Teaching

Simply Jesus Studyguide

Jesus: The Answer to Our Needs

Pastor Paul LeBoutillier

Life Bible Ministry · April 18, 2026

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Audio and transcript are available below

Discover how Jesus' "I AM" statements reveal that He is enough for every aspect of our lives, inviting us to a deeper faith and understanding of His presence and provision.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier SIMPLY JESUS g Exploring the Seven “I AM” Statements of Christ Discovering that Jesus is Enough Copyright © 2019 Sue LeBouƟllier Published by: Calvary Chapel — Ontario, Oregon

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier g Simply Jesus g Dear Friend, Imagine we’re geƫng acquainted over a cup of coffee. I invite you to tell me about yourself and you say to me: “I am a mother of two boys,” “I am a musician,” “I am an avid reader,” or “I am a nurse.” All those statements, beginning with I am, would help me get to know you a liƩle — help me understand what you’re interested in, what moƟvates you and perhaps even help me relate to you. But none of those statements would change who I am on the inside — they wouldn’t alter the course of my life, or fundamentally change my thinking. We read in the Gospel of John that Jesus also introduced Himself so people could get to know Him. He didn’t focus on His occupaƟon or hobbies. He did, however, use ordinary objects of life to form common ground with His listeners. But His statements were extra- ordinary, in that they were intended to alter the course of people’s lives and fundamentally change their thinking. Jesus wanted people to be influenced and transformed through His “I AM” statements. When Jesus said, “I AM...”, He was basically say- ing, “I AM enough for you — I AM what you need in every facet of life”. When we come to know Jesus beƩer, He doesn’t just give us what we need to handle life, He becomes what we need for life. The Apostle John recorded seven of these “I Am” statements in his Gospel. They’re tucked within the narraƟves of Jesus interacƟng with ordinary people and aƩending ordinary celebraƟons. In the mix of the ordinary, Jesus explained Who He was and gave people an opportuni- ty to respond to Him in faith. It’s my hope that, as we study and medi- tate on these “I Am” statements, we’ll also respond in faith and real- ize that Jesus is enough — Jesus is what we need for this life. May the Lord richly bless you as you study His Word. Sue LeBoutillier sue@ccontario.com

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Week One IntroducƟon — Who is I AM? Week Two I AM the Bread of Life Week Three I AM the Light of the World Week Four I AM the Door of the Sheep Week Five I AM the Good Shepherd Week Six I AM the ResurrecƟon and the Life Week Seven I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life Week Eight I AM the True Vine Table of Contents: To watch the video teachings for this Bible Study go to: ccontario.com/womens-studies or YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Some of the quesƟons that naturally rise from deep within us are: — Is God there? — Does He care? — Or am I alone in this world? The Bible shows us that God broke into human history twice to answer those quesƟons — The answer was I AM. The New Testament book that gives us the I AM statements of Jesus is the Gospel of ________. There are _______ I AM statements. In the Old Testament, God answered the quesƟon, “Who are you?” when He introduced himself to Moses at the burning bush: · Exodus 3:14 — God said to Moses, “___ _____ who ___ ______, say this to the people of Israel, ___ _____ has sent me to you.” In the New Testament, God answered the quesƟon, “Who are you?” when Jesus introduced Himself to His people — the Jews: · John 8:58 — Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, ___ _____ .” ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Introduction

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Welcome to our first day of self-study in the Scriptures. At the beginning of each week’s lesson, you’ll find space to write out the Scripture verse that contains the I AM statement we’re focusing on for the week. R Ι WÙ®ã John 6:35— ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Even though God could be described as just about anything but ordinary, it’s through the most ordinary of foods that Jesus chose to introduce Himself, using the Name of God — I AM the Bread of Life! Not only is bread a common food, but hunger itself is a common human experience. Everyone knows what it’s like to feel hungry — at least a liƩle. But how many of us have felt an inner hunger for a connecƟon with the living God? We all possess this spiritual hunger, but we’re oŌen too busy or too consumed with details around us to recognize this type of hunger. It makes complete sense that Jesus wove both of those yearnings — physical food and spiritual food — together, as He introduced Himself to the hungry crowds. Today we’ll study John 6. Let’s begin with the seƫng of this narraƟve. a READ John 6:1-4 · Where, geographically, was this passage set? · More specifically, where did Jesus go? · Who was there with Him? · When did this narraƟve happen? Day 1:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 6:5-11 · What was the dilemma they were facing? · What was one suggesƟon given for solving the problem? · Who made that suggesƟon? · Did it seem to be a likely soluƟon? Jesus’ soluƟon to the problem of hunger was different than that of His disciples. From v.11, write down three things Jesus did with the bread: 1. _____________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________ What about you? You’re undoubtedly facing some type of problem in your life. What dilemma or perplexing situaƟon is on your mind? Have you come up with an idea to solve the problem? Maybe you’ve already expressed your soluƟon in prayer, as if to tell God what to do. But, maybe God has a beƩer soluƟon! If you followed Jesus’ paƩern here, what would it look like in your current situaƟon? How would God direct you? 1. Take what you DO have: _________________________________ ________________________________________________________ 2. THANK God for it: _______________________________________ ________________________________________________________ 3. Use it to BLESS others: ___________________________________ ________________________________________________________

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a REREAD John 6:1-14. Oh, if all of life’s problems would be solved so speedily, but problems aren’t oŌen solved in one day, and needs aren’t always met with extra to spare. Yet, maybe God has met a huge need in your life in a way that was nearly as miraculous. If so, note what it was and prepare to share how God saƟsfied your need with your group. a READ John 6:15 · Why do you think the people wanted to make Jesus their King? · What was Jesus’ response to this? · How does John 2:25 explain His reasoning? a READ John 6:16-21 and Mark 6:45. These passages reveal that Jesus actually sent His disciples into the boat. He knew there were two storms brewing: one on land (the mob pressing to advance their own kingdom) and one on sea (the wind and waves). Jesus sent His disciplines directly into the natural storm at sea. · Even though Jesus sent them into the path of the storm, were they ever in real trouble? What did Jesus say to them in v.20? Is it possible that your Heavenly Father could be allowing you to sail through difficult waters, knowing His eye is on you, knowing you won’t perish, and knowing that He is sparing you from a more treacherous situaƟon? Day 2:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 6:22-26. In that moment, Jesus knew the crowd desired a free meal — an improvement of their circumstances. In our day, people oŌen become interested in Jesus because they’re told He will make their marriage beƩer, make their depression go away, or improve their relaƟonships — basically, make life beƩer! · Has that ever been your moƟvaƟon to know Jesus? For an improvement of your quality of life? a READ John 6:27-29. Jesus began to challenge their moƟves. · What do you think He meant (in v.27) when He contrasted food that perishes with food that endures to eternal life? · Write out the phrase from v.29: “This is the work of God, __________________________________________________” a READ John 6:30-35. In v.27, Jesus said that God had set His seal upon Him — He had been chosen! That probably got the Jews to thinking about their own naƟonal history and their first naƟonal leader, Moses, whom God had chosen for them and set His seal upon. When God delivered the Jewish naƟon out of slavery in Egypt, they passed through the wilderness on their way to the promised land. They were fed every morning with a wafer-type food that fell from heaven — manna! Over Ɵme, they associated this miraculous bread from Heaven with their wilderness leader — Moses. If they were to give allegiance to a new leader, wouldn’t it be great if he would produce a similar daily sign? AŌer all, it seems like that’s what God’s leaders do — provide bread! Day 3:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · What were the people suggesƟng in v.30-31, and why? · How did Jesus correct them about Who actually provided in the wilderness and Who was providing now? (v.32-33) Let’s set up some analogies based on this passage: · In the same way that manna was given from Heaven, so also Jesus... · In the same way that bread is taken into the body and used for physical fuel, so also Jesus... · In the same way that our physical hunger is saƟsfied with bread, so also Jesus... Explain why our tradiƟon of taking communion is a good reminder of what Jesus accomplished for us, what He provides for us, and how He saƟsfies us:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 6:35-44. Begin today’s study by wriƟng out John 6:44: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ a READ John 3:27 & John 6:63-65. Do you see that you would not be even doing this Bible study, if God had not been drawing you to Himself by His Spirit? His invitaƟon is always Come to Me! · How do these verses inspire you to pray for loved ones who have not yet believed in Christ? a READ John 6:45-59. When God sent manna from Heaven in the wilderness, He delivered it right to where the people were camped. They didn’t have to search high and low, they didn’t have to work for it, God revealed it to them simply. · In what other ways is the bread in the wilderness (manna) and the Bread of Life (Jesus) similar? · In what ways are they completely different? · What happened to their forefathers in the wilderness, who actually did get the manna? Day 4:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 6:60-71. · Based on v.63, what is required to understand the things of God? There seemed to have been three different reacƟons for Jesus saying He was the REAL Bread from Heaven and that a person needed to feed on the life-giving fuel that He offered: 1. RejecƟon (v.66)— Who flat out rejected Jesus’ teaching and leŌ? 2. Faith (v.67-69)— Who spoke for the believing disciples who remained? What was his reasoning? 3. Counterfeit Faith (v.70-71)— Who conƟnued with the disciples, but did not truly embrace the teaching of Jesus? We see the same response today when people are confronted with truth: some walk away, some believe, and some mimic the externals of ChrisƟanity but don’t truly feed on the Living Word of God. Jesus knows that our deepest need is to partake of HIM, to actually have His Spirit living within us to saƟsfy our spiritual hunger and thirst, and to become what we need for life and godliness. This is the greatest miracle — that sinners like us can instantly change course from our appointment with God’s wrath to everlasƟng life — simply by believing, accepƟng and receiving the transforming work of Jesus — the Bread of Life.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Spiritual hunger and thirst is at the root of the hopelessness, dis- couragement and despair that people feel today. In what ways do people aƩempt to saƟsfy these feelings of empƟness? 2. What do you think of Jesus actually sending His disciples into the boat, knowing a storm was brewing? Does your theology allow for that in your own life? 3. When Jesus told Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again’ (John 3:1- 4), he took Him literally. When Jesus told the Samaritan woman she could drink and ’never thirst again’ (John 4:10-15), she took Him literally. When Jesus said, ‘unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man...you have no life in you’ (John 6:53), they took Him literal- ly. Why do you think some religious groups sƟll struggle with the communion bread having to become the literal flesh of Christ? 4. READ MaƩhew 7:21-23 and 13:24-30. Over the years that Judas spent with the disciples, no one seemed to suspect that he wasn’t a genuine follower. Why do you think God tolerates unbelievers right alongside true believers? 5. Share how, in your life, Jesus hasn’t merely given you what you need to saƟsfy you, but has become what you need.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 2 —

