5: The Testimony of the Samaritans – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: John the Baptist did not disappear from human history after he fulfilled his role with the Elijah message. Many of the common people came to believe in Jesus, but many of the leaders refused to believe as they were close-minded and prejudiced.
November 9, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read John 3:25-36.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
How does John compare himself to Jesus?
Personal Application: How would you define humility? Do you think you are humble? Do you know anyone that you consider humble? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of you relatives states, “What should our proper attitude be when it comes to human position or recognition? How can we stay humble when we end up doing good things for Christ?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read John 6:51-71.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What did Jesus say that people had trouble accepting?
Personal Application: In your experience, do you believe the majority of people are usually right? If this is not true, why it is so that most people are wrong? How can we be sociable and agreeable without compromising our faith? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does your church want to be different? A majority of Christians believe a certain way, yet you people decide to be different, like a cult, taking your doctrine and orders from a self-proclaimed prophetess. We need unity in Christianity, not more division.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read John 5:36-38, 12:32.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What does Jesus say here about the Father?
c. Personal Application: What did the Father say about Jesus? How do you explain the Oneness of God with the Father-Son references? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states: “Why did Jesus say if He be lifted up, He would draw all people to Him? Here He is stating not that that we are drawn to the Father, but to Himself. Is He referring to a previous incident in the Bible?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read John 7:37-53.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. When Jesus spoke to the Jews, what was the response of many in the crowd?
c. Personal Application: How did the religious leaders think about the people who followed Jesus? How do you think religious leaders will regard you in the future? Share your thoughts.
d.. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).