Gospel of John

John 5:30-47 | "Don't Miss Jesus"

 
 
John 5:30-47 | "Don't Miss Jesus"
Pastor Will Stern
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Why do religious people reject Jesus?

In John 5:30–47, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day with a sobering truth: it is possible to know the Scriptures, practice religion, and still miss the Savior. They searched the Scriptures, but failed to see that they pointed to Christ. They were devoted to religious activity, but lacked a genuine love for God. They admired Moses, yet missed the One to whom Moses pointed.

This sermon reminds us that the greatest danger is not merely rejecting Jesus through unbelief, but missing Him through outward religion. The Bible exists to lead us to Christ, true religion is marked by love for God, and Jesus alone is the hero of the biblical story—and of our lives.

Sermon Outline

Title: Don't Miss Jesus
Text: John 5:30–47

Big Idea: Don't miss Jesus.

  1. Religious people reject Jesus because they miss the purpose of the Bible. (vv. 39–40)

    • The Scriptures point to Christ.

    • Bible knowledge without Christ cannot save.

  2. Religious people reject Jesus because they miss the heart of true religion. (vv. 41–44)

    • True religion is loving God.

    • Outward religion without love is empty.

  3. Religious people reject Jesus because they miss the hero of their story. (vv. 45–47)

    • Moses himself pointed to Christ.

    • Jesus is the hero of Scripture, history, and every Christian's life.

Study & Discussion Questions

  1. According to John 5:39–40, what mistake were the religious leaders making when they searched the Scriptures?

  2. Why is it possible to know a great deal about the Bible yet still miss Jesus?

  3. What does Jesus reveal about the condition of the religious leaders' hearts in verses 41–44?

  4. How does Deuteronomy 6:4–5 help us understand what Jesus means by "the love of God"?

  5. In what ways can Christians today become more focused on outward religion than on loving God?

  6. Why does Jesus say that Moses would testify against the religious leaders (vv. 45–47)?

  7. How does the Old Testament point us to Christ? Can you think of specific examples?

  8. Who or what are you tempted to make the "hero" of your story instead of Jesus?

  9. How can you read the Bible in a way that continually leads you to know, love, and trust Christ more deeply?

  10. After hearing this passage, what is one practical way you can make Christ more central in your Bible reading, worship, or daily life this week?

John 5:24-29 | "Why should you believe in Jesus?"

 
 
John 5:24-29 | "Why should you believe in Jesus?"
Pastor Will Stern
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Why should you believe in Jesus?

In John 5:24–29, Jesus gives two compelling reasons. First, He has life in Himself and is able to give spiritual life to those who are dead in their sins. Second, He has been given authority to judge the living and the dead. One day, every person will hear His voice—either as the voice that called them to life through the gospel or as the voice that summons them to stand before His judgment seat.

This passage calls us to hear Christ's voice today, believe in Him for eternal life, and examine ourselves in light of the coming judgment. It also comforts every believer with the assurance that those who trust in Christ have already passed from death to life and will not come into judgment.

Sermon Outline

Big Idea: Believe in Jesus because He has life in Himself and will judge the living and the dead.

1. Believe in Jesus because He has life in Himself (John 5:25–26)

  • Jesus possesses life in Himself as the eternal Son of God.

  • He gives spiritual life to those who hear His voice today.

  • He will one day raise every person bodily from the grave.

2. Believe in Jesus because He will judge the living and the dead (John 5:24, 27–29)

  • Jesus has been given authority to execute judgment.

  • Those who trust in Him have eternal life and will not come into judgment.

  • The final judgment will reveal the reality of our faith through the fruit of our lives.

  • Therefore, examine yourself and look to Christ alone for salvation.

Study Questions

  1. According to John 20:31, why did John write his Gospel?

  2. What does it mean that Jesus has "life in Himself" (John 5:26)?

  3. How is God's self-existence different from our dependence upon Him?

  4. What is the "hour... now here" in John 5:25 referring to?

  5. Who are "the dead" in verse 25, and how do they come to life?

  6. What is the relationship between hearing Christ's voice and believing the gospel?

  7. What future event is described in John 5:28–29?

  8. Why has the Father given Jesus authority to judge (John 5:27; Daniel 7:13–14)?

  9. How do verses 24 and 29 fit together? How are we saved by faith while still being judged according to our works?

  10. How do James 2:17 and Galatians 5:6 help explain the relationship between faith and good works?

  11. Which application challenged you most: hearing Christ's voice today, preparing for the resurrection, examining your faith, or resting in Christ's promise of eternal life?

