John Reading GuideSample

Our culture is obsessed with the idea that anybody can begin a new life. We watch reality television shows that make us believe we can all become an instant celebrity. We love the American dream because it tells us that we can be anything we want to if we try hard enough. But the reality is we have no hope of changing ourselves. The only way we can put away sinful habits is through a relationship with Jesus made possible by His death and resurrection.

On the cross, Jesus clothed Himself in our sin. When Peter and John looked into the empty tomb, they saw Jesus was not there and He had left His burial clothes. John 20 shows us that Jesus left our sinful nature in the grave when He rose from the dead.

We do not have to be controlled by our desire to sin. The hope of the resurrection is that we do not have to live our old lives anymore! Not only do we not have to be clothed in sin anymore, the resurrection means we get to be clothed in something better, too. In Colossians 3:12, Paul says, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Following Jesus allows us to put away our old lives and begin new ones.

1) What did you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) What old habits do you need to do away with?
3) What are some things Jesus wants you to start doing?