Lesson 3 Review: The Backstory: The Prologue

Introduction

Memory Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Week one dealt with the end of the book of John, this week’s lesson is about the beginning. The beginning of the book of John give readers who already know Jesus an advantage that the characters in the book itself didn’t have. Through the history of Christ’s life as recorded in the gospel of John, you can find grand themes. This week’s lesson covers the prologue and summarize its major themes.

What depths of thoughts are contained in this amazing thought: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1)?

First, the evangelist alludes to the creation story in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning”. Jesus was already, before the beginning of the universe, hence John affirms Jesus’ eternal existence.

Next, “And the Word was with God.” This means that Jesus and the Father are intimately close.

And then, he says, “And the Word was God.” The Word was with God, as earlier stated points to the fact that Jesus and the Father are intimately close, the Word was God points to the fact that the Word has the characteristics of divinity. Jesus is God, the second Person of the Godhead.

How does John start his gospel?

John starts his gospel with “logos,” “Word.”

How does John use the term “logos” especially in contrast to the philosophies of his time?

The logos is a person; Jesus Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The logos is the Word of God. More important, God communicated; that is, He revealed Himself to humanity in the most radical way: God became one of us.

What major theme is presented in the gospel of John?

A major theme presented in the gospel of John is how people accept or reject the truth. While many Jews reject Jesus, there are gentiles who accept Him.

What does John say concerning those who receive Jesus?

John says that all who do receive Jesus as their Savior will become the children of God. This happens by believing in Jesus’ name.

What is the connection between the prologue and the conclusion of John’s gospel?

The introduction and conclusion form a kind of unity. The apostle presents in them why he wrote—that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that by believing you may have life in His name. This theme encloses all that occurs between them and they point to the overarching goal of the gospel of John—that people will be saved by believing on Jesus Christ as their Savior.

What does being a believer mean?

The greek noun pistis (Greek for faith/belief) never appears in the gospel of John. However, the verb pisteuō (believe) appears 98 times compared to 241 times in total that it appears in the New Testament. The use of the verb instead of the noun may point to something we do. Being a believer is about what we do, that is expressed in how we live and not just in a set of beliefs.

What is the major difference in John between believers and unbelievers?

The major difference between believers and unbelievers is how they relate to Jesus. Believers, who come to Jesus have an openness towards Him, even when He confronts or rebukes them. By coming to Jesus, Jesus, their Light shines on them and by faith, by believing they become children of God. Unbelievers, on the other hand come to Jesus to fight with Him, they love darkness rather than light. They judge rather than letting the Light from God show them where they stand in judgment.

What does the concept of glorifying God link to according to John?

The concept of glorifying God is linked to the concept of His hour, that is, the time of His death. While on a human level, Jesus died in agony, a despised criminal in weakness as particularly presented in Matthew and Mark, the glorious side of the cross is especially presented in Luke and John where the cross is a place of salvation, of mercy, and where the Son of God gives Himself to the Father. How ironic: God’s greatest glory is revealed in His greatest shame—bearing the sins of the world in Himself.

In Conclusion,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). May God help us to be believers in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 2 Review: Signs of Divinity

Introduction

Memory Text: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ ” (John 11:25, 26, NKJV).

Jesus showed His divinity at specific times in both Word and deed. This week’s lesson covers three greatest signs performed by Jesus that reveals His divinity but for these signs people turned away from Jesus, deepened in blindness, plotted against Jesus or believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

What timing was the event of the feeding of the 5,000?

The timing of the feeding of the 5,000 was near the Passover.

What parallels between Jesus and Moses can be found in the feeding of the 5,000 that should have proved to the Jewish people that Jesus indeed was divine?