  12. How does this passage both warn the complacent and comfort the believer?

John 5:18–24 | The Divine Authority of the Son

John 5:18–24 | The Divine Authority of the Son
Colin Sareyka
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The Divine Authority of the Son

In John 5:18–24, Jesus responds to accusations of blasphemy after declaring His unique relationship with the Father. Rather than retreating from the controversy, He reveals profound truths about His divine identity and authority. In this sermon, we examine two works that belong to God alone—giving life and executing judgment—and the three responses these truths demand from every person: honoring Christ, believing in Him, and marveling at His glory. Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet; He is the eternal Son of God, equal with the Father, worthy of our worship, faith, and awe.

Sermon Outline

The Divine Authority of the Son
John 5:18–24

Big Idea: Jesus reveals Himself as the divine Son who shares the Father’s authority to give life and execute judgment, calling every person to honor Him, believe in Him, and marvel at His glory.

1. The Son Gives Life

Only God can give spiritual life.

  • Jesus possesses the Father’s authority to give life to whom He wills.

  • Physical resurrections in Scripture point to the greater miracle of spiritual resurrection.

  • Spiritually dead sinners cannot make themselves alive; new life comes only through Christ.

  • Eternal life is found in the Son because He is truly God.

2. The Son Executes Judgment

Only God has the authority to judge the world.

  • The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son.

  • The One who came to save will also return to judge the living and the dead.

  • Christ’s authority demonstrates His equality with the Father.

  • Every person will ultimately stand before Christ.

3. Honor, Believe, and Marvel

The proper response to the Son of God.

  • Honor Christ with the same honor given to the Father.

  • Believe in Christ alone for eternal life, knowing that those who trust Him have already passed from death to life.

  • Marvel continually at the glory of Christ, refusing to let familiarity dull wonder and worship.

  • Faith comes through hearing God’s Word, making the faithful preaching of Scripture central to the Christian life.

Conclusion

How do you respond to Jesus?

  • Do you honor Him as the eternal Son of God?

  • Do you trust Him alone for eternal life?

  • Do you marvel at His glory, or has familiarity replaced wonder?

The gospel calls us to behold Jesus Christ as the divine Son who gives life, will judge the world in righteousness, and alone is worthy of our worship, faith, and lifelong devotion.

John 5:1-17 | "God Is Not Distant and Impersonal"

 
 
John 5:1-17 | "God Is Not Distant and Impersonal"
Pastor Will Stern
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In John 5:1–17, Jesus encounters a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years and transforms his life with a simple word of command. Yet the miracle reveals a deeper problem—not merely physical paralysis, but the human tendency to view God as distant and impersonal. In this sermon, we explore three spiritual distortions that grow from that root: superstition, legalism, and antinomianism. Each seeks something from God while neglecting God Himself. Through Christ's healing, teaching, and warning, we learn that true Christianity is not about magical power, rule-keeping, or self-directed living. It is about a personal relationship with the living God through Jesus Christ. 

Sermon Outline

God Is Not Distant and Impersonal

John 5:1–17

Big Idea: The root of superstition, legalism, and antinomianism is viewing God as distant and impersonal. Jesus calls us instead into a personal relationship with Himself. 

1. Superstition

Seeking God's power without God's person

  • The paralyzed man looked to the Pool of Bethesda for healing.

  • Superstition separates the power of God from the person of God.

  • Jesus heals the man through His word, not through magical rituals.

  • Salvation comes through a personal encounter with Christ, not through religious luck or ceremonies. 

2. Legalism

Seeking God's law without God's love

  • The religious leaders focused on Sabbath regulations rather than God's work of mercy.

  • Legalism detaches the law of God from the God who gave it.

  • The law becomes beautiful only when understood in the context of God's grace and character.

  • Christ frees us from trying to earn God's favor and teaches us to obey from love. 