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier R & WÙ®ã John 8:12 — ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ What is the promise in this verse? What is the condiƟon in order for that promise to be fulfilled? There are actually two verses in John’s Gospel that use the very same words (John 8:12 and John 9:5). The former was chosen for our wriƩen verse because of how clearly it expresses the condiƟon/ promise relaƟonship. If you found yourself needing to navigate through a dark forest on a starless night, following the person with the lantern would be the smartest thing to do. But we always have a choice, as we can pridefully choose the path of independence, launch into the darkness and take our chances, or we can follow the light! This world IS a dark place and Jesus not only HAS the light — He IS the Light! The smart thing to do would be to follow HIM! Let’s begin in John 9, where Jesus created a brilliant object lesson by healing a man who had lived in literal darkness his enƟre life. a READ John 9:1-7. From this text, note: · The condiƟon of the man: · The disciples’ assumpƟons: Day 1:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · Jesus’ explanaƟon: · Jesus’ acƟons: · The blind man’s acƟons and the result: For today’s consideraƟon, let’s go back to the disciples comment about the condiƟon of the blind man. Their assumpƟon was that someone was to blame, “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” · Do you think that assumpƟon was more in keeping with a Biblical worldview of suffering, or a pagan idea of karma? · Have you ever made a similar assumpƟon about suffering or trouble in someone else’s life? Have you thought, “Hmm, I wonder where they went off track to deserve that kind of trouble”? Because He loves us, God someƟmes disciplines us. But there are many other reasons for physical suffering. In this case, Jesus explained, “that the works of God might be displayed in him.” When we endure suffering in our own lives, we need to remember that we may never see the enƟre picture unƟl we’re in Heaven. Then we will “know even as we are known” (I Corinthians 13:12). Sickness and hardship come into all of our lives, but we can be sure that none of it has escaped God’s noƟce. Whether He heals us or holds us with strength to endure, He will use it for our good and His glory, if we trust in Him.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier When we read through the Gospels now, miracles and healings seem commonplace. But, in those moments, they always created a sƟr — especially a Sabbath Day healing. Jesus was good at geƫng aƩenƟon! Imagine that blind soul — every day spent in darkness unƟl suddenly, aŌer an encounter with Jesus, he could not only see, but probably had perfect vision! That really started people talking — the neighbors, the Pharisees, and the man’s own parents. Let’s study their reacƟons: a READ John 9:8-25 · Summarize what the neighbors thought and said: · Summarize the Pharisees’ thoughts and comments: · Summarize his parents’ thoughts and comments: Now, let’s observe how the healed man responded as he was quesƟoned. Note specifically how his understanding became progressively clearer, each Ɵme he gave an answer: · v.11 · v.15b Day 2:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · v.17b · v.25b I love that last statement! SomeƟmes, I sƟll feel that way as I walk with the Lord. “I don’t know, I don’t have all the answers...all I know is that I once was lost and now I’m found.” In tomorrow’s lesson, he’ll speak with even more clarity. For today, let’s personalize this idea by reading 2 Corinthians 4:6. Write it below: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ There is important informaƟon that we didn’t fully invesƟgate before we started this week’s narraƟve, and that is the seƫng of this story. Chapters 7-9 of John describe events that happened in close sequence at one parƟcular celebraƟon. Let’s go back and gather that informaƟon: · When — From John 7:2 and 7:37, describe what was happening at the Ɵme: · Where — From John 7:14 and 8:59, describe where Jesus was ministering, just before this miracle: Day 3:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier This is relevant because today’s reading ends with ‘they cast him out’. It’s helpful to understand from where the healed man was cast out. a READ John 9:26-34. The Pharisees seemed to be stepping up their harassment and the healed man found even greater boldness, aŌer already telling them three Ɵmes about Jesus healing him. · Summarize his response this Ɵme in v.27: · What did the Pharisees have to say to that? In v.31-33, the healed man, who may have never given much thought to such things, now spoke with complete logic and clarity. What are the points that he made in defense of Jesus being from God? · · · The religious leaders had asked all the quesƟons and listened to all the answers from the neighbors, parents, and the man himself, and they sƟll chose not to believe. Since they couldn’t deny the miraculous, they resolved to discredit the messenger (v.34). READ John 3:19-21. · How does that explain the response of the religious leaders? · How do you think it explains how people respond today?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 9:35-39 What a day! The man started the morning as a blind beggar near the temple courts, and ended the day with 20/20 vision but cast away from the temple. The man (remember, he was blind) didn’t know who Jesus was. But Jesus, always the friend of the outcast, “heard that they had cast him out, and having found him...”, determined to introduce Himself (v.35). Jesus went out of His way to find the man! · What are your impressions of that conversaƟon with Jesus? This is the character of God. He’s always looking for hearts of faith. Who will believe in Him? Who will trust Him? Who will accept that He is ENOUGH? Even today, God is sƟll searching all over the earth for hearts that are open to be introduced to their Savior! We started this lesson with the condiƟon and promise from John 8:12, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We are all walking through this dark world. Jesus HAS the light and Jesus IS the Light we need. The Apostle Paul told us, “at one Ɵme you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8) The contrast from physical blindness to sight is miraculous; but not as amazing as the transformaƟon from spiritual darkness to spiritual light in the Lord. Let’s follow through these bullet points that parallel the healed man’s stages of understanding, and think about how they relate to our own spiritual journey from darkness into light. · We’re all spiritually blind from birth. · God calls us out—He makes the first move in our life. · Jesus does a work of healing us from spiritual blindness. Day 4:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · Jesus calls us to be obedient to what He commands. · We may understand very liƩle about Jesus at first. · People may noƟce we’re different. In fact, they may even wonder if they recognize us at all. · We may become persecuted by people who are sƟll in darkness. We’re never told the name of the blind man. Jesus is the Hero of the story. But, we can see the man’s trouble in life was truly used to bring glory to God! Think through his journey compared to your own journey with Jesus. Do you find any similariƟes? Let’s finish with some important Scriptures related to Jesus bringing light and illuminaƟon to our life. Look up these verses, jot some notes, circle your favorite and prepare to share why. · Isaiah 9:2 · Isaiah 60:1-3 · John 1:9 · Ephesians 5:8 · 1 John 1:5-7