The time of the Passover points to the great deliverance from Egypt. Jesus’ going up to the mountain parallels with Moses’ going up on Sinai. Jesus’s test to Philip parallels with the testing of the Israelites in the wilderness. The multiplication of the loaves parallels with the manna. The gathering of the leftover food harks back to the Israelite’s gathering of the manna. The twelves baskets picked up parallels with the twelve tribes of Israel. And the people comment that Jesus is the prophet coming into the world, in accordance with the “prophet like Moses” predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15. They all pointed to Jesus as the new Moses – come to deliver His people.

What did John try to show through these parallels between Jesus and Moses in the feeding of the 5,000?

John was trying to show that Jesus was not only doing signs and wonders but doing signs and wonders that, in their context, should have had special meaning for the Jewish people. Jesus was pointing them in essence to His divinity.

What was the expectation of the Jews?

The Jews were expecting an earthly messiah who would deliver them from the oppression of the Roman Empire.

What does the account of the feeding of the 5,000 illustrate?

The account of the feeding of the 5,000 provided the opportunity to illustrate that Jesus is the Bread of Life, that God Himself came down from heaven.

What are the predicate statements connected with “I am” in the book of John?

“bread of life,” John 6:35; “light of the world,” John 8:12; “door,” John 10:7, 9; “Good Shepherd,” John 10:11, 14; “resurrection and the life,” John 11:25; “the way, the truth, and the life,” John 14:6; “true vine,” John 15:1, 5.

What are some of the key points from the healing of the blind man in John 9:1-16?

There is a connection between sin and suffering but this is not always the reason as can be seen in Job. Jesus did not deny the connection between sin and suffering but, in this case, points to a higher purpose that God would be glorified by the healing. Jesus was counted by the religious leaders as One breaking the Sabbath by healing the blind man. The healing on the Sabbath, according to tradition and not Scripture, violated the Sabbath. They concluded that Jesus was not from God because “He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others found it troubling that a sinner could do such signs. While the blind man is becoming more clear about who Jesus is, the religious leaders are becoming more confused or blinded to Jesus’ real identity.

What are the intersections between the themes in John 9 and several other themes in the gospel?

John reaffirms that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5; compare with John 8:12), the story deals with Jesus’ mysterious origin, Who He is, where He is from, and His Mission (John 9:12, 29; compare with John 1:14), Moses is also referenced (John 9:28, 29; compare with John 5:45, 46 and John 6:32) and there is the theme of the response of the crowd – while some love darkness rather than light, others respond in faith (John 9:16-18, 35-41; compare with John 1:9-16, John 3:16-21, and John 6:60-71).

What is so scary in the healing of the blind man in John 9?

A once-blind beggar can declare, “ ‘Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing’ ” (John 9:32, 33, NKJV), however the religious leaders, the ones who should have been the first to recognize Jesus and guide people were so blinded to the physical powerful evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, or they don’t really want to see it. This is a powerful warning of how our hearts can deceive us!

What does the resurrection of Lazarus demonstrate?

Just as Jesus showed He is the light of the world by giving the blind man sight, so He raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

In Conclusion,

The feeding of the 5,000, the healing of the blind man, and the resurrection of Lazarus were all signs of Christ’s divinity. May we never be blinded to these signs, but respond in faith to these signs in Jesus’ name. 

Lesson 1 Review: Signs That Point the Way

Introduction

Memory Text: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30, 31, NKJV).

John explained that why He wrote his gospel is “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31, NKJV). John calls these miracles “signs,” miraculous events that point to a deeper reality: Jesus as the Messiah. The Gospel of John contains examples of people who responded in faith. And these examples invite us to do the same.

What sign did Jesus do at Cana, and how did this help the disciples in coming to believe in Him?

Jesus Christ performs the miracle of changing water into wine and this provided evidence in favor of the disciples’ decision to follow Jesus.

How does Jesus’ first sign identify with the Israelites?

