Athey Creek | Audio Podcast

In John 20:19-31, the disciples are assembled in fear when Jesus suddenly appears in their midst and transforms their cowardice into courage and fear into faith. As we study, we discover what Jesus did to bring about this change and how we can receive this peace as well.

How do we know the account in John 20:1-10 of Mary Magdalene, John, and Peter finding the empty tomb and Jesus risen from the dead is actually true? As we study, we discover that Jesus' resurrection is one of the most well-supported events in history, backed by evidence from a variety of sources.

Mary Magdalene, John, and Peter arrive at Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning, only to find the stone rolled away, the grave clothes left behind, and Jesus' body missing. As we watch the scene unfold in John 20:1-18, we observe each person's reaction, explore the symbolism within the empty grave, and celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen!

In John 20, we hear the account of Jesus’ empty tomb and His resurrection—the most important event in all of history. But just why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ such a significant event? As we study, we look at seven things the resurrection accomplished that we can be thankful for and learn how we can obtain hope and eternal life because of it.

The time for Jesus’ crucifixion has finally arrived in John 19:17-42 as He is taken to Golgotha and placed on a cross between two criminals. In John’s brief but poignant eyewitness account, we see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, Jesus’ deep care for others, and the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

In John 19:14-22, the Jews reject Jesus as their king and insist that He be put to death. And unfortunately, we see a similar pattern of this demanding behavior throughout their history. As we study, we see how else they rejected God, why He sometimes gives us what we want, and how, even when things go awry because we think we know better, God can still redeem the situation to fulfill His plan.

A brutal scene unfolds in John 19:1-17 as Jesus is mocked and beaten, while an indecisive Pilate worsens the situation, resulting in a riled-up crowd calling for Jesus’ death. Yet, as we study, we see how this had to happen to fulfill prophecy perfectly and bring healing and salvation to all.

As Jesus hangs on the cross in John 19:25-30, He speaks some of His final words about His mother and the end of His earthly ministry. The other Gospels complete the account of His last sayings. As we examine Jesus’ seven final statements, we see how each fulfills a specific purpose, revealing what He was accomplishing and how we should respond.

Judas’ betrayal is complete in John 18 as a mob comes to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, kicking off a series of sham trials before both Jewish and Roman courts. Meanwhile, Simon Peter provides an example of what not to do as he recklessly wields his sword to defend Jesus, only to deny Him three times shortly after.

The Jews thought they had everything about Jesus figured out in John 18:31-32, but they were very mistaken in their assumptions and were acting hypocritically and ignorantly. However, as we study, we see how their errant beliefs actually helped fulfill prophecy and aligned with Jesus’ ultimate purpose of dying on the cross for the salvation of all who believe.

Jesus says a prayer in John 17 that serves as a beautiful model for our own prayers. As we study what He prayed about, may we also strive to glorify the Father, remain united with fellow believers, and focus on hearing and proclaiming the Word.

As Jesus prepares to face His darkest hour, He lifts His eyes to Heaven and begins to pray in John 17:1. Though this may appear to be a simple action, it holds profound significance, reminding us where to turn when we face hard times or need guidance in making difficult decisions.

As Jesus tells His disciples what will happen in John 16, they misread the situation and think they understand what will happen even though they are still confused. As we strive to learn from their mistake, we see how we should correctly view the things that happen in our lives, how the Holy Spirit will guide us, and how abiding in Christ gives us full assurance that we can handle anything we face in this world.

In John 15:18-27, Jesus tells His disciples that they should expect to be hated by the world because they are His followers. This statement has proven true throughout history and continues today. So, how should we respond as Christians if we can expect to be hated by the world? In our study, we learn why it matters that we are different and how to shine the light of Christ effectively and boldly through the way we live.

Jesus gives an analogy about a vine and branches that the disciples would clearly understand in relation to Israel, but it also has just as much relevance in our lives today. As we study this picture in John 15, we learn the historical significance, how it relates to salvation, and what it means to abide in Jesus and be fruitful followers.

As we continue studying what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-18, we hone in on the work of the Holy Spirit coming upon us. As we study, we seek to clear up confusion, correct errant teachings, and search the Scripture to see the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they manifest in our lives.

As Jesus instructs His disciples in John 14:15-31, He shares how the Holy Spirit has been made known in the past, present, and future. As we learn how this impacts our lives today, may our hearts be a home for the Holy Spirit to dwell in as we obey His commands, flee from sin, and share the hope of Jesus with others.