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Why do you think we have a need to make sense of human suffer- ing, by linking it to some sort of tangible reason? (Who sinned, this man or his parents?) 2. How do you feel about the Lord allowing a physical infirmity in your own life for the purpose of His Glory? (Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 for addiƟonal thoughts.) 3. Have you ever experienced a situaƟon similar to the parents of the blind man; you knew your conclusions about God were not going to be accepted or appreciated; you knew that, if you held to your beliefs, it may cause you to be thrown out of a social circle? How did you handle that situaƟon? How would you counsel some- one facing something similar? 4. If an unbelieving friend asked you to pray for a physical problem and the Lord miraculously healed them, how does this story in- struct you about what your next step should be? 5. How does following Jesus make the difference between walking in darkness and boldly walking in the light? Give specific examples.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier R & WÙ®ã John 10:9— ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ AŌer introducing Himself as I AM through life’s common essenƟals like food and light, Jesus chose a new focus now — relaƟonship — which is also an essenƟal part of life. We’re all wired to belong to someone, and to give and receive love and care. Even if we won’t admit it, we also sense within, that an independent life is not enough, as we need more. In Jesus’ day, everyone was familiar with sheep and everyone knew that shepherds and sheep had close relaƟonships. Today, we might see parallels with Mommas and babies — they sleep in close proximity, they go everywhere together, and they learn each other’s voices fairly quickly! In the next two I AM metaphors, we’ll ponder those relaƟonships: how sheep are gathered, how they’re cared for, and how they’re led out again. This week, our study will focus on the door, or the gate, that allows the sheep entry and protecƟon. Since this chapter conƟnues the dialog between Jesus and the man who was just healed from his blindness, let’s begin there for context: a READ John 9:39-41 through John 10:1-6. Linking this passage with the previous chapter helps us recognize the audience. · Who, specifically, was Jesus speaking to? · In general, who do you think the sheep represent in this metaphor? Day 1:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · What specific sheep may have been in mind, given the context? Jesus said the LegiƟmate Shepherd used the door of the sheepfold — sort of like legiƟmate visitors to your home use your front door rather than an upstairs window. He explained how two sorts of people want access to the sheep, but they aƩempt to get in by different ways. Note below everything you learn about these people’s acƟons, moƟves and responses from these verses: Shepherd Thief, Robber, Stranger How they get in the sheepfold How sheep react to their voice How sheep respond physically to them In the previous chapter, the Pharisees claimed to have sight regarding spiritual things, so Jesus had contrasted those walking in the light with those who were spiritually blind. In these verses, He contrasted the LegiƟmate Shepherd with false shepherds. Combining those two contrasts, it’s interesƟng that the man born blind came to see, by listening to the voice of the LegiƟmate Shepherd and spurning the voices of the false shepherds, who claimed to know the Scriptures but could not even recognize Jesus as the Son of God. · Do you think there are modern-day counterparts to the false shepherds we read about in this passage? Give an example: · In what ways do these false shepherds avoid the door (Who is Jesus) and try to get access to the sheep a different way?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 10:1-4,9. Yesterday, we noted the contrast between the True Shepherd and the thief, robber or stranger. Then Jesus menƟoned one addiƟonal player in His analogy. · Who had the responsibility to open the way for the true shepherd? · Jesus didn’t interpret who this was. What are some of your ideas? Who do you think the gatekeeper in v.3 may be referring to? Many Old Testament prophets foretold that God’s legiƟmate Messiah would enter our world at a parƟcular place, from a certain bloodline and for a specific purpose. He would not slink in the backdoor, but would come in exact fulfillment of those prophecies. Let’s consider just a few propheƟc scriptures. Give a brief summary of how Jesus fulfilled them: Isaiah 11:1-2 Isaiah 42:1-4 MaƩhew 2:1-6 GalaƟans 4:4-5 Today, people say there are many ways to have access to God — many doors! Jesus, however, explained that someone or something, which He called the gatekeeper, was anƟcipaƟng His arrival and would confirm His propheƟc credenƟals when He showed up and would open the way for Him, as the True Shepherd of the sheep. Day 2:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier In v.4, Jesus said that the Shepherd of the sheep calls them by name and leads them out. The wording in v.9 says that the sheep will go in and out and find pasture. Ancient shepherds did not drive their sheep from behind the flock like a sheepdog, rather they led them from the front, paving the way and showing, by example, the path to be followed and expected the sheep to follow. There was another Ɵme in Israel’s history when Israel needed someone to lead them. At the end of their wilderness journey, Moses knew that he would not be allowed to lead Israel into the Promised Land. So, he peƟƟoned the Lord for such a leader. READ Numbers 27:15-18 · What are the similariƟes in wording that you see between this passage in Numbers, and our current text in John? · Two men with the same name were God’s answer to Moses: · The first man who led Israel into the Promised Land with a Hebrew variaƟon of his name was _______________. · The second man who led Israel into the Promises of God with a Greek variaƟon of His name was _______________. God graciously gave His Son to be our True Shepherd, and He graciously gave the sheep a choice, as to whether they would listen and follow. Look at v.9 again: · How did Jesus describe His role? · What would be required of the sheep? · What would be the blessing?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 10:7-10 We’ve been making the point, in this study, that Jesus doesn’t just offer what we need for life, He actually becomes what we need. In the context of caring for sheep, the LegiƟmate Shepherd not only entered the sheep pen via the door, but he then spent the night lying in that same doorway to protect the flock. From the sheep’s perspecƟve, he became the door since any sheep wanƟng to get out, or any dangerous character wanƟng to get in, had to pass through him. The possibility of thieves was a real threat within the sheep pen. The character of the thieves and the Shepherd were completely opposite, as was their moƟvaƟon. READ John 10:10, and note the contrast in moƟvaƟon: · Of the thief: · Of the Shepherd: Jesus came, not only for our redempƟon, but also to lavish abun- dance on us. That’s not my opinion — that’s what He said in v.10! Read these Scriptures, pondering and noƟng the aspects of abundance that come from the True Shepherd: John 1:12 John 1:16 Day 3:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier John 10:28-29 Ephesians 1:7-10 Ephesians 2:18-19 Hebrews 4:15-16 I find it interesƟng that these iniƟal three I AMs of Christ have parallels to our natural senses. — The Bread of Life — to our sense of taste — The Light of the World — to our sense of sight — The Door/Shepherd — to our sense of hearing (as we see below) a READ John 10:1-10. Mark in your Bible all of the words pertaining to our sense of hearing — words like voice, calls, listen, etc. Do you see how repeƟƟve those words are, and how liberally they are sprinkled throughout this passage? · What did Jesus explain about the voice recogniƟon between the sheep and the Shepherd? · What tells you that the Shepherd’s voice wasn’t difficult to hear? Day 4:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · In this passage, how did the sheep relate to the voice of a stranger? Okay, it’s Ɵme to bring this home, make it personal, and ask ourselves some probing quesƟons. Whether you’ve been in the Faith for 3 weeks or 30 years, here are some important quesƟons to reflect on: · Would you characterize yourself as someone who intently listens for the voice of your Shepherd? · If you do listen, do you recognize His voice when He calls you? Is His voice familiar to you? · It seems that one purpose for listening to the Shepherd’s voice in our text is so that He can lead out the sheep — presumably to find pasture. When is the last Ɵme that you recognized your Shepherd’s voice, either gathering you in to safety or leading you out to an abundant pasture? Explain. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. — RevelaƟon 3:20 (ESV)