Moses was the leader of the Israelites, and he brought Israel out of Egypt by many signs and wonders. God prophesied through Moses that a prophet would come who was like Moses whom they should hear. Jesus’ first sign of turning water into wine pointed back to the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. The River Nile was changed to blood as a plague to the Egyptians that should lead to the Israelite’s deliverance, Jesus performed similar miracle but, instead of turning water into blood, He turned water into wine. The water came from six water pots used for purification purposes in Jewish rituals, linking the miracle even more closely to biblical themes of salvation. In summary, by recounting the incident of changing water to wine, and thus referring back to the Exodus, John was pointing to Jesus as our Deliverer.

What did the master of the feast think of the unfermented wine that Jesus provided?

He was indeed surprised by the quality of the drink and, not knowing the miracle that Jesus had performed there, thought that they had saved the best for last.

What second sign did Jesus do in Galilee?

Jesus healed a nobleman’s son.

Why does John make a connection back to the miracle at the wedding feast?

By pointing back to the first sign at the wedding in Cana, John seems to be saying, The signs that Jesus did will help you see who Jesus is. Then John adds, “This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee” (John 4:54, NKJV).

What lesson can we learn from Jesus’ healing of the nobleman’s son?

The nobleman made the healing of his son a criterion for believing in Jesus, we should not look to miracles as evidence for the power of God. Satan too, can perform “miracles,” that is if we see miracles as supernatural acts. A true prophet or person of God will say and do according to God’s will, he will speak according to the scriptures.

What was the problem with the man at the pool of Bethesda?

Of course, the obvious problem was that He was disabled and needed healing, but the other problem was that he was looking for the solution to his problem in the wrong place. Sometimes we go to the wrong place for solutions, meanwhile the Healer is very close by, even in our hearts.

How did Jesus help this man with an infirmity believe in Him?

Jesus does not ask the man with an infirmity thirty-eight years to exercise faith, but rather Jesus said to him to rise up and walk. It is at this command from Jesus that the man anchors his faith and then he believed in Jesus and He was made well.

What was the problem with the religious leaders who the healed man in John 5:1-9 reported his healing to?

Their hearts were corrupt, their false belief that the Messiah would save them from the Roman Rule blinded their eyes. Their hearts were hardened and would not accept the truth.

What points can we draw from Jesus’ sign of healing the man with infirmity thirty-eight years?

Healings were allowed on the Sabbath only in an emergency, but the man with infirmity was disabled for thirty-eight years. One would think that someone with the power from God would not break the Sabbath by instructing another to take up his bed and walk. Jesus in performing this miracle of healing this man with infirmity for thirty-eight years was seeking to take them to deeper biblical truths beyond the man-made rules and regulations that had, in some cases, stifled true faith.

Why was Jesus persecuted for His action of healing the man of infirmity on the Sabbath?

He was persecuted because it was supposed that Jesus was breaking the Sabbath and that Jesus was claiming equality with God.

Did Jesus break the Sabbath by healing the man with infirmity?

A closer look at John 5:16-18 shows that Jesus’ “work” on the Sabbath is in line with His relationship to His Father. God sustains the universe even on the Sabbath, Jesus’ activity on the Sabbath was part of His claim to divinity.

How does Jesus defend His actions on the Sabbath?

He defends His actions in three steps. First, He explains His intimate relationship with the Father, that everything He does is in harmony with the Father, Jesus had power to judge and raise the dead. Second, Jesus calls four “witnesses” in rapid succession to His defense – John the Baptist, the miracles Jesus does, the Father, and the Scriptures, each of these give testimonies in favor of Jesus. Finally, Jesus sets the contrasts between His ministry and the self-seeking of His accusers. Their condemnation, Jesus says, will come from Moses, the one in whom they have set their hopes.

In Conclusion,

Jesus is truly the Son of God and in Him is life, and we are not to fall into the trap of self-seeking and hardheartedness. May God help us to fully surrender to Him, because in so doing we will be protected from rejecting the truth, in Jesus’ name.

