John for Knuckleheads
April 25, 2025

John for Knuckleheads Graphic.jpg

The Bible for Knuckleheads-“John for Knuckleheads”

April 26 & 27, 2025 | Ken Adams, Lead Pastor
 
Message Notes:
 
The Big Picture:
John 1-12: The

ministry of Christ

John 13-17: The

conversations of Christ

John 18-21: The

of Christ

Life Take-aways:
A

! (John 1:29)

A

! (John 19:30)

A

! (John 20:21)


Group Guide:
Open your group with prayer.
 
Share an example of when seeing the “big picture” helped you understand the details of something you were doing or learning.

In our study of the Gospel of John, we learn how this unique account shows us who Jesus is more than just what he did. Unlike the other Gospels, John arranges his material topically, emphasizing meaning over chronology. He was one of the “Sons of Thunder,” a fisherman chosen early by Jesus,and calls himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:24–25). John’s purpose (20:30–31) is clear: he recorded seven signs and multiple “I AM” statements so that we might believe and gain eternal life. The book divides neatly into three sections: Jesus’ public ministry (chapters 1–12) where seven miracles reveal his divine power; his private conversations with the disciples (13–17) where he models servanthood, promises the Holy Spirit, and prays for us; and his passion and resurrection (18–21) culminating in Peter’s restoration and the commissioning to “feed my sheep.” Through John’s roadmap, we grasp Jesus’ identity, embrace his mission—redemption accomplished and a movement begun—and join him in being and building his kingdom.
 
How does John’s focus on themes and big ideas, rather than a strict timeline, change the way you read the Gospel? What stands out to you in how he organizes the story of Jesus?

Which of the seven signs in John 1–12 speaks most to your current situation and why?

What does Jesus washing the disciples’ feet teach you about leadership and service?

Pick one of Jesus’ ‘I AM’ statements (e.g., bread of life, good shepherd). How does it change the way you see Jesus and what he offers?

How does Peter’s journey of denial and restoration encourage you when you’ve fallen short?

What does “As the Father sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21) mean for your personal call to “feed my sheep” this week?

Jesus says he completed the work God gave him (John 17:4). What has he accomplished for us, and how does that inspire your mission this week?

How does the Holy Spirit empower you to be the disciple Jesus calls you to be and to help others follow him?

Where do you see ‘mission drift’ in our church or group, and how can we refocus on Jesus’ mission?

Jesus calls us to be part of a movement, not just a building. How does understanding this ‘movement’ change the way you think about your role in making disciples and living out the mission every day?

Share prayer needs with each other and close your group with
prayer.