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Have you ever fallen vicƟm to the decepƟon or trickery of a false shepherd, as described in this passage? Explain: 2. Why do you think it can be such a challenge to embrace the abundant life that Jesus promised, and instead focus on lists of perceived must-dos as a ChrisƟan? 3. The ancient shepherd physically laid in the door to protect the sheep. Has there been a Ɵme in your life, when Jesus acted as a protector in the same way, either physically or spiritually? 4. If someone asked you how to develop a keener ear for listening to the voice of the Shepherd, what two pracƟcal things might you suggest? 5. In what one way would you like to improve your sheep/Shepherd relaƟonship by the end of this Bible Study?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier R & WÙ®ã John 10:11 — ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ You may recall that the first three I AM statements appealed to our sense of taste, sight and hearing. Can I go out on a limb and suggest that this fourth statement could appeal to our sense of touch? A Good Shepherd is a hands-on Shepherd — grooming, comforƟng, and nurturing. We all crave that type of personal relaƟonship (even if we deny it). We’re not truly content in isolaƟon. We need and desire care. The verse you wrote describes the height of love and care. As we consider Jesus becoming our Good Shepherd, my desire is that we draw a bit closer to Him and embrace the relaƟonship He desires. a READ John 10:11-16 Let’s mark the cast of characters Jesus described in these verses. (If you don’t write in your Bible, print out John 10 so you can liberally mark it). Choose your own unique marking method for each idenƟty below — like underlines, circles, squares, or waves… · Mark each phrase good shepherd (you should find 3). · Mark the phrase hired hand (and pronouns associated with it). · Mark each of the six instances of sheep. You probably know that, in Scripture, we are idenƟfied as sheep. · READ Psalm 100:3 and write it out below: Day 1:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier What two things did Jesus tell us about Good Shepherds in this text? · From v.14: · From v.11: Let’s begin with the first descripƟon above — a Good Shepherd idenƟfies with His sheep—but how? Have you ever used that liƩle quippy saying, “it takes one to know one”? There’s some real truth to that. One reason Jesus knows His sheep is that He is a Sheep. He’s a Sheep/Shepherd, and that is the wonder of the IncarnaƟon. · READ John 1:29. Who declared Jesus to be a Sheep in that verse, and how is Jesus described? Jesus also became a Sheep in order to fulfill what you wrote from v.11 above — to lay down His life to benefit them. · READ Isaiah 53:4-7. How do you think these two passages reinforce one another? a READ John 10:11-15 Many of the great men of the Old Testament were leading sheep before God called them to lead His people. Abraham, Moses, and David come to mind. Perhaps the skills they gained during long hours Day 2: Under the Old Covenant, the sheep died for the shepherds, But, under the New Covenant, the Shepherd died for the sheep.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier in open fields with no one to talk to, but God and sheep, were the perfect training ground for Godly leadership. Not all leaders are Godly, however. Yesterday, we marked two different types of leaders in our passage: the Good Shepherd and the hired hand (which Scripture also calls, false shepherds). What did Jesus have to say about those who were not appointed by Him and who did not share the same care and concern for the sheep? AcƟons and traits How their acƟons of false shepherds affected the sheep John 10:10 John 10:12-13 Ezekiel 34:1-6 Remember, this conversaƟon took place near the temple in Jerusalem aŌer the healing of the blind man. Read John 9:34, and think back to the acƟons of the religious leaders in the previous chapter. · How had those hired hands treated that tender sheep? · READ RevelaƟon 7:17. Contrast the religious leaders’ acƟons with our Sheep/Shepherd Jesus:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Does this study bring up a sense of regret over a relaƟonship? Have you ever acted like the hired hand — knowing you could have cared more for another sheep, but didn’t? Perhaps you became distracted by your own concerns, or experienced a temporary callousness for some reason. As sheep, we neither act with 100% virtue nor 100% evil. We can be fickle and undependable. We can be shepherds, but we’re not the Good Shepherd, and our moƟves are tainted by our sinful nature. If you’re feeling burdened over a relaƟonal failure: · Confess the situaƟon to the Lord, admiƫng your neglect in the situaƟon, and your need for more of His character. · Resist the accusaƟon and paralysis of the enemy, and move forward in your relaƟonships, trusƟng in the Lord to make you more like Him each day. · Always remember to point people to the real Good Shepherd, who does care for the sheep and will not disappoint them. a READ John 10:12-16. Draw an “O” around the word “own” each Ɵme you encounter it. (3 Ɵmes) You’re familiar with the phrase, pride of ownership. We oŌen use it to describe a higher level of care when we own a home or a car. If you will indulge the phrase, pride of ownership, I think it will give us a new perspecƟve related to the words that you marked. · In v.12, how does pride of ownership relate to the hired hand? · In v.14-15, how does pride of ownership relate to the Shepherd? Day 3:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Throughout this passage, Jesus clearly explained HE OWNS His sheep. · What addiƟonal insights does v.16 give us about the sheep? · READ MaƩhew 15:24. If Jesus were likened to an arrow in His Father’s quiver — which sheepfold was the iniƟal target? · READ Romans 1:16. Who do you think may be the sheep that are not of this fold? · What ulƟmate goal did Jesus express for the flock in v.16? · Combining Romans 1:16-17, with Jesus’ words in this text, how do you think they will listen to His voice? · READ John 10:27-28. What are the rewards for those who hear His voice and follow Him? READ Ephesians 2:11-13. It’s good, once in a while, for us GenƟles to read words like no hope and without God to remind us what a huge privilege it is to be purchased into His flock. The Jews wouldn’t have been thinking about Jesus gathering other sheep. SomeƟmes we’re not as aware as we should be of ALL the sheep Jesus wants to gather.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier By way of agreement with Jesus’ intenƟons, ask Him to impress on your heart someone whom you believe is NOT part of His flock, and begin (or conƟnue) to pray for that lost sheep, and ask Jesus how He might want to use YOU in that gathering process. Jesus, our Good Shepherd... — laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), — by purchasing the sheep with His own blood (Acts 20:28), — so those who follow no longer belong to themselves, as (1 Cor. 6:19-20) they have been bought with a price. We naturally love independence, don’t we? We aspire to be our own boss, to do what we want, when we want. While that may be an advantage in business, it’s not how things work in God’s Kingdom. In God’s flock, we’re not our own, we have an Owner, and He is a wonderful Owner — He’s a Good Shepherd! He is kind, gentle and caring, and has our best interest at heart. Do you really believe that? Even if you’ve read the Scriptures and believe it in your head, make sure right now that it’s in your heart. Believe and treasure in your heart what you read in the passages today. a READ Isaiah 40:11, which expresses God’s tenderness so elegantly. Ponder the missing words, as you complete the verse: He will _______________ his flock like a _________________, He will _______________ the lambs in his ________________, He will _____________ them in his _________________; And gently __________ those that are with ________________. Day 4: I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. Ezekiel 34:16

