Connect: How can you sip God’s joy now, in anticipation of the future he has prepared for us in Christ? 

Warm-Up

1. When you are worried or desperate, where do you instinctively turn first? And why?  
2. Have you ever noticed the difference when you pray more generally versus when you pray leaning on specific truths about who Jesus is or his promises? 

Read John 4:43-48

3. What do you notice about the Galileans ‘welcoming of Jesus (v.45) and Jesus’ reply (v. 48)? With v.44, what might John be showing us about the kind of welcoming this is? 
4. What are the differences between believing in Jesus Christ himself and putting faith in the church or church-related activities? Are there any ‘signs or wonders’ that can distract us from Christ himself?  
5. Why do you think the official wants Jesus to come down in person? What does that reveal about his understanding of Jesus? 
6. How would you respond if Jesus offered only his promise, without his physical presence or immediate proof? How do we enjoy both the promise of Jesus and the presence of Jesus? When will we know the fulfilment of both in full?
7. What do you think it looks like in everyday life to long for Jesus more than just want he can do for you? Why is it good to grow in our longing for Jesus?

Read John 4:49-54

8. Why would Jesus choose to give his word rather than to go with him? What is Jesus teaching us about who he is and the authority that he commands? (Try to think specifically of the opening words of John.)
9. How is it evident that the official’s confidence is based on who speaks the words rather than the precise words that Jesus speaks? What does “believed…and went” look like for you?
10. What is the significance of the timing of when the person is healed? How might this “confirmation” strengthen and deepen the faith of the official?
11. As a “sign” points beyond itself, what does this sign reveal about Jesus? How might this revelation helped shape your relationship with and your trust in Jesus?
12. How do you think this second sign (in John) fits John’s purpose for writing (cf. 20:30-31)? 

Apply What is one area where you might be tempted to demand Jesus “come down”, and what might it look like to “Go” trusting in Jesus himself this week?

On Your Front Line this Week

What role or task do you need the Bible's wisdom for this week?

For Families

• Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org

Listen, Watch, and Read

• Listen (sermon): “The Healing” by Tim Keller:
  https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-healing/ 
• Listen (sermon): “An Illustration of Faith” by Alistair Begg:
  https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/illustration-of-faith-an/   
• Read (article): “Snowballs and Bowling Balls: (1) Reading John’s Gospel” by Brian Rosner:
  https://www.ridley.edu.au/resources/snowballs-and-bowling-balls-1-reading-johns-gospel/ 

Series Resources

• Read: “John: An Expositional Commentary” by R C Sproul.
• Read: “The Gospel According to John” by Don Carson. 
• Read: “The Message of John” by Bruce Milne. 📚
• Read: “The Gospel According to John” by Leon Morris.
• Read: “John for Everyone: Part 1” by Tom Wright. 📚
• Read: “Can We Trust the Gospels?” by Peter Williams. 📚
• Read: “Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel” by Andreas Köstenberger
• Watch: “John” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-john/  
• Previous Series from St Bart’s (including Children’s Resources):
  https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/jesus-is
  https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/i-am
  https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/truth-glory 

📚Available to borrow from the St Bart’s Library (Toowoomba): stbarts.com.au/library 

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