Lesson 6.More Testimonies About Jesus
Recognizing More About Jesus
In this lesson, we explore various testimonies about Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John and other Gospels that clearly reveal His true identity and mission. The lesson leads us to the statements of John the Baptist, who refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” to the testimony of the Father, who expresses His approval at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, and to the reactions of the crowd, which fluctuate between admiration, skepticism, and resistance.
These testimonies illustrate the challenge that Jesus’ words and works posed to people and show how differently He was perceived. The lesson invites us to reflect on our own attitude toward Jesus and examine our willingness to follow Him—even if it means questioning our own expectations and ideas. It reminds us that faith in Jesus is a personal decision that goes deeper than mere knowledge and that we can be living testimonies of His love and truth in our lives.
6.1 Humility of Soul: John the Baptist Testifies Again
John the Baptist – Humility and Testimony in the Greatness of Christ
Read John 3:25–36. How does John the Baptist compare with Jesus?
John the Baptist demonstrates a remarkable example of humility and inner clarity regarding his role and the nature of his ministry. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of jealousy, John recognizes the limits of his mission: he understands himself as the forerunner, not the Savior. When his disciples become concerned due to Jesus’ growing popularity, John remains calm and clear in his understanding of his divine calling.
In John 3:25–36, this contrast between John and Jesus becomes evident. John presents himself as the “friend of the bridegroom,” a metaphor for his role as the forerunner of the Messiah. His goal is to promote the arrival of Jesus, not his own position or influence. His famous words, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), succinctly capture this understanding. John’s greatness lies in his ability to recognize and accept his place in God’s plan.
Furthermore, the text emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus as the one sent from heaven. While John is aware of human limitations, Jesus is the One who comes from above and is the perfect revelation of God. Through John’s testimony, the superiority of the Messiah is highlighted, and the response required from each person to this testimony remains clear: believing in Jesus leads to eternal life, while rejecting His offer excludes people from divine life.
This passage reminds us that true spiritual greatness often lies in putting oneself in the background and showing others the way to Jesus. John the Baptist embodies an inner humility that makes his ministry even more meaningful and points to the essential truth—the redemption offered to all people through Jesus.
The lesson of humility, as demonstrated by John the Baptist, can be deeply integrated into our daily lives and faith by understanding it as an attitude that guides our relationships and actions. This connection to John’s example helps us develop an authentic faith and focus on what is essential: God’s plan and love for our neighbors.
Here are some practical ways to implement humility and testimony in daily life:
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Conscious Acceptance of Our Role In everyday life, we constantly encounter situations where we could prove ourselves or be in the spotlight. John reminds us that our worth does not come from others’ recognition but from our connection to God. Thus, we can learn to focus on our task and keep the bigger picture in mind instead of comparing ourselves to others. In work, family, or friendships, this means accepting our own role and focusing on the community rather than ourselves.
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Trust in God and His Will Over Our Own Like John, we can work in prayer and daily self-reflection to place God’s will above our own desires. This means making decisions in light of our faith convictions, even if it means setting aside personal ambitions or wishes. For example, it might involve prioritizing actions that are ultimately good for our relationships and spiritual life, even if they require short-term sacrifices.
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Serving Without Expecting Recognition A significant part of Christian humility is selfless service to others. John served without claiming recognition for himself. In daily life, this means helping and supporting others without always wanting to be in the spotlight. Small gestures, such as listening to someone without saying much yourself or helping someone without expecting gratitude, reflect this attitude. We learn how fulfilling it can be to contribute to the well-being of others.
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Gratitude and Joy Over Others’ Success Instead of reacting with jealousy to others’ success, we can rejoice like John that good things are happening in others’ lives. When friends or colleagues receive recognition or celebrate successes, we can learn to genuinely share in their joy instead of comparing ourselves or looking for our own advantage. This attitude brings us inner peace and strengthens relationships because we truly support each other.
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Consistent Reflection and Prayer Inner humility grows through prayer and self-reflection. When we daily consider how we can serve others and remain faithful to God, we learn to find inner peace and clearly recognize what truly matters, just like John. A short prayer or a moment of silence at the beginning or end of the day can help organize our thoughts and adopt God’s perspective.
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Acceptance of Criticism and Acknowledgment of Our Own Limits In everyday life, we frequently encounter criticism and challenges that push us to our limits. Instead of reacting defensively, we can view criticism as an opportunity for growth and allow ourselves to be corrected by others. This openness strengthens us to work on ourselves and not remain in false pride. John shows us that true greatness lies in accepting our own limits and recognizing the strengths of others.