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ Ezekiel 34:15-16, and complete: I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will _______________________________, declares the Lord GOD. I will ________ the lost, and I will _______________ the strayed, and I will ____________ the injured, and I will _______________ the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will ___________ them in jusƟce. a READ Psalm 23:1,3, and complete: The LORD is my Shepherd … He ______________ my soul. He __________ me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. a READ RevelaƟon 7:17, and complete: For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their _________________, and he will ____________ them to springs of living water, and God will _______________ every tear from their eyes. Did you noƟce that you were wriƟng mostly acƟon verbs to complete those verses? Each of those passages show strong, yet tender, acƟons on the part of the Shepherd. Look at them again. Read them aloud from start to finish. Would you not say that everything on that list has the best interest of the sheep in mind? · Which of those acƟons can you idenƟfy as something Jesus has done for you recently? Explain. · Which of those acƟons do you know about intellectually, but you want to experience personally?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Probably the most well-known passage of Scripture, regarding the Good Shepherd, is Psalm 23. Give two reasons why you think that is such a popular Psalm. 2. We menƟoned the similarity between shepherds and Mommas. If you’re a Momma, how does a study of the Good Shepherd inspire you in your role of care, nurture, and sacrifice for your sheep? 3. These lessons on leadership from John 10 don’t have to be con- fined to Church life. Regular employees can choose to display an aƫtude that’s either like a hireling — who cares liƩle for the job to be done or the people around them; or like the Shepherd — who serves sacrificially. Read Colossians 3:22-24, and share how both of these passages can relate to your life and your career. 4. Read John 10:27-29. Discuss the phrase, “no one will snatch them out of my hand”. 5. What are some Biblical expectaƟons we should have of our Good Shepherd?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier R & WÙ®ã John 11:25 — ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ The I AM texts liberally include the word life — Bread of Life, Light that leads to Life, now ResurrecƟon and the Life — yet, as we process the concept of life, the text draws us into the deep pain brought on by death. Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus died, and in the narraƟve, John exposed the pain and even perhaps betrayal felt by his sisters. The pain of death is felt by all, people who love God and people whom God loves. Why doesn’t God spare His kids from deep pain? If Jesus is enough, as we’ve been claiming, then where is the abundant life that is supposed to be our experience? Maybe part of our answer lies in our verse for this week. We tend to hope for God to DO something, but all the while, He’s BEING something! AŌer all, He said: I AM the ResurrecƟon and the Life! a READ John 11:1-2, 5 and also Luke 10:38-42. List everything you learn about Jesus’ friends, their relaƟonship to Him and to each other: Day 1:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 11:3-6. · The problem was clearly spelled out — Lazarus was very ill. Why do you think the sisters sent word to Jesus about his illness? · What did Jesus have to say about the illness? · What was Jesus’ specific plan of acƟon, based on this news (v.6)? · Is that the response you would have expected? Do you think the disciples anƟcipated that response? a READ John 11:7-10. Two days had passed between verses 6 & 7. · Why did the disciples object to a trip to Judea? · Do you think their fears were founded? We all deal with risk and fear differently. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they do whatever it takes to keep to their safe

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier rouƟne and their secure home. But God never promised a sheltered, comfortable, risk-free life for His kids (as we learned in our Old Testament studies through the wilderness). What God HAS promised is to give us good works to do for His Kingdom (Ephesians 2:10), and a promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). · Think about Jesus’ illustraƟon of walking forward during the daylight hours without stumbling. What do you think He was trying to convey about the work His Father had given Him to do? · Is there a personal applicaƟon for you in Jesus’ analogy? What have you been given to do that may require accepƟng risk, or overcoming fear in order to accomplish that task? Explain. It’s not likely that we’ll face a crowd with stones in their hands, yet we can easily convince ourselves certain things are off limits because of what might happen if we accept the challenge. Ladies, if God has created good works for you to walk in (and Scripture says that He has), you beƩer get to them while it’s sƟll day and the light is on your side! a READ John 11:11-16. Jesus told the disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep and, of course, they thought He meant literal sleep. · Can you think of a couple reasons they may have wanted to believe Lazarus was merely sleeping? Day 2:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · With what three words did Jesus clear it up in v.14? · How did Jesus feel about Lazarus’ death (from v.15)? Now, we just finished the passage, “I Am the Good Shepherd”, and learned that the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. How can we harmonize that Shepherd image with this statement that Jesus was glad that He wasn’t there when Lazarus died? Our goal in these verses is to broaden our acceptance of the things God allows to touch our lives, and then learn to rest deeper in His eternal plan, even in the midst of our suffering. a READ John 11:17-20. · How long had Lazarus been in the tomb by the Ɵme Jesus arrived? · Describe the movements of the sisters in these verses: · Martha — · Mary — One thing that’s not to be overlooked in this passage is the respect and honor that Jesus showed these women. The perƟnent conversa- Ɵons surrounding Lazarus’ death and resurrecƟon were with women.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier The typical male response of the day would have been to ignore the ladies, but that is not how Jesus operated. He engaged them, listened to them and responded with kindness and truth. a READ John 11:21-27 (Martha’s conversaƟon with Jesus) · What emoƟons do you suppose were behind Martha’s iniƟal words to Jesus in v.21? Are those emoƟons familiar to you at all? Have you been disappointed with what God has or hasn’t done in your life, or a loved one’s life? These can be very painful quesƟons. It’s natural for us to create a percepƟon that the Good Shepherd would never let one single bad thing affect His sheep. If He does allow something to adversely affect His sheep, our theology buckles and we lose faith. · What were Jesus’ iniƟal words of comfort regarding Martha’s brother in v.23? ...to which Martha responded that she believed in an event — the ResurrecƟon on the Last Day. But Jesus wanted her to believe in a Person — I AM the ResurrecƟon and the Life! Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” — Do you believe I AM? Martha said, “Yes, Lord” (v.27). Jesus asks each of us, “Do you believe in ME?” You might believe in the Bible, or believe in proper doctrine, or believe in Heaven, but the main quesƟon is, “Do you believe in I AM?”. Jesus said, “everyone who believes in me shall never die”. It’s not enough to believe in an event — we must believe in a Person!

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Jesus not only loved Lazarus, He also loved Mary and Martha. John took note of it, and recorded their conversaƟons for generaƟons to read. Today’s lesson features the dialogue with Mary... a READ John 11:28-32. · Who encouraged Mary to make contact with Jesus (v.28)? · Compare both of the ladies’ iniƟal meeƟng with Jesus in v.21 and v.32, and list the similariƟes and differences: a READ John 11:33-38. John used words to show Jesus sympathiz- ing with what was happening around Him. Write any phrases from the following verses that show Jesus’ emoƟonal response: V.33 __________________________________________________ V.33 __________________________________________________ V.35 __________________________________________________ V.38 __________________________________________________ READ Hebrews 4:15-16. What do we find is sƟll true of Jesus today? Day 3:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Do you believe Jesus sees your life and difficulƟes through eyes of sympathy? Here’s another passage to consider. READ Mark 6:33-34. · Describe Jesus’ response to the people’s struggle: Back to our text, the Jews saw Jesus weeping (v.35). Because of that, what conclusions did some of them make about His abiliƟes in v.37? Is it also possible for us to draw false conclusions about God’s ability or willingness to intervene in our lives? The bystanders were sƟll in the pre-resurrecƟon stage of this event, and could only lament that Jesus hadn’t healed Lazarus like He did the blind man. They would soon witness a greater work of God. Consider the possibility that some area of your life may be in the pre- resurrecƟon phase but all you can see is the dead phase. · Have you been lamenƟng God’s ability or willingness to intervene? · Does God perhaps have a good reason for allowing the situaƟon? · Can you commit this area to God and rest in your Savior, who IS the ResurrecƟon and the Life? God's love for His own is not a pampering love; it is a perfecƟng love. The fact that He loves us and we love Him is no guarantee that we’ll be sheltered from the problems and pains of life. AŌer all, the Father loves His Son: and yet permiƩed Him to experience the pain of the Cross. We must never think that love and suffering are in- compaƟble.1 — Warren Wiersbe, Bible ExposiƟon Commentary