3. Antinomianism

Seeking God's grace without God's lordship

  • Jesus warns the healed man: "Sin no more."

  • Grace is not permission to continue in sin.

  • Salvation brings us into a covenant relationship with Christ.

  • Those who love Christ desire to walk in obedience to Him. 

Conclusion

How do you view God?

  • Do you seek God's power without God's person? That's superstition.

  • Do you seek God's law without God's love? That's legalism.

  • Do you seek God's grace without God's lordship? That's antinomianism.

The call of the gospel is to look to Jesus Christ as your loving and personal Savior.

John 4:46-54 | "The Fruit of Faith"

 
 
John 4:46-54 | "The Fruit of Faith"
Pastor Will Stern
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True faith is not always strong at the beginning. Like an apple seed, it may start small and weak, yet contain the life that will one day bear fruit. In John 4:46–54, we follow the journey of a desperate father whose faith grows as he encounters Jesus. His faith begins as a seed that drives him to seek Christ, grows into a sprout that cries out for help, matures into a tree that trusts Christ's Word, and finally bears fruit that impacts others around him. Join us as we explore how God grows weak faith into strong faith through His Word and grace. 

Sermon Outline

1. The Seed of Faith (John 4:46–47)

True faith goes to Jesus for help.

  • The official's son was near death.

  • He traveled a great distance to seek Christ.

  • A small seed of faith caused him to hope that Jesus could help.

Application: Even weak faith looks away from self and toward Christ.

2. The Sprout of Faith (John 4:47–49)

True faith cries out to Jesus for help.

  • The official asks Jesus to heal his son.

  • His faith is sincere, though imperfect.

  • Even after Jesus' gentle rebuke, he continues asking.

Application: Genuine faith perseveres in prayer, even when answers seem delayed.

3. The Tree of Faith (John 4:50)

True faith trusts the Word of Christ.

  • Jesus says, "Go; your son will live."

  • The official believes before seeing any evidence.

  • He walks by faith rather than sight.

Application: Mature faith rests on God's promises, not merely on visible results.

4. The Fruit of Faith (John 4:51–53)

True faith bears fruit for the glory of God.

The official's faith produced:

  1. Answered Prayer

  2. Deeper Faith

  3. Others Coming to Faith

Application: God often uses our faith and testimony to draw others to Himself.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  1. What problem drove the official to seek Jesus?

  2. Why was it significant that he traveled from Capernaum to Cana?

  3. How did Jesus gently expose the weakness in the official's faith?

  4. What changed in the official's faith after Jesus spoke His word?

  5. What evidence do we see that the official's faith grew throughout the story?

Personal Reflection

  1. Which stage best describes your faith right now: seed, sprout, tree, or fruit? Why?

  2. What circumstances in your life are driving you to seek Christ?

  3. Are there promises of God that you need to trust even before you see the results?

  4. Have you experienced a time when answered prayer strengthened your faith?

  5. How might God use your faith and testimony to bring others to Christ?

Family Discussion

  1. What does it mean to trust Jesus even when we cannot see what He is doing?

  2. Why is it important to keep praying when God seems slow to answer?

  3. How can our family encourage one another to grow in faith?

  4. Who could we pray for this week that they would come to know Christ?

Memory Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

John 4:25-42 | "How to Be a Faithful Witness"

 
 
John 4:25-42 | "How to Be a Faithful Witness"
Pastor Will Stern
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Sermon Description

In John 4:25–42, Jesus transforms three very different groups into faithful witnesses for the glory of God. The woman at the well encounters Jesus and immediately begins inviting others to meet Him. The disciples receive instruction from Jesus and learn to see the fields as white for harvest. The Samaritans spend time with Jesus and move from secondhand faith to personal conviction, confessing Him as "the Savior of the world." In this sermon, we discover that faithful witness does not begin with better techniques, but with a deeper relationship with Christ. Some need an encounter with Jesus. Some need instruction from Jesus. Some need more time with Jesus. How might Christ be calling you to grow as a faithful witness? 

Sermon Outline

How Can We Be Transformed into Faithful Witnesses for the Glory of God?
John 4:25–42

I. You Need an Encounter with Jesus

(John 4:25–30)

  • Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah.

  • The woman leaves her water jar and goes into town.

