Lesson 4 Review: Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’ ” (John 3:3, NKJV).

The evangelist calls on scriptures, varieties of events, and people to bear witness of who Jesus is. Jesus points even to the witness of the Father. This week covers the powerful witness of John the Baptist. Other witnesses come on stage as well: Andrew and Simon Peter, Philip and Nathaniel, and a most unexpected witness, the Pharisee Nicodemus. But another stands back in the shadows (that other disciple with Andrew, in John 1:35,40)—John himself.

What was John the Baptist’s explanation of his ministry and mission?

John was not the Light but was sent from God to bear witness of the Light and to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. John baptized with water, Jesus baptized with the Spirit.

How does Isaiah 40:1-5 and John 1:23 explain John’s mission?

In the days of rutted and rock-filled roads, the servant will go before the king to level the surfaces of roadways and to take out sharp turns so as to smooth the way of the king. So, in prophecy, John came to prepare the hearts of the people for Jesus.

How does the statement of John the Baptist support the purpose of John’s gospel?

The statement of the Baptist regarding Jesus as the Lamb of God supports the purpose of John’s Gospel, which is to bring a renewed understanding of the work and nature of the Messiah.

What lessons can we draw from the two disciples’ decision to follow Jesus after John the Baptist’s testimony?

The two disciples of John the Baptist believed that Jesus was the Lamb of God and they immediately left John the Baptist to follow Jesus. We are not simply called to hear the Word of God but to act in accordance with the Word of God. Others such as Andrew, Simon and all other people followed Jesus upon hearing about Him.

What motif is there in John’s gospel?

Jesus also showed He knew man, He said to Simon, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ ” (John 1:42, NKJV). Jesus knew all men (John 2:24, 25).

How does Philip’s words reveal about His faith in Jesus already?

Philip tells Nathaniel that Jesus is the One whom Moses and the prophets wrote about. He adds the name, “Jesus of Nazareth” which sets off a sharp reaction from his friend, Nathaniel.

How are we to deal with prejudice from a friend?

The way to deal with prejudice is to invite the person to come and see. Prejudice blinds the eyes from seeing people for what they are really worth.

How do we know that Nathaniel believed?

Jesus says nice words to Nathaniel, calling him an Israelite in whom there is no deceit in contrast to what Nathaniel said about Jesus. These nice words made Nathaniel surprised, then Jesus tells him that He had seen him under the fig tree. This small revelation of Jesus leads Nathaniel to confess that Jesus is the Son of God, Rabbi and the King of Israel. Hence, he believed.

How does the testimony of Nicodemus support the theme of the gospel of John?

Nicodemus viewed the signs themselves that Jesus did as evidence that Jesus’ divine calling but did not see them as pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

What lessons do we draw from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus?

No one is born saved, regardless of their nationality or the church that they were raised in. One who must be saved must be born again from above. Another point to note is that despite the rebuke of Jesus to Nicodemus he took His side with the followers of Jesus.

In Conclusion,

The same function these witnesses played are to be the functions of every believer. Christ is to be seen in all, we are not to leave the light with us. May God help us to be witnesses for Him in Jesus’ name.