This study is one of eight installments of the DIY Book of John study series. DIY studies are interactive Bible studies designed to help you build an engaging relationship with God. These studies will teach you to use various tools like podcasts and videos to engage with the Bible in a way that best fits your learning style. These studies were originally created for teens, but can be helpful for anyone.
You can do this study online or download a workbook of the entire book of John.
Consider This
We recommend reading or listening to about 3 chapters a day, but you want to consider what will help you get the most out of your reading. Think about what will be best for your own learning style.
Read John chapter ten
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through
John 10:1-3 NLT
the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
… Now keep reading online or in your paper Bible.
*Note: If you are using a paper Bible, try:
- highlighting parts of the Scriptures that tell you something about who God is
- underlining parts of the Scriptures that you relate to.
Write about it
- God describes himself as a shepherd. What might that mean? What qualities do shepherds have?
- Take some time to write your thoughts or notes from the reading or bible study. you can use a journal, or write in the downloadable version of this study series.
Read John chapter eleven
A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”
John 11:1-4 NLT
…NOW keep reading online or in your paper Bible.
Think about it
- Jesus felt so much compassion and empathy for Mary and Martha.
- Jesus shared in the emotions that the people felt, he embraced the sadness, even when he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead.
Read John chapter twelve
Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
John 12:1-3
… Now keep reading online or in your paper Bible.
DIY Watch This:
This video provides a visual introduction and overview of the Book of John. It should help you look at the second half of the book and its author to think about what God is trying to communicate with this book of the Bible.
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.
John 12:46-48 NLT
Write about it
- Jesus is light, meaning that the bible will expose truths about yourself. What sins and emotions are on your mind that you need to put into the light (be honest about)?
Review and reflect
- What have you learned about Jesus so far that has surprised you? Are there still doubts you have? Decide to share these with someone today.
DIY How to start praying
T.R.U.E. Prayer is an acronym that can help you start learning to pray.
T = Thanksgiving
- Write here the things you are grateful for so that you can pray about
them.
R = Requests/Needs
- Write about things you need help with.
U = Uncovering Sin
- Write about the sins you see from the day before.
E = Emotions
- Write the top 3 emotions you felt yesterday and why.