4th Quarter of 2024 Sabbath School Study Guide Introduction

The Theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the Fourth Quarter of 2024 is “Themes in the Gospel of John.” The Gospel of John is the Word of God conveyed to us through the apostle, John. John was merely the willing instrument that the Holy Spirit used to convey many crucial themes: the Word (logos), light, bread, water, the Holy Spirit, oneness, signs, testimony, and prophecy. The Gospel of John often focuses on interactions between Jesus and just one or two people. Many of these stories appear only in John. In our study of the gospel of John, we should not miss the big picture which is a divinely inspired revelation of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

The Theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the Fourth Quarter of 2024 is “Themes in the Gospel of John.” The Gospel of John is the Word of God conveyed to us through the apostle, John. John was merely the willing instrument that the Holy Spirit used to convey many crucial themes: the Word (logos), light, bread, water, the Holy Spirit, oneness, signs, testimony, and prophecy. The Gospel of John often focuses on interactions between Jesus and just one or two people. Many of these stories appear only in John. In our study of the gospel of John, we should not miss the big picture which is a divinely inspired revelation of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Here is an outline for the weekly topics for this quarter:

Week

LESSON’S TOPIC

PERIOD

1

Signs That Point the Way

September 28 – October 4

2

Signs of Divinity

October 5 – 11

3

The Backstory: The Prologue

October 12 – 18

4

Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah

October 19 – 25

5

The Testimony of the Samaritans

October 26 – November 1

6

More Testimonies About Jesus

November 2 – 8

7

Blessed Are Those Who Believe

November 9 – 15

8

Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies

November 16 – 22

9

The Source of Life

November 23 – 29

10

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

November 30 – December 6

11

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit

December 7 – 13

12

The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

December 14 – 20

13

Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word

December 21 – 27

Lesson 13 Review: The Risen Lord

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “But he said unto them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him’ ” (Mark 16:6, NKJV).

The crucifixion of Jesus destroyed the eternal hope in the lives of the disciples and the Believers, all hope was gone, but the power of dead and grace was recovered.

What should we learn from Christ’s burial?

The ancient Israel, the people of God and Believers understood the idea of true worship, they avoided anything that profanes the Sabbath. The Sabbath was kept despite the agony of Christ.

How is Christ’s resurrection a hope to humanity?

Christ is the only hope of every believer on earth. The devil aims to destroy humanity but Christ has proved through His power that He is Lord of Lords and Creator of every creature.

Should we believe in the resurrection?

Oh yes and well yes, as Christ died and resurrected even so shall everyone rest and wait till the resurrection morning when everyone will be resurrected either to life eternal or eternal damnation, we must prepare ourselves to the world’s most shakable event.

What is the significance of the stone been rolled away?

The heaviness of the stone is another fact to consider, as the heavy stone was rolled away our burdens will be lifted away but not by man’s power but by that which is Immortal and everlasting.

What discussion took place at the tomb?

Arriving at the tomb disheartened, they found the previously closed tomb now an open tomb of joy, good news and testimonies of Christ’s resurrection.

Who saw Christ first after His resurrection?

According to Bible reports, upon the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the mother of Jesus faced the shocking surprise of their lives. It seemed to be a dream but it was reality.

What was Christ’s purpose of mission outreach?

After Christ’s resurrection, the great commission, was given to man not only to tell people about the kingdom of God but also to bear witness of what they had seen, not only His death but His resurrection, ascension and eternal majesty.

In Conclusion,

People may find it difficult to trust in God or in His Word, but Christ’s agony, death, resurrection and ascension helps the believer to believe more fully in Him. Though we may die, we will live with Him forevermore, the assurance of God’s Word fans the flames of hope in our lives. May God help us to accept this hope and be part of His kingdom in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 12 Review: Tried and Crucified

Introduction

Memory Text: "Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' " (Mar 15:34, NKJV).

Mark 15 carries the heart of the passion narrative which rings in the heart of everyone about the pains of Jesus' death, such a boundless love towards humanity. At the cross is where we find the best way to express love in action.

What was Jesus' Response to Pilate's Question?

