3: The Backstory: The Prologue – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: The prologue is the opening of the book of John as he tells the story of Jesus within the historical period of Jesus’ life and summarizes its major themes.
October 19, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read John 1:1-5, 14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these verses tell us about Jesus and what He did?
3. Personal Application: What would we lose if Jesus were just a mere created being? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of you relatives states, “Why would John start out talking about Jesus in His role as Creator? Is it important to have a correct understanding of Creation?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read John 1:9-13.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
   b. What harsh reality is John stating here about how people respond to Jesus?
   b. Personal Application: How has your life changed by becoming a son or daughter of Christ as you accepted Him? Share your thoughts.
   c. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Have you ever denied being Christian, or hid it from someone? Have you ever been shamed for being a Christian? How could this lead to being honored or rejected by Christ?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read John John 3:16-21, John 9:35-41, John 12:36-46.

1. a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How do these texts repeat the theme of belief/unbelief found in the prologue?
3. Personal Application: In what ways do you live out your faith in Jesus rather than just holding a mental assent to Him being the Messiah? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Have you ever had questions about the character of God or the Father? Do you think they exhibit differences in their characters in the Bible? How do you deal with doubts about God’s character?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read John 17:1-5.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you”?
3. Personal Application: How does God offer Himself dying on the cross to save us from sin tell us about just how bad sin really is? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/3-the-backstory-the-prologue-teaching-plan/