  • A genuine encounter with Christ produces a desire to tell others about Him.

II. You Need Instruction from Jesus

(John 4:27, 31–38)

  • The disciples lose sight of their mission.

  • Jesus teaches them to lift up their eyes and see the harvest.

  • Faithful witnesses learn to see people through the eyes of Christ.

III. You Need Time with Jesus

(John 4:39–42)

  • The Samaritans initially believe because of the woman's testimony.

  • They spend two days with Jesus.

  • Their faith deepens into personal conviction: "This is indeed the Savior of the world."

Main Idea:
Jesus transforms ordinary people into faithful witnesses through encounters with Him, instruction from Him, and time spent with Him. 

Study Questions

  1. Why is Jesus' statement in John 4:26 so significant? What does it reveal about His identity?

  2. What does the woman's response teach us about the relationship between encountering Christ and sharing our faith?

  3. Why were the disciples surprised to find Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman?

  4. What does Jesus mean when He says, "The fields are white for harvest"?

  5. In what ways can Christians lose sight of the mission Christ has given them?

  6. How did the Samaritans move from believing the woman's testimony to personal conviction about Jesus?

  7. What is the difference between secondhand faith and firsthand faith?

  8. How do God's Word, prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship help us spend time with Jesus?

  9. Which group do you most identify with right now: the woman, the disciples, or the Samaritans? Why?

  10. What is one specific way you can grow as a faithful witness this week?

Key Verse:

"It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world." — John 4:42 (ESV) 

John 4:20-24 | "Jesus Answers Two Questions About Worship"

 
 
John 4:20-24 | "Jesus Answers Two Questions About Worship"
Pastor Will Stern
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John 4:19–24

If you attended church for 50 years, you would spend thousands of hours gathered with God's people in worship. Worship is not only a central part of the Christian life—it is the very purpose for which we were created. In this sermon from John 4:19–24, Jesus answers two foundational questions about worship: Where should we worship? and How should we worship? As Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well, he reveals that true worship is no longer tied to a sacred place but is centered on a Savior. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Christ becomes the true temple, gathering worshipers from every nation who worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

Outline

  1. Where Should We Worship? (John 4:19–22)

    • Mt. Gerizim or Jerusalem?

    • Salvation is from the Jews.

    • Christ, the true Temple.

  2. How Should We Worship? (John 4:23–24)

    • Worship in Truth

    • Worship in Spirit

    • True worship: fire and wood together.

  3. Warning, Encouragement, and Challenge

    • A warning about false worship.

    • An encouragement that the Father is seeking worshipers.

    • A challenge to join God's mission of gathering worshipers.

Questions for Reflection

  • Why was the debate between Mt. Gerizim and Jerusalem so important to the Samaritan woman?

  • What does Jesus mean when he says that "salvation is from the Jews"?

  • How does Jesus fulfill and replace the Old Testament temple?

  • What does it mean to worship God "in truth"?

  • What does it mean to worship God "in spirit"?

  • Which danger are you more prone to: truth without spirit or spirit without truth?

  • How can you better prepare your heart for worship each Lord's Day?

  • In what ways can your family life and private devotional life become more centered on worship?

  • How does evangelism relate to God's purpose of gathering worshipers for himself?

  • What is one practical way you can prioritize worship this week?

Key Verse

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
— John 4:24 (ESV)

John 4:16-19 | "Grace and Truth"

 
 
John 4:16-19 | "Grace and Truth"
Pastor Will Stern
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Grace and Truth
John 4:16–19

In this sermon from John 4:16–19, we see Jesus as the searching Savior who is “full of grace and truth.” As Christ lovingly exposes the Samaritan woman’s deepest sins, we are reminded that Jesus does not ignore sin, nor does He crush sinners with shame. Instead, He shines the light of truth into the darkest places of our hearts in order to lead us to repentance, forgiveness, and transformation. This message explores how Christ confronts our “keystone sins” with truth while drawing sinners to Himself with remarkable grace and compassion. 

Outline

  1. Jesus Is Full of Truth

  2. Jesus Is Full of Grace

  3. Grace and Truth at the Cross

Questions for Reflection

  • What areas of your heart would Christ’s searching light expose?