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 11:38-48. Finally, we get to Jesus’ conversaƟon with Lazarus: “Lazarus, come out”! It’s been said that Jesus had to call Lazarus by name, or all the dead, would have come out of the caves and tombs! · What was Martha’s objecƟon to removing the stone? · What does that tell you about just how dead Lazarus was? · Go back through v.40-48, and mark each Ɵme believe or believed is wriƩen. What does that show us about God’s intenƟon to make salvaƟon simple and clear? · What outcome were the chief priests and the Pharisees afraid of when they gathered the council? · If you read only Jesus’ words, what would you say was HIS primary goal in raising Lazarus? Day 4:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · What do you think was the primary goal of Mary, Martha and their friends? Oh, how we see and feel things so differently from God. We’re so naturally-minded, seeing things only through our physical lens. If I were Martha or Mary... ...MY goal would have been to see my brother again. ...I’m sure my brother’s goal would have been to stay in paradise. ...Jesus’ goal was that His people would know that God sent Him. ...Jesus’ goal was to show that the dead can be made alive. ...Jesus’ goal was that people would believe in Him! READ Ephesians 2:1-5 & Colossians 2:13. · What is the spiritual condiƟon of every human? · When a person believes in Jesus’ work on the Cross, what change is made in that condiƟon? This is THE most important applicaƟon of this I AM statement — that we understand and embrace the fact that our own dead spirit can be raised to new life, by believing that Jesus is the Christ. Have you believed? Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:4 (ESV)

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Why do you think it can be challenging to remember that God’s love doesn’t prevent us from experiencing tragedies and trials? 2. Do you think it’s appropriate for a ChrisƟan to grieve when sad or disappoinƟng things happen around them? 3. READ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and explain the similariƟes that exist between Lazarus and those who die before the Rapture. 4. DELAY was a prominent puzzle piece in the narraƟve of Lazarus. We learned that the Lord someƟmes delays so that He might work even more powerfully in a situaƟon that seems hopeless to us. Can you think of a Ɵme when God’s intervenƟon was delayed in your life, but now you are very grateful for that outcome? 5. Think of how to simply explain that our human spirits are dead before we believe in Jesus but are made alive when we receive His Spirit within us. PracƟce your simple explanaƟon in your group. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. — Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier R Ι WÙ®ã John 14:6 — _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ I’m guessing this verse isn’t a new one to most of you. According to TopVerses.com, it’s ranked the third most popular verse in the book of John. I can think of a few good reasons for that ranking — it’s clear, it’s brief, it’s complete! Bible verses don’t get much beƩer than that! This week will be a great study, as we unpack this simple, yet profound statement from mulƟple angles. Our last I AM statement in chapter 11 was spoken to Martha at Lazarus’ graveside near Bethany. Between these two I AMs are 124 verses that cover about a week (or a bit more). It would be great if we could study straight through, but we just don’t have Ɵme for a verse-by-verse study like that, so we’ll list the events in bullet points below. (If you’re able to read chapters 12-13 for a conƟnuous thread, do that now — otherwise, skim these highlights.) · Jesus stayed for a Ɵme near Ephraim with His disciples. (11:54-57) · Jesus went to Bethany and had dinner with Lazarus, Martha, Mary and others, six days before the Passover. Mary anointed Him. (12:1-11) · Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna, just days before the Passover. (12:12-19) · Jesus interacted with those gathered for the Passover. (12:20-50) · Jesus gathered with His disciples in the Upper Room to share the Passover meal. (13:1-30) And, that is where we’ll begin our study this week, in the Upper Room at the Passover meal with Jesus and His disciples.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier There are some events that happened during Jesus’ ministry, which ALL the Gospel writers included with amazing consistency in their narraƟves. The Passover, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is one of those events and it’s the seƫng for our key verse. Before we dive into John’s wriƟng, read all of the Gospel accounts below. Note things like WHO was there, WHAT was happening, WHAT was being celebrated, WHERE they were, along with any details that capture your aƩenƟon: MaƩ. 26:17-19 Mark 14:12-17 Luke 22:7-14 John 13:1-2 Each of the authors wrote of Jesus predicƟng Judas’ betrayal as well as Peter’s denial. But it’s the simple phrase at the end of John 13:30 that I want you to noƟce. Write the final four words of that verse here: ______________________________________________________ We can’t be sure why John wrote that, but it’s a curiosity, because we already know that it was night — a Passover meal was observed at night in keeping with its original context (Exodus 12:8). Why were those words used? Perhaps, John was echoing Jesus’ contrasts of day/night and light/ dark to describe the Ɵme available for doing the works of God (John 5:17, 9:4). Perhaps with Judas’ betrayal set in moƟon, John was drawing a closing curtain to the Ɵme available for Jesus’ public ministry, and preparing us to listen to the inƟmate conversaƟons of Jesus’ final hours with His remaining faithful disciples. Whatever the reason, we’ll begin this week’s study right at John 13:31, where the red-leƩer secƟon of your Bible really takes over! Day 1: “The Way”

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ John 13:31—14:6. Did you sense a change in Jesus’ tone from previous passages? These verses seem more tender and personal. The corner has been turned from confronƟng Pharisees and addressing large crowds — now Jesus’ words simply express the future path for those who love Him. That word — path — describes how we’ll view our key verse today: “I AM the Way...no one comes to the Father except through me.” One definiƟon for the Way is: the path, the road, the route. Go back over the enƟre text above, and mark words that have to do with travel: going, come, follow, place, etc. In some ways, we can understand these words more easily than those listening that night — mostly because we know the end of the story. · From v.36, what did Jesus mean about where He was going? · From v.2, what did Jesus mean when He said, my Father’s house? · Since Jesus was telling them about a place, it makes sense that there should be a route to get there, and yet Jesus didn’t really give them a plan or a road map. What did He give them so they wouldn’t be leŌ behind? Another dicƟonary definiƟon for ‘the way’ (other than the path or road) is the method or example. The way something is done means the method used to achieve those results. Day 2: “The Way”

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier If you’re teaching your teen how to use the lawn edger, you would probably go out to the yard together. You would demonstrate its use by doing a small porƟon, and then you would say, ’Do it that same way’. You would expect them to watch, observe and follow your example. Jesus became our example for Godly living, but He also stated oŌen where He got His example from — His Father in Heaven. a READ John 14:7-14. Mark the words Father and works. · Read v.7, 10 again and John 5:19-21. In what way did Jesus follow the example of His own Father? What was the result? · Read John 13:34-35. In what way should believers in Jesus follow His example? What will be the result? · Read John 14:12-14. In what way should believers in Jesus follow His example? What will be the result? · Read John 15:10. What example did Jesus set that we should follow? What will be the result?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier “What is truth?” asked Pilate during Jesus’ trial (John 18:38). That is an excellent quesƟon! What is truth? People for centuries have searched for truth. Yet, like Pilate, many have seemed to stumble over it, even when it stared them right in the face. Jesus said, “...for this I came into the world, to tesƟfy to the truth.” (John 18:37a) Jesus’ mission was to tesƟfy to the truth. · Look up the word tesƟfy, and write a definiƟon that applies to the above verse. · READ John 18:37b. What did Jesus say was the result of those who embraced truth? Jesus came first to the lost sheep of Israel (MaƩhew 15:24). His mission was to affirm the truth about God, to reveal His own relaƟon- ship as God’s Son, and to announce that those who listened to the truth and believed, could also have a close relaƟonship with God. That relaƟonship would happen through the Spirit of Truth! a READ John 14:15-20 · Who was promised to come live with those who believe (v.16-17)? · What does that relaƟonship look like (v.17)? · What will the world’s reacƟon be toward Him (v.17)? Day 3: “The Truth”

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Jesus said that the Spirit of Truth would be in them (v.17). Skip down to v.20 to beƩer understand, and fill in the blank lines: In that day you will know that ____ am in my ___________, and _____ in ____, and ___ in _____. No wonder Jesus went to such lengths to explain that He was One with the Father. He wanted His disciples to understand the possibility of being united with Him. Jesus IS the Spirit of Truth. That’s why He said, the Spirit of Truth will be in you (v.17) and I in you (v.20). The ministry of tesƟfying to the truth would conƟnue! · READ John 14:26 and John 15:26. What are the roles of the Spirit of Truth? · How is this similar to what Jesus’ descripƟon of His own role in John 18:37? · READ John 16:13. What ongoing work can a believer expect from the Spirit of Truth? · READ John 12:49. How does the role of the Holy Spirit parallel what Jesus did and didn’t do on earth? Jesus said, “I AM the Truth.” If we were to answer Pilate’s quesƟon, “What is truth?” the simplest answer would be “Jesus!” How can we know truth? Know Jesus and truth will be revealed to you!

