individuals. Our distinctions are not divisive but enriching.
The church is supposed to act the same way, letting differences teach and inspire one another on to accomplish our purpose—to glorify Christ. When we are unified—living in community with one another—we will reflect his light to the world.
Part 2 | Session 6: John 18:1–40
How do you think our lives would be different if we had a king instead of a president?
Our experience is far separated from the monarchies and kingdoms of old. Our leaders come and go by the will of the people. As a result, we have no problem criticizing our politicians. But monarchs were (and still are) born into their role—preference and cultural mood had nothing to do with their ascension. They ruled absolutely and demanded their subjects’ loyalty.
In today’s session, Jesus we will learn about Jesus’s kingdom. Like a king, he demands our attention and obedience. But his kingdom is uniquely different from the ones we are familiar with. The kingdom of God is one that we all would want to join.
How do you think our lives would be different if we had a king instead of a president?
Our experience is far separated from the monarchies and kingdoms of old. Our leaders come and go by the will of the people. As a result, we have no problem criticizing our politicians. But monarchs were (and still are) born into their role—preference and cultural mood had nothing to do with their ascension. They ruled absolutely and demanded their subjects’ loyalty.
In today’s session, Jesus we will learn about Jesus’s kingdom. Like a king, he demands our attention and obedience. But his kingdom is uniquely different from the ones we are familiar with. The kingdom of God is one that we all would want to join.
Part 2 | Session 7: John 19:1–42
How do you think our lives would be different if we had a king instead of a president?
Our experience is far separated from the monarchies and kingdoms of old. Our leaders come and go by the will of the people. As a result, we have no problem criticizing our politicians. But monarchs were (and still are) born into their role—preference and cultural mood had nothing to do with their ascension. They ruled absolutely and demanded their subjects’ loyalty.
In today’s session, Jesus we will learn about Jesus’s kingdom. Like a king, he demands our attention and obedience. But his kingdom is uniquely different from the ones we are familiar with. The kingdom of God is one that we all would want to join.
How do you think our lives would be different if we had a king instead of a president?
Our experience is far separated from the monarchies and kingdoms of old. Our leaders come and go by the will of the people. As a result, we have no problem criticizing our politicians. But monarchs were (and still are) born into their role—preference and cultural mood had nothing to do with their ascension. They ruled absolutely and demanded their subjects’ loyalty.
In today’s session, Jesus we will learn about Jesus’s kingdom. Like a king, he demands our attention and obedience. But his kingdom is uniquely different from the ones we are familiar with. The kingdom of God is one that we all would want to join.
Part 2 | Session 8: John 20:1–31
What is a piece of good news you have shared recently?
We are, in many ways, natural evangelists. When we watch a good movie, we tell others to see it. When we eat a good meal, we eagerly share the name of the restaurant with our friends. When we find something good, we can’t help but share it.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the culmination of his mission on earth and the most powerful event in history. The shock and awe of his appearance to the disciples brought them unimaginable joy. As his disciples today, we too experience the joy of knowing Christ lives. And like Mary Magdalene, we know that such wonderful news begs to be shared.
What is a piece of good news you have shared recently?
We are, in many ways, natural evangelists. When we watch a good movie, we tell others to see it. When we eat a good meal, we eagerly share the name of the restaurant with our friends. When we find something good, we can’t help but share it.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the culmination of his mission on earth and the most powerful event in history. The shock and awe of his appearance to the disciples brought them unimaginable joy. As his disciples today, we too experience the joy of knowing Christ lives. And like Mary Magdalene, we know that such wonderful news begs to be shared.
Part 2 | Session 9: John 21:1–25
When have you been offered a second chance? How did you respond to their offer?
We all fail and need second chances, but we don’t often expect to be given a second chance. When we fail someone, we expect them to reject or punish us. But God is not that way.
In our final session, Dr. Tony Evans will explore Peter’s journey from his great denial to his humble restoration, revealing God’s heart for sinners and failures. Where guilt and shame tell us we need to hide from God, Jesus seeks us out.
When have you been offered a second chance? How did you respond to their offer?
We all fail and need second chances, but we don’t often expect to be given a second chance. When we fail someone, we expect them to reject or punish us. But God is not that way.
In our final session, Dr. Tony Evans will explore Peter’s journey from his great denial to his humble restoration, revealing God’s heart for sinners and failures. Where guilt and shame tell us we need to hide from God, Jesus seeks us out.