Read John 1:10-18.

1. Today is Epiphany Sunday. What does Epiphany mean in this context? What Biblical story do we usually associate with Epiphany?

2. Pastor Mick talked about insiders and outsiders today. Who were the insiders and the outsiders in Jesus’ time? What does this tell us about the values of God’s kingdom verses the values of this earthly kingdom?

3. Read verses 10 and 11. Who were “his own” in these verses? Why did they not recognize him? Who did recognize him?

4. A popular phrase in Christian circles is, “We’re all God’s children.” What do verses 12 and 13 say about the accuracy of that popular phrase?

5. What does it mean to be given “the right to become children of God”?

6. Pastor Mick shared the quote, “God has no grandchildren.” What is meant by that? How might that quote be relevant to those who were counting on their ancestral ties to Abraham as all they needed? Read John 8:31-47 and discuss. What does this mean for us (and our kids) today?

7. The Message translation of John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” Why is this significant for us? How does it demonstrate God’s love for us?

8. John says Jesus is the Light. Jesus says now we are to be the light. In what ways does Jesus expect us to be the light? (Hint: see Matthew 5:14-16)

Prayer of the Week:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us the right to become children of God. Help us to so believe in you and receive you as our Lord that we are assured of our positions as sons and daughters of the Most High God. Be for us the Bread of Life and the Light of the World. Fill us with the power of your Holy Spirit and illuminate for us the way forward. Help us to let our light shine for others to see, so that we might be your good and faithful servants going out to make new disciples for the transformation of the world. We pray all of this in your precious, holy and strong, strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.