  • Are you tempted to think of Jesus as all grace without truth—or all truth without grace?

  • How does the cross display both God’s holiness and His mercy?

  • In what ways can Christians show both grace and truth to others.

John 4:7-15 | “Living Water"

 
 
John 4:7-15 | “Living Water"
Pastor Will Stern
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In John 4:10–14, Jesus meets a broken and cynical Samaritan woman who has spent her life searching for satisfaction in things that could never truly fill her soul. Using the imagery of “broken cisterns” from Jeremiah 2, this sermon explores how we all seek meaning, joy, and identity in places that ultimately leave us empty. But Christ offers something infinitely better: living water that wells up to eternal life. Listen as we consider the emptiness of false saviors, the free offer of the gospel, and the soul-satisfying gift of the Holy Spirit found only in Jesus Christ.

Outline

    1    Broken Cisterns

    2    Living Water

Questions for Reflection

    •    What “broken cisterns” are you tempted to look to for satisfaction instead of Christ?

    •    Why do good things like family, success, or comfort fail to satisfy our deepest thirst?

    •    What does Jesus mean when He offers “living water”?

    •    How does the Holy Spirit satisfy and transform believers?

    •    What does it look like to keep “coming to Christ” as a believer?

John 4:1-7 | “Sinner-Seeking Savior”

 
 
John 4:1-7 | “Sinner-Seeking Savior”
Pastor Will Stern
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Sermon Summary:
In John 4:1–15, we meet a deeply broken Samaritan woman—but before she ever sought Jesus, Jesus was already seeking her. This sermon explores how Christ is a sinner-seeking Savior who came into the world to draw near to sinners, become weak for them, and initiate a relationship with them. Jesus “had” to pass through Samaria because it was the will of His Father to seek and save the lost. Through His weariness at the well and His conversation with this outcast woman, we see the grace of a Savior who crosses every barrier to bring living water to spiritually thirsty people.

Sermon Outline:

  1. Jesus seeks sinners by drawing near to them

  2. Jesus seeks sinners by becoming weak for them

  3. Jesus seeks sinners by initiating a relationship with them

Key Takeaway:
Jesus is not waiting for sinners to clean themselves up before coming to Him. He is the One who takes the initiative, draws near, and offers living water to all who are spiritually thirsty.

Application Questions:

  • Do you believe Jesus could truly seek and save someone as broken as you?

  • In what ways are you trying to satisfy your spiritual thirst apart from Christ?

  • How does Christ’s willingness to draw near to sinners shape the way you view other people?

  • What might it look like for you to respond to Christ’s invitation today?

John 3:31-36

John 3:31-36
Colin Sareyka, Pastoral Intern
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John 3:22-30 | “He Must Increase, I Must Decrease”

 
 
John 3:22-30 | "He Must Increase, I Must Decrease"
Pastor Will Stern
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What if your lack of joy, constant comparison, or tendency to argue is actually rooted in pride? In this sermon from John 3:22–30, we examine how pride subtly shapes our hearts—and how true humility leads to freedom, joy, and a life centered on Christ.

John the Baptist’s disciples reveal three common marks of pride: being argumentative, competitive, and self-exalting. In contrast, John himself models true humility—marked by thankfulness, joy, and a desire to exalt Christ above all.

At the heart of this passage is John’s well-known confession: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is not only a statement about John’s ministry, but a call for every believer. As we grow in the Christian life, we learn to take our eyes off ourselves and fix them more fully on Christ—finding that our greatest joy is found in Him.

Outline:

Three Marks of Pride:

  1. Argumentative

  2. Competitive

  3. Self-exalting

Three Marks of Humility:

  1. Thankful

  2. Joyful

  3. Christ-exalting

Key Verse:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

Questions for Reflection:

  • Where does pride show up in my relationships or conversations?

  • Do I find myself comparing or competing with others?

  • Is my joy rooted in Christ—or in how I measure up to others?

  • What would it look like today to decrease so that Christ might increase?

John 3:19-21

John 3:19-21
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John 3:19-21

John 3:16-18

John 3:16-18
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John 3:16-18

John 3:14-15

John 3:14-15
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John 3:14-15

John 3:9-13

John 3:9-13
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John 3:9-13