DIY: The Book of John - Chapters 1-3

DIY studies are interactive Bible studies designed to help you build an engaging relationship with God. These studies will teach you to use various tools like podcasts and videos to engage with the Bible in a way that best fits your learning style. These studies were originally created for teens, but can be helpful for anyone.

You can do this study online or download a workbook of the entire book of John.

Consider this

We recommend reading or listening to about three chapters a day, but you want to consider what will help you get the most out of your reading. Think about what will be best for your learning style.

Read John chapter one

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:1-5 NLT

Now keep reading chapter one online or in your paper Bible.

If you are using a paper Bible, try:

highlighting parts of the Scriptures that tell you something about who God is
underlining parts of the Scriptures that you relate to.

Think about it

God sent Jesus to be an example for us and to help us understand God better; we get to see that in the Word.
The Word is the Bible.
Jesus is a teacher.

Write about it

What qualities of God did you notice in this chapter? What is God like? (Remember, you can learn about God through Jesus.)
Take some time to write your thoughts or notes from the reading or Bible study. you can use a journal, or write in the downloadable version of this study series.

Read John chapter two

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.
John 2:1-2 NLT

Now keep reading chapter two online or in your paper Bible.

Watch this

Jesus turns water into wine. This video provides an idea of what it might have been like for Jesus to first show a miracle to the people in Cana.

Think about it

Jesus was spending time with his mother, brothers, and disciples
Jesus’ miracle was not only powerful, but challenged the status quo (the response of the bridegroom).
Jesus was an amazing man. He had passion, purpose, and poise.

But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. [25] No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.
John 2:24-25 NLT

Write about it

What do you think about the scripture above? How do you feel knowing Jesus knows your heart?
Take some time to write your thoughts or notes from the reading or Bible study. you can use a journal, or write in the downloadable version of this study series.

Read John chapter three

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
John 3:1-2 NLT

Now keep reading chapter three online or in your paper Bible.

Think about it

Jesus came, not to judge, but to save people
How does this compare to your current view of God?
Judgement will come if you remain hidden and people remain hidden when they are afraid to expose themselves.

Write about it

Building a relationship with God is about being yourself. Is that something you are willing to do as you learn more about God? Why or why not?
Take some time to write your thoughts or notes from the reading or Bible study. you can use a journal, or write in the downloadable version of this study series.