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier LIFE is the last word in this I AM trilogy from John 14:6. Jesus said, I AM the Life...no one comes to the Father, except through me. Life is a relaƟonal word. Think about it — how is human life made? Well, unless you are God and have the ability to create by speaking, life is made through the inƟmate union of a husband and wife. The relaƟonship of love produces a child, and life is created! It’s the same in our spiritual lives, as a union with Christ produces new life. We do not become God’s children through Biblical study, accumulaƟng knowledge about God or performing acts of kindness. We become God’s children by believing in His Son and entering into a relaƟonship of life. a READ John 14:18-24. Mark the words live, love and orphans. · In the same way that a relaƟonship of love produces the life of a child, what was Jesus teaching about a relaƟonship of love toward God in these verses? · In a healthy family, the goal is never to leave children as orphans — that would be a reversal of the relaƟonship that gave life. However, in a fallen world, it’s someƟmes unavoidable. Explain what these verses teach us about God’s design so that we never find ourselves spiritual orphans. Those in a family relaƟonship usually live together. So, let’s use our trilogy to also celebrate what Jesus shared about our Eternal Home: The Way: “You know the way to the place where I am going” The Truth: “I am going there to prepare a place for you” The Life: “That you also may be where I am” Day 4: “The Life”

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Simply quoƟng John 14:6 probably wouldn’t be a sufficient an- swer to someone, who claims there are other ways to God. Based on your study this week, how would you explain Jesus’ exclusive claim to being THE WAY to know God? 2. Even though Jesus spoke a lot about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that night in the Upper Room, ChrisƟans today may tend to shy away from talking about that reality. Why do you think that may be? 3. John 14:14 says, “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it”. Do you think there is more explanaƟon to that verse? (If you are able, use other Scriptures rather than your opinions to answer.) 4. This chapter causes us to think about our home in Heaven. Which do you find easier to do? Yearn for Heaven or strive to create Heaven on earth? Why?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 7

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier R & WÙ®ã John 15:5 — ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Are you willing to do something a liƩle different for this lesson? We’ve enjoyed the lovely illustraƟons that my friend Liz made for our Study Guide, so if you sƟll have your colored pencils handy, we’ll use them this week to aggressively mark these 17 verses in our study. I think we’ll find the seƫng of this I AM passage intriguing. Some of the earlier I AM statements followed aƩenƟon-geƫng events like miraculous bread, sight given to a blind man and the resurrecƟon of Lazarus. They were intended to be witnessed by the crowds. But these last two statements were part of a more inƟmate seƫng — just Jesus and His disciples sharing the Passover meal, talking about where He was going and how they would follow. Now, on that same Passover evening, during the same conversaƟon, Jesus said in John 14:31, “Rise, let us go from here.” Some Bible scholars wonder if they all leŌ the Upper Room at that point, and began walking to the Garden of Gethsemane. Could it be that Jesus, the Master Teacher, always looking to make spiritual concepts understandable through ordinary objects, pointed out a large vine just outside of the house? A vine like that would provide the perfect visual as He told them, “I AM the true vine!” The passage that follows that sentence has become a favorite metaphor for ChrisƟans to help us picture how God intends us to flourish in our union with His Son Jesus Christ. So, we want to slow down and really unpack these verses in John 15 for our grand finale. Since some Bible translaƟons choose different words to express the original text, I thought it would be useful for us to work with the exact same word choices. The following page has the text from the ESV, which you will be able to mark with your colored pencils.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier With closed eyes, compose a mental image of a grapevine. Go big, make it a large, ancient vine that’s been in producƟon for decades! Do you see large, sweet clusters of grapes dangling from the branches? Do you see the gardener meƟculously inspecƟng the branches he pruned earlier in the year? Can you see the smile on his face as he approves of the fruit? If your imaginaƟon can go there, you’re ready to dig into this passage... a READ John 15:1-2 on the previous page. · Circle the word vine and me with a brown pencil. · Circle the words Father, vinedresser and he with blue. · Square the words branch with green. · Square the words fruit with purple. · Put a squiggly line under the word prunes. Jesus made it preƩy clear who He was talking about in those first two verses, but let’s list the answers anyway... Who is the vine: __________________________ Who is the vinedresser: _____________________ Who are the branches: _____________________ Even though Jesus started the metaphor by declaring Himself the True Vine, the main relaƟonship in v.1-2 is between which of the two above parƟes? Draw a connecƟng {bracket} between those two. · What acƟon does the vinedresser take when a branch isn’t producing the way it was created? (Use the word in the passage) · Does he take that acƟon on disconnected branches or on branches connected to the vine? (Use words from the passage) · What is the goal of the pruning acƟon? (Use words from the passage) Day 1:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Wild vines normally yield small, someƟmes dry, sour grapes. The fruit can be found, but it’s typically not good for much. On the other hand, vines that are groomed, tended to and pruned by an able gardener, are more producƟve, and their fruit is useful. Read this following explanaƟon of the pruning process, as described in The Sunset Gardening Book. Pruning is both a skill and an art. The skill is in making proper cuts that will heal well. The art is in making cuts in the right places so the plant will develop its potenƟal beauty or produce an opƟmum crop. No maƩer how much or how liƩle pruning you do on an established plant, the objecƟve is to modify the growth of the plant. The modificaƟon can be done for any of the following reasons: * to maintain plant health—removing dead, diseased, injured wood; * to control or direct growth; * to increase quality or yield of flowers or fruit.2 Isn’t that intriguing? You can see the parallels with our spiritual life, right? Jesus was highlighƟng the necessity of pruning for fruiƞulness. · What type of people are pruned? · For what purpose does our Heavenly Father prune us? Your Heavenly Father is never nearer to you than when He is pruning you. SomeƟmes He cuts away the dead wood that may cause trouble; but oŌen He cuts off the living Ɵssue that is robbing you of spiritual vigor. Pruning does not simply mean spiritual surgery that removes what is bad. It can also mean cuƫng away the good and the beƩer so that we might enjoy the best.1 —Warren Wiersbe, Bible ExposiƟon Commentary