The Bible tells us not to be ignorant about the Holy Spirit, and Jesus emphasizes the Holy Spirit as a major part of His final teaching to the disciples. So then, why is there still so much misunderstanding and misapplication? As we begin to look into what Jesus taught in John 14:15-18, we learn the purpose, attributes, and significance of the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus and His disciples enter a dark season leading up to the cross, Jesus takes time to teach and encourage them in John 14:1-15. As He tells them where He is going, what will be accomplished during what is to come, and how they can follow Him, we learn how to endure hard times, the eschatology behind Jesus’ statements, and most importantly, what we must do to be saved.

After a dramatic dinner, the disciples are left feeling confused, distressed, and despairing over the events they are watching unfold. Perhaps you can relate to those feelings as troubling things happen in your life and the world around you. Fortunately, Jesus gave the remedy to combat a troubled heart in John 14:1, and as we follow His commands, we can find peace, hope, and comfort in any situation.

Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray Him and gives him leave to carry out this dastardly deed in John 13:18-38. As we study, we learn why Judas was chosen for this role, what the other disciples thought of the situation, and how this evil act would eventually lead to the most significant event in the history of the world.

Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment to love one another in John 13:34-35. But just what does Jesus mean by this directive? As we break it down, we see to whom this applies specifically, what it looks like practically, and why it is an essential aspect of our Christian walk.

After a discourse on who He is and why He came, Jesus begins celebrating Passover with His disciples by washing their feet in John 12:44-13:17. As we watch this scene unfold, we see what Jesus was demonstrating by this act, the importance of being cleansed by the water of the Word, and how we can have a servants heart like Jesus.

Jesus tells the multitude how He will die on the cross and the purpose of His death, leaving them to debate and decide what they will believe about Him. As we study their decision point in John 12:32-43, we see what prevented them from following Jesus, learn why salvation may not always be an option, and examine our own hearts as we choose what decision we will make about Jesus.

A series of events unfold in John 12:1-33 that point to Jesus as the Messiah and foreshadow His coming death on the cross. As we watch Mary anoint His feet with costly perfume, see how He perfectly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, and hear Jesus directly predict His death on the cross, we learn about true worship, God’s glory, salvation, and the defeat of Satan.

In Jesus' final "I Am" statement in John 15:1-5, He declares He is the true vine, His Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. As we examine all the elements of this symbol, we learn what it means historically, prophetically, and presently, as well as the importance of staying connected to the vine so that we may bear good fruit.

Mary and Martha are mourning the loss of Lazarus as they wonder why their brother had to die and why Jesus delayed coming to them in John 11. As Jesus shows up on the scene and brings Lazarus back to life, we see the importance of waiting on God's timing, how this miracle was for God's glory, and how this would become the catalyst that begins Jesus' journey to the cross.

In John 14:6, Jesus makes His sixth "I Am" statement that He is the way, the truth, and the life. As we explore the radical implications of this declaration, we learn what makes Jesus the only path to salvation, the only reliable source of truth, and the only provider of abundant life.

Using sheep and shepherd analogies that would be highly relevant to the people of that day, Jesus shares God’s plan for salvation in John 10. As we listen to His illustrations, we learn about the only way to be saved, how to ensure we are a part of the flock, what predators we should watch for, and the benefits of sticking with the Shepherd.

Lazarus was dead and buried for four days when Jesus finally arrived on the scene, raised him back to life, and demonstrated His power over life and death. As the story of this astounding miracle unfolds, Jesus makes His fifth "I Am" statement in John 11:25-27, and we learn how He has conquered death and secured eternal life for those who believe.

Jesus heals a blind man in John 9, radically transforming his life but sparking more controversy between Jesus, the religious leaders, and the people. As we study why the man was born blind, how Jesus healed him, and what happened next, we see an amazing testimony unfold while learning who is actually blind in the story.

Jesus declares He is the Good Shepherd in John 10:11-15 and then tells us what this means for the sheep. As we dig deeper into what Jesus is saying, we see how it relates to one of the Bible's most famous passages – Psalm 23, the benefit of sticking with the Shepherd, and how this concept encompasses Jesus' Death, Resurrection, and Second Coming.

After a dramatic scene where Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery, an intense dialogue ensues as the religious leaders mock Jesus, try to discredit Him, and make foolish statements to defend their narrative. As we watch both of these scenes unfold in John 8, we see the stark contrast between the bondage of legalism and the grace, freedom, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.

In the third "I Am" statement of Jesus in John 10:7-9, we find Jesus declaring Himself the Door for the Sheep. But why exactly do sheep need a door, and what does this mean for us? As we look into the symbolism behind this statement, we see the purpose of this door, why there is only one, and how we can enter it to find protection, rest, and eternal life in Jesus.

