John 12:8
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me."
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of John 12:8?

2. How does John 12:8 emphasize prioritizing Jesus over material concerns in our lives?

3. What does "you will always have the poor" teach about ongoing Christian responsibilities?

4. How does John 12:8 connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God's kingdom first?

5. In what ways can we balance serving others and worshiping Jesus daily?

6. How can John 12:8 guide our financial decisions and charitable giving?

7. Why does Jesus say, "You will always have the poor among you" in John 12:8?

8. How should Christians interpret the priority of worship over charity in John 12:8?

9. Does John 12:8 suggest poverty is an unchangeable condition?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 12?

11. What did Jesus mean by 'I am the Light'?

12. Can you help me, God?

13. Why does prayer not heal amputees?

14. Deuteronomy 15:11 acknowledges the perpetual presence of poverty—does this contradict the earlier statement that there would be no poor?
Discussion Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement in John 12:8 challenge our understanding of priorities in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we balance the call to worship Christ with the call to serve the poor, as seen in this passage and other scriptures?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between two good actions. How did you determine which was more aligned with God's will?

4. How can we ensure that our motives in serving others are pure and not self-serving, as illustrated by the contrast between Mary and Judas?

5. Considering the ongoing presence of the poor, what practical steps can you take to serve them in your community while maintaining a focus on Christ?1. How does Mary's anointing of Jesus reflect her understanding of His impending death and her devotion to Him?

2. How does Judas' objection to Mary's act reveal his character and priorities?

3. What does the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem reveal about the crowd's expectations of Him?

4. How does Jesus' response to the Greeks wanting to see Him reflect His understanding of His mission?

5. How does the metaphor of the grain of wheat enhance your understanding of Jesus' death and its impact on humanity?

6. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of Jesus' attitude toward His impending death?

7. What insights do you gain from Jesus' call to hate life in this world in order to gain eternal life?

8. How does the voice from heaven during Jesus' discourse add to the divine confirmation of His mission?

9. How does the crowd's reaction to the voice from heaven reveal their spiritual understanding?

10. Despite witnessing many signs, why do you think the Jews did not believe in Jesus?

11. How does Jesus' proclamation in verses 44-50 clarify His mission of salvation and judgment?

12. How can Mary's act of anointing Jesus inspire your own expressions of love and devotion to Jesus?

13. How does Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem contrast with the humble nature of His mission?

14. How can Jesus' teachings on serving and following Him in this chapter shape your understanding of Christian discipleship?

15. What personal implications do you draw from Jesus' teaching about walking in the light?

16. How does Jesus' prediction of His death resonate with you in light of the knowledge of His resurrection?

17. How does Jesus' distinction between His words of salvation and judgment challenge common perceptions about His mission?

18. How does Jesus' comparison of His followers to grains of wheat inform your understanding of sacrifice and fruitfulness in the Christian life?

19. In what ways does this chapter encourage you to respond to Jesus' teachings and signs in faith?

20. Reflect on the entire chapter. How does this journey from Bethany to Jerusalem deepen your understanding of Jesus' love, sacrifice, and divine mission?

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