Jesus Did What In The Water?!
John 1:23-34
Many of us carry a quiet ache—a sense that there must be more than this. Even with success, love, or a spiritual routine, something still feels incomplete. That ache isn’t a flaw; it’s a signal from your soul, directing you back to the One you were created for. This week, we will take a peek at the book of John and see how he is trying to bring supernatural life into our souls.
1. What stood out to you the most from this week’s worship service?
2. Read John 20:31. Believing isn’t just facts. It’s trust. It’s surrender. It’s building your future on someone’s identity. What would you say if someone asked who Jesus is and why you put your faith in Him?
3. Read John 1:23-29. This passage captures a moment when religious leaders question John the Baptist about his identity and mission. John makes it clear that he is not the Messiah but is preparing the way for someone far greater. Why do you think John the Baptist referred to Jesus as "the Lamb of God"? What does that title mean to you personally?
4. Read Isaiah 53:5. Jesus didn’t just suffer physically—He took the punishment our sin deserved. That’s how we get peace with God. That’s how healing flows: through His wounds. This isn’t just physical healing—it’s about reconciliation, peace, and restoration of our souls. What kind of "peace" do you think this verse is about—peace with God, ourselves, or others? What’s the difference between trying to earn peace with God versus receiving it through Jesus?
5. Read Romans 8:3. God’s not just letting us off the hook. Justice demands that someone pay for the wrong we have done. What does this verse tell us about the law and Jesus?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. This is the great exchange. Jesus took on our sin so we could take on His righteousness. What does “that we might become the righteousness of God” mean to you?
7. Read Colossians 2:14. This verse speaks of our sins as a kind of "legal debt"—a record of wrongs we could never pay off alone. But through the cross, Jesus didn’t just overlook our debt; He canceled it completely. He removed every accusation against us by nailing it to the cross with Himself. That means the record of our guilt is gone, and we are fully forgiven. How should this truth impact the way we see ourselves—and others who struggle with sin?
8. Read John 1:32-33. Explain the significance of the Holy Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus. What does this mean for believers today?
9. Read Romans 8:11. You weren’t meant to live a new life with old strength. That’s why Jesus said, “You need the Spirit.” Have you ever tried to live for Jesus based on willpower? Have you ever attempted to break a habit just because you “know better”? Have you ever tried to resist sin with good intentions? How’s that working? Exactly.
10. Pastor James said, "That ache? It's not a flaw—it's a signal." Have you ever experienced a feeling that there must be "more than this" in life? How does this sermon address that feeling?
11. How does the concept of Jesus taking away your sin personally impact you? Are there areas in your life where you struggle to believe your sin is truly "taken away"?
12. Read John 1:34. Baptism isn’t just water—it’s a witness. It’s not a performance—it’s a proclamation. It’s how you say, “The Lamb carried my sin, the Spirit filled my soul, and now I’m stepping out of the old me and into who I really am in Christ.” It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being purchased. It’s not about being worthy—it’s about being willing. Jesus stood in the Jordan for you so that you could stand in the water and say, “I belong to Him.” If you haven't been baptized, prayerfully consider taking this step. If you have been baptized, reflect on that experience and how you can renew your commitment to Christ as you move forward.