John Explained: A Bible Study

How can a holy God forgive the guilty? In John 8:1-11, religious leaders drag a guilty woman before Jesus and demand she be stoned — hoping to trap Him. Dr. Toby Holt shows how Jesus answers, and how the gospel solves an impossible problem.

God is just and must punish sin, yet how can a just Judge forgive the guilty? The leaders think they have cornered Jesus, but He says, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone first." One by one they leave. He tells her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." The dilemma is answered at the cross.

Questions this study answers:

1. What was the trap set for Jesus? Either answer seemed to doom Him — condemning her broke Roman law, freeing her seemed to ignore God's law. Jesus escaped both without compromising truth.

2. What is the "divine dilemma"? God is perfectly just and cannot ignore sin, yet He desires to forgive sinners. How He does both is the heart of the gospel.

3. How can a holy God forgive the guilty? Justice is not waived but satisfied — at the cross, where Jesus bears the punishment so sinners can go free.

"Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." — John 8:11 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

What makes Jesus the Good Shepherd? In John 10:1-21, Jesus calls Himself "the good shepherd" who lays down His life for the sheep — spoken, surprisingly, in the middle of conflict. Dr. Toby Holt unpacks this beloved picture of Christ. Jesus speaks not in a peaceful pasture but to hostile leaders who had thrown out a man He healed. Against their failure, He is the true Shepherd who feeds and protects His flock and willingly dies for the sheep. He also speaks of "other sheep" — the Gentiles He would gather.

Questions this study answers:

1. What does a shepherd do? A shepherd both feeds and protects the flock. Jesus does both perfectly, unlike the failed leaders of Israel.

2. Who are the "other sheep" not of this fold? The Gentiles — people of every nation whom Jesus would also gather into one flock under one Shepherd.

3. What does it mean to be Jesus' sheep? It means knowing His voice and following Him, and being kept safe by a Shepherd who laid down His life for you.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." — John 10:11 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

Why does God wait when we're hurting? In John 11:1-27, Jesus deliberately waits two more days before going to His dying friend Lazarus — arriving after Lazarus is in the tomb. Dr. Toby Holt asks why God sometimes waits when we are hurting.

Jesus loved Lazarus, yet let him die — not from neglect, but for a greater glory. Martha trusts God even as she grieves, and Jesus responds with a staggering claim: "I am the resurrection and the life." Our comfort in suffering is the presence and promises of God.

Questions this study answers:

1. Why did Jesus wait while Lazarus died? Not from neglect, but for a greater purpose — to display God's glory and deepen His people's faith.

2. Where is God when His people are hurting? Right there with them. Jesus wept at the grave even though He knew what He was about to do.

3. How does God bring good out of grief? He weaves even death and loss into His good purposes, as the raising of Lazarus would soon show.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." — John 11:25 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

Why do people really come to Jesus? In John 12:1-11, two people sit at the same table with very different hearts: Mary, who pours out her treasure on Jesus, and Judas, who only wants to use Him. Dr. Toby Holt examines the motives behind our worship. Days before the cross, Mary anoints Jesus with perfume worth nearly a year's wages and wipes His feet with her hair — humble, extravagant love. Judas objects that the money should go to the poor, but he is a thief who cares only for himself.

Questions this study answers:

1. Why did Mary anoint Jesus? Out of deep love and worship, giving Him her most costly treasure to prepare Him for burial.

2. What was wrong with Judas's objection? He sounded generous but was a thief who cared nothing for the poor. His heart wanted gain, not Christ.

3. What does this teach about our motives? It asks why we really come to Jesus — to use Him for our own ends, or to love and worship Him for who He is.

"Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial." — John 12:7 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

What does “Hosanna” really mean?

In John 12:12-19, crowds wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” as Jesus enters Jerusalem. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains what they were really asking for — and how they misunderstood their King. “Hosanna” means “save us now.” The crowds wanted a king to free them from Rome, so they greeted Jesus like a conquering hero. But Jesus rides in on a humble donkey, exactly as the prophet Zechariah had foretold — a different kind of King, who came first to save His people from sin, not from Rome. Dr. Holt notes that within days many in that same crowd would call for His death. Jesus comes lowly now; one day He will return as the conquering King of Kings.

Questions this study answers:

1. What does “Hosanna” mean? It means “save us now.” The crowds were crying out for rescue — but mostly from Rome, not from their sin.

2. Why did Jesus ride a donkey? To fulfill prophecy and to show what kind of King He is: humble and approachable, not a warlord.