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · When God is pruning, would you consider that punishment? · Why do we someƟmes feel like it is? · Has God been pruning in your life recently and have you readily accepted it — especially if He’s been pruning away something that seemed fruiƞul to you? · Have you shrunk back and interfered with His good work? It’s not really a yes/no answer, it’s something to consider, to reflect on and talk over with the Lord! a READ John 15:3-5. · Circle the word vine with a brown pencil. · Square the words branch with a green pencil. · Square the words fruit with a purple pencil. · Double underline the phrases, abide in me, abide in the vine, with a red pencil. It’s the phrases with red underlines that we want to focus on today — abiding in the vine. The NIV uses, ‘remain in me’ and that’s good too, but one reason I wanted us all to use the ESV text is that I rather like the poeƟc and relaƟonal sound of the word abide. · Skim through v.3-10, and count how many Ɵmes John used the word translated abide/remain in those few verses: ___________ Day 2:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · Look up the meaning of abide in the dicƟonary: · List two or three antonyms (opposites) for abide: In nature, a branch doesn’t really have the choice to abide. It just stays connected unless some unfortunate act disconnects it. Jesus said that branches disconnected from the vine could not produce fruit by themselves (v.4). Go back to that mental image from yesterday. Would anyone picture a branch lying off to the side of the vine that sƟll held beauƟful, healthy leaves and fruit ready for harvest? Of course not. We’ve all observed what happens in nature — the wind blows a large branch off a tree, the leaves are wilted within 12 hours, and if there was any fruit, it would soon begin to rot. Through the abundant use of the command, Abide in the vine, Jesus taught us we DO have a choice in our lives. We choose to connect, we choose to stay connected, and we can choose to disconnect. · What is the benefit Jesus listed for abiding in Him in v.5? Tomorrow, we’ll talk about all things fruit, but, for today, we’ll just assume that you want to bear fruit, that you believe it’s good for you to bear fruit, that you believe God wants you to bear a lot of fruit and that you wouldn’t want to live your life without bearing fruit. · Write out the last seven words from v.5: · Does that offend you...even just a liƩle? Why do you think it might be offensive to hear that?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier If you told a non-ChrisƟan, “Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing,” what would their response be? I mean, we see people who reject Jesus do great stuff all the Ɵme — inventors, doctors, and athletes. · How then would you explain this concept? a READ John 15:6-11. · Square the words branch with a green pencil. · Square the words fruit with a purple pencil. · Circle the word Father with a blue pencil. · Double underline the phrases, abide in me, and abide in my/his love, with a red pencil. · Double underline the phrases, keep my commandments, and kept my Father’s commandments, with a blue pencil. · Go back to your text on p.70. In v.2, 5, 8, put a check mark over the adjecƟve that precedes the word fruit that indicates quanƟty. By now, you’ve already marked fruit six Ɵmes and there will be two more in tomorrow’s text. Clearly, FRUIT is the main point of this passage — who bears it, how much is expected, the fate of fruitless branches, etc. Let’s check other passages, where Jesus talked to His disciples about fruit. · READ MaƩhew 7:15-20 — Note insights about fruit: · READ Luke 8:11-15 — Note insights about fruit: · READ Luke 13:6-9 — Note insights about fruit: Day 3:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Those passages add dimension, but they don’t exactly define what fruit means. Perhaps, something as common as fruit is self–evident. We all know the difference between a good apple compared to a roƩen apple; a bushel basket filled with apples compared to an empty basket. Some might think fruit means reproducing — winning souls for God’s Kingdom. While that is most certainly a part of the meaning, we can also lean on a great descripƟve list the Apostle Paul shared with the GalaƟans for a broader understanding. READ GalaƟans 5:22. List all of the fruit that should be expected from a life that is abiding in the vine: _________________ ___________________ _________________ _________________ ___________________ _________________ _________________ ___________________ _________________ · As you consider this list, put a smiley face next to two qualiƟes, where you believe the Lord has allowed you to bear much fruit. · Now consider two that you would have to admit that the quanƟty or quality of the fruit has been lean. Put a liƩle crown over them. With this list in mind, consider again, how fruit is grown on a plant in nature and in our lives. Biology teaches us that it’s the stalk/trunk/ vine that takes up the nutrients and water from its surroundings and distributes it to the branches to ulƟmately form fruit. This is why we water and ferƟlize our plants. The branches cannot reach down into the soil for themselves, they are dependent upon the vine to deliver to them what they need. It’s this dependence that Jesus was driving home to His disciples — Apart from me, you can do nothing! · Do you find that dependence on Jesus comes naturally to your flesh?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier · In what pracƟcal ways is the Lord showing you how to live with a greater dependence on Jesus in order to bear more fruit? (Specifically in those characterisƟcs that you marked with a crown) a READ John 15:12-17. · Circle the word father with a blue pencil. · Double underline the phrases, my commandments, and command you, with a blue pencil. · Square the words fruit with a purple pencil. · Draw a heart over the words love and friends with a red pencil. Here, we are on our final day of study and the words in this passage reinforce what Jesus said earlier in the evening (John 13:34) about a new commandment. · What is the clear command from v.12? · And what is the promised result from v.10? · What is the ulƟmate demonstraƟon of love from v.13? · Do you think those men could grasp how Jesus was hours away from truly walking out that kind of love? Day 4:

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Did you noƟce we stopped marking the word branches? That’s because Jesus switched to a new word toward the end of this passage — friends! · In v.15, what is characterisƟc of a servant? · In v.15, what is characterisƟc of a friend? · In v.16, what does Jesus expect from the friends He chooses? So there you have it — YOU have been appointed to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom. In fact, put that down in words: _______________ (your name) has been appointed to bear fruit that would abide. How will you do that? Jesus is Enough, Jesus is all you need, Jesus is essenƟal, you can do nothing without Jesus! You Simply Need Jesus! As one final exercise, fill in the missing words for the Scriptures on the next page. They are all part of the inƟmate, and yet instrucƟve, talk Jesus had with His close disciples...those He called friends. We want to appreciate the circular link between love, obedience, abiding and fruit. If you believe in Jesus, and have accepted His forgiveness of sins you probably want to make the years of your life count for something. You probably want to bear fruit, you probably want to abide. It’s all very simple, it’s not always easy, but remembering two words will help us tremendously: Simply Jesus!

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier FÙ®ÄÝ«®Ö ó®ã« C«Ù®Ýã ¦®ÄÝ ó®ã« LÊò: John 13:34 A new command I give you that you _________________. Just as I have loved you, you also are to ________________________. AÝ O®Ä: John 14:15 If you _______ me, you will ________ my commandments. John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and _____________ them, he it is who ____________ me. John 14:23 If anyone _________ me, he will _________ my word, and my Father will _________him, and we will come to him and make our _______ with him. John 14:31 But I do as the Father has _____________ me, so that the world may know that I _________ the Father. RÝç½ãÝ ®Ä A®®Ä¦: John 15:4-5 As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it _______ in the vine, neither can you, unless you ________ in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever ____________ in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do ____________. EÄÝ ó®ã« LÊò: John 15:8-10 By this my Father is glorified, that you _________ much ______ and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. __________ in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will __________ in my love.

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. We’ve learned there are many types of fruit. Through studying this passage and praying, do you sense any parƟcular type of fruit that the Lord may be desiring to produce in your life? 2. Can you idenƟfy any type of pruning that God has done in order to bring that fruit about? Is there something you sense He is cuƫng out of your life to make room for a fresh bloom of fruit? 3. Do you think it’s possible for ChrisƟans to produce fruit that wasn’t created through a connecƟon with Jesus? Perhaps syntheƟc fruit that looks similar, but isn’t real or saƟsfying? Explain. 4. How would you respond to someone who says, “ChrisƟans should focus on love, focusing on obedience is legalisƟc”? 5. What would you say are two reasons that ChrisƟans struggle with abiding in the vine? In other words, what causes distance with God? 6. What would you say is your most significant takeaway from all sev- en of the I AM statements?

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 8

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier References Scripture quotaƟons from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotaƟons from the NIV® Bible (The Holy Bible, New Inter- naƟonal Version®), copyright © 1984 Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1— Wiersbe, Warren. Bible ExposiƟon Commentary, New Testament (BE Series), Gospel of John. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2001. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. 2— Sunset Gardening Book. Sunset Western Garden Book, edited by Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Menlo Park, CA 2001 Artwork created and provided by Elizabeth Peƫnger

Simply Jesus — Copyright 2019 — Sue LeBoutillier The following WOW Bible Studies wriƩen by Sue LeBouƟllier are available through the Calvary Chapel Ontario bookstore, and through our online store at www.ccontario.com. Old Testament: · Genesis—Divine Design, From Eden to Egypt · Exodus—Divine Deliverance, From Egypt to Sinai · Numbers—The Wilderness Way, From Sinai to the Jordan · Joshua —The Path of Promise, From the Jordan into Canaan · Judges — A Time of Turning · Ruth—Rescue and Rest · 1 Samuel— The Coming King · 2 Samuel— The Reigning King · 1 Kings (Part One) — Solomon and the House of the Lord · Jonah—The Call of Compassion New Testament: · The Way of Jesus —The Sermon on the Mount (MaƩhew) · Simply Jesus—The “I AMs” of Christ (John) · Acts—Walking in the Spirit, The First Days of the Last Days · GalaƟans—Finding Grace in a Demanding World · Philippians—Finding Joy in a Disjointed World · Colossians—Finding Stability in a Changing World · Titus—While We Wait · James—Real Faith for Daily Life · 1 & 2 Peter—Hope, Holiness and Humility in a HosƟle World · 1,2,3 John—Light, Love and Logic Women of the Word Bible Studies

Apr 18, 2026

Pastor Paul LeBoutillier