There is a lot of discussion about who Jesus really is during the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7. As the people debate the hot topic of the day, we see them use faulty logic and so-called intellectualism to make assumptions about Jesus that will only cause them to reject Him and ultimately lead to their destruction.

Jesus declares He is the Light of the World in His second "I Am" statement in John 8:12, illuminating a concept that we see from the beginning in Genesis to our present command as Christians to reflect His light. As we study, we learn why this is such a weighty declaration, how to discern between true and false light, and how to ensure we point those who live in ever-increasing darkness toward Jesus.

Jesus has a jam-packed 24 hours in John 6 as He feeds 5,000 men (plus women and children!) with only five loaves and two fish, calms a storm as He walks across the Sea of Galilee, and launches into a deep theological discourse on how He is the Bread of Life. As we look into the significance behind these events, we see how Jesus astutely responds to the people's inquiries to show them who He is and what they must do to be saved.

Jesus declares, "I am the Bread of Life" in John 6:31-58 in response to the people's assertion that their ancestors ate bread from Heaven. As we study Jesus' first "I am" statement, we learn how this is linked to manna in the Old Testament, see the danger of murmuring against the Lord's provision, and examine the blessings we receive when we allow Jesus to be the one to fulfill and sustain us.

Jesus attracts the negative attention of the religious leaders after He breaks one of their legalistic rules by healing a man on the Sabbath. As they question Him in John 5, Jesus begins making claims about who He is, why He came, and the final authority He has to judge – which will ultimately draw their ire even more.

In John 5:1-16 we meet a man who has been crippled for 38 years and is utterly helpless in his attempt to find a remedy. However, his life changes when he encounters Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda. As we study his story, we learn what this man did to deserve this miracle, how he and others responded to his healing, and how the grace and mercy he received are also available to us through Jesus Christ.

After encountering Jesus at the village well, a Samaritan woman rushes to share the good news with her fellow townspeople, resulting in many believing in Jesus. Later in John 4, we see an example of false faith from the people of Galilee, and conversely, true faith in action as a nobleman’s son is miraculously healed. As we watch all these events unfold, we see a beautiful model of evangelism, Jesus’ compassion on people from all walks of life, and where genuine faith comes from.

Jesus does something radical in John 4:1-29 when he takes a planned detour to Samaria – a place where Jews typically would not travel – to speak to a woman who typically would not be spoken to. As we see this story unfold, we learn why Jesus did such a shocking thing, what the living water He offered the woman was, and how we, too, can obtain it as we receive salvation from Jesus Christ.

During a nighttime encounter, Jesus explains to Nicodemus what it means to be born again – a concept that still causes confusion today. As we study this essential doctrine of the Christian faith in John 3, we see how God established this plan from the beginning, what we must do to experience it, and learn that salvation and eternal life are only found in Jesus Christ.

Three things in John 3 are prefaced with the term “must,” indicating they are essential to the Christian faith. Join us as we search the Scripture together to learn what must happen for salvation to be available, how we must respond to Jesus, and how we must strive to live in light of what He has done for us.

When a wedding party runs out of wine, Mary intreats her son to take action, resulting in Jesus’ first recorded miracle of turning water into wine. As we break down the story in John 2, we see the significance behind this event, catch first glimpses into Jesus’ purpose, and learn how to think biblically about certain issues.

Jesus declares His purpose in John 2:18-22 when He says He will rise again three days after He dies. On this Resurrection Sunday 2024, we look at what the resurrection proved, what we can expect to happen after we die in light of it, and how we can be born again to obtain everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist heralds Jesus by declaring Him both the Son of God and Lamb of God, and then as Jesus begins calling His disciples, we see Him identified as the King of Israel and the Son of Man. As we study what these titles mean in John 1:19-51, we see Jesus fulfilling Old Testament pictures, setting up future events, and bridging the gap between God and man.

John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God in John 1:36, which causes us to ask why Jesus is given this interesting designation. As we look at the biblical significance of the lamb, why it was a required sacrifice, and how Jesus became the lamb slain for our sins, may we, too, behold the Lamb of God and choose Him as our Savior.

As we begin our study through the Gospel of John, we jump straight into theological truths about who Jesus is and why He came. As we examine the titles given to Jesus in John 1:1-18, we learn why He is called the Word and the Light and how He has imparted grace to those who believe in Him.

The Book of John opens with a bang by poetically launching into deep theological issues that touch on things such as creation, the Trinity, and God's existence outside of time and space. As we explore these themes in John 1:1-5, we discover who Jesus is from the beginning to the end, how He is one with God, and why He came to Earth to become our life and light.