3. Why did the crowd’s cheers turn to anger? Because Jesus was not the political deliverer they wanted. When He did not meet their expectations, many turned against Him. “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” — John 12:13 (NKJV)

Speaker: Dr. Toby Holt is the President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, a Reformed seminary in Colorado Springs. He is known for clear, down-to-earth Bible teaching, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Listen and go deeper: This sermon is part of the John Explained study from New Geneva Theological Seminary. Find more verse-by-verse teaching across the Bible at newgeneva.org. To support this teaching ministry, visit newgeneva.org/give.

What does John 12:27-36 teach us in The Voice from Heaven?

In this expository sermon on John 12:27-36, Dr. Toby Holt of New Geneva Theological Seminary teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, accomplished not by His miracles but by the singular work of the cross. When the Father's voice thundered from heaven for the third and final time in Christ's ministry, it announced the glory of God in the coming crucifixion, the judgment of the world, the defeat of Satan, and Christ drawing all people to Himself as the true Light. The exclusivity of Christ, penal substitutionary atonement, and the necessity of the cross stand at the center of this Reformed exposition.

Questions this sermon answers:

1. What is the main issue in this passage? In this expository sermon on John 12:27-36, Dr.

2. How does this text point us to Christ? It shows the need for God's grace and the hope fulfilled in the gospel.

3. How should Christians respond? With faith, repentance, and renewed trust in the Lord's Word.

"Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." - John 12:27-28 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

Why did Jesus wash His disciples' feet?

In John 13:1-17, the Lord of all kneels down to wash the dirty feet of His disciples. Dr. Toby Holt explains the stunning humility — and deeper meaning — of that act.

Foot-washing was the lowest servant's job, yet Jesus takes the towel and basin Himself. When Peter protests, Jesus says, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me," pointing to the deeper cleansing only He gives. Even Judas's feet were washed.

Questions this study answers:

1. Why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet? To show that true greatness is humble service, and to picture the deeper cleansing from sin that only He provides.

2. What did Jesus mean by "you have no part with Me"? He pointed beyond dirty feet to the spiritual washing every person needs — to be cleansed by Christ.

3. How does this apply to us? Jesus calls His followers to serve one another humbly, just as He served them. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." — John 13:14 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

Where do you turn when your heart is troubled?

In John 14:1-6, with the cross just hours away, Jesus comforts His fearful disciples. Dr. Toby Holt opens some of the most reassuring words in all of Scripture.

The disciples are shaken — Jesus has spoken of leaving, of a betrayer, of Peter's denial. Into that fear He says, "Let not your heart be troubled," promising a prepared place in His Father's house. When Thomas admits they don't know the way, Jesus answers: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Questions this study answers:

1. How does Jesus comfort troubled hearts? He points beyond the present trouble to a prepared place with the Father and to Himself as the sure way there.

2. What did Jesus mean, "I am the way"? He is not one path among many; He is the only way to the Father. Salvation is found in Him alone.

3. Why does this passage still speak to us? Because we, like the disciples, face fear and loss. Jesus' promise of a home and a way home steadies anxious hearts.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." — John 14:6 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

Who is the Holy Spirit? In John 14:15-26, Jesus promises His followers "another Helper" who will be with them forever. Dr. Toby Holt explains who the Holy Spirit is and what He does in every believer. The Spirit is not a vague force but a Person — Helper, Comforter, Counselor — who comes to live permanently within God's people, a greater privilege than even Old Testament saints knew. Jesus links love for Him with obedience, and the Spirit teaches, convicts, sanctifies, and gives courage.

Questions this study answers:

1. Is the Holy Spirit a force or a Person? A Person — the Helper sent by the Father. He is God Himself, not an impersonal power.

2. What does the Spirit do in a believer? He teaches, reminds us of Christ's words, convicts us of sin, makes us holy, and gives us courage.

3. Why is the Spirit's coming such good news? Because God now lives permanently within His people — a closeness even the Old Testament saints longed for. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." — John 14:16 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

What does it mean to "abide" in Christ?

In John 15:1-8, Jesus calls Himself the true vine and His followers the branches. Dr. Toby Holt explains what it means to "abide" in Christ — and why it is a matter of life and death.

A branch cut off from the vine withers; believers are completely dependent on Christ. To abide is to stay closely connected to Him, drawing life from Him daily. The Father even prunes His people, cutting back good things for better ones. The proof of living faith is fruit.

Questions this study answers:

1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? To stay closely joined to Jesus and draw your life from Him, the way a branch depends on the vine.

2. Why does God "prune" His people? Like a gardener, He trims away even good things to produce something better. Pruning is a sign of His care, not His anger.

3. How can you tell if faith is real? By its fruit. A life truly joined to Christ will, over time, bear the fruit of His Spirit.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." — John 15:5 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.