At first, Jesus exercised patience, then He humbly responded to Pilate by saying that He is the King not only to the Jews but to every creature created under the sun. Satan however didn't want them to acknowledge Jesus as the King.

Which people led Christ to persecution?

Christ was sent to the lost house of Israel but they failed to acknowledge their Saviour not because they didn't know but they originally and intentionally rejected Christ because of spiritual blindness. These were the people that led Christ to persecution.

What were some of the events that took place at the passion and why?

The soldiers bow down and pay homage in mockery. They struck Jesus and asked Him to prophecy, as the Messiah, who struck Him. However, it is in that time that the prophecy about Peter's denial came to fulfillment. Thus Jesus is the Messiah.

How did Jesus respond to the humiliation He went through?

In the ancient times, before a victim was crucified the victim is made to pass through horrible pains. This was no different for Jesus although He was innocent.  Jesus, however gave himself to fulfill the prophecy.

Was Jesus truly forsaken by God?

Although it seemed Jesus was alone on the cross, He was surrounded with the Heavenly Host. When Jesus cried out on the cross, He expressed the bitterness of the cup mixed with wrath and pain that He drank for humanity. He not only died the first death that man would die, He died the second.

Why did Joseph request for the body of Jesus?

In view of Jesus' records of saving lives by raising the dead, healing the sick and providing to the needy, Jesus was compassionate to the people and Joseph expressed his love by taking the body of Christ by himself to be buried honourably.

What does Christ's death mean to us? 

At the cross, Satan celebrated victory but after Christ's death, Jesus claimed the power of sin and death. Everyone who believes in Him shall be saved. Jesus didn't only die to set us free but to give us the power to overcome what He overcame.

In conclusion,

Consider the pains Christ went through just to reconcile man back to the image of God as it was in the garden of Eden. This cost nothing but pains and death. More so God wants us to sacrifice our best as we journey through this sinful world to Heavenly Canaan. May God help us to be be in the place prepared for us by Him in Jesus' name.

Lesson 11 Review: Taken and Tired

Introduction

Memory Text: "And He said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me; nevertheless not what I will, but what You will' " (Mark 14:36, NKJV).

In this week's lesson study, we will look at the major events that took place in the closing ministry of Jesus, just as the Bible prophesied it to be and when it would be fulfilled.

What two stories link to the betrayal of Jesus?

At dinner with the disciples a woman with a box of perfume offered her precious gift to Jesus but Judas' interest was not in selling the perfume and giving the money to the poor but for self-centered interest. 

What did Christ establish in giving Himself as the Sacrificial Lamb?

In the old sanctuary system, the priest sprinkled  people with the sacrificial blood of Rams but Christ in the fulfilling of the prophecy was the Lamb to establish an everlasting Covenant.

What can we learn about the Prayer of Jesus?

We can learn from Jesus' custom of private time in prayer. We can pour out our burdens to God and at the end of the prayer with confidence He said let Your will be done, even Christ has laid a foundation of prayer for us.

What do we learn about choosing and making friends here?

Remember that Jesus told the disciples that He will be betrayed, as if it was not enough Peter who desired to bear the burdens with Christ would deny him. We all are surrounded by evil but Christ's victory is sure.

What were some of the things that befell Christ before His death?

After Christ was arrested by the Roman soldiers there was given a little time to ask Christ more questions, but Christ began by presenting the truth which they ignored. The devil ultimately was behind the chief priest's decision; prophecy comes to fulfillment.

What did Peter remember that caused him to shed tears?

Before Christ was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, Christ had already told Peter that he'll deny Him three times before the cock crows. Peter denied Jesus, remembered and shed tears for he betrayed his Master.

Who helped carry Jesus' cross?

Simon the Cyrene.

In conclusion,

Everything that was performed in the Old Sanctuary system was pointing to Christ, The One who gives us the grace of salvation. What works was unable to do for us, grace beyond measure was given. I pray may the Lord remind us of how we were saved in Jesus' name.