Sermon Discussion Guide 5-11-25

Sermon Discussion Guide
The Gospel of John | John 1:1-5

Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

John 1:19-34

• Why do you think the religious leaders were so concerned with who John the Baptist was? What does that reveal about their expectations of the Messiah?
• How does John’s testimony about Jesus build a bridge between the Old Testament and the New? What continuity do you see?
• Why is it significant that John the Baptist calls everyone—religious leaders, ordinary people, and sinners—to repentance in the same way? What does this show us about equality before God?
•  John says he is “not worthy to untie [Jesus’] sandals” (v. 27). How does this attitude contrast with how the religious elite viewed themselves? What does it say about human status in God’s kingdom?
• How does John’s description of Jesus contrast with the world’s typical view of power, status, or salvation?

The Great Leveler | The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

• “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (v. 29) — How does this one statement challenge both self-righteousness and despair?
• How does the idea that all have sinned—and all need the Lamb of God—flatten human hierarchies of morality or worthiness?
• What social, racial, or religious distinctions does the gospel break down according to this passage and the broader message of Scripture?
• How might understanding the gospel as a great leveler affect how we treat others—especially those who are very different from us?
• In a world obsessed with identity, credentials, and influence, how does the identity of John (as merely a “voice”) model gospel humility?
• How can we ensure that our church or small group reflects the inclusive, leveling nature of the gospel rather than worldly categories of importance?

Closing Prayer