Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 13.Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 13.Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word  |
Getting to Know the Master and His Word  |

Lesson 13 invites us to recognize Jesus and His Word in a deeper way. Through encounters, such as the one between Jesus and Peter, it becomes clear that God’s grace and our humility are the keys to true discipleship. The Gospel of John shows how people respond to Jesus—either by accepting the light and growing or by rejecting it and remaining blind. It teaches us to base our faith not on human ideas but on God’s Word.
The lesson reminds us that spiritual growth depends on staying in Jesus, trusting Him, and allowing His truth to work in our lives. Jesus is the center of all understanding, the light that shows us the way to the Father.

Memory Text: John 5:39 – “ ‘You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me’ .”

Contents:
13.1 Meeting in Galilee
A New Beginning in Grace and Humility

John 21:1–19 reveals profound truths about God’s grace and human humility. The scene shows how Jesus meets the disciples, especially Peter, in Galilee and gives him the opportunity for restoration. Peter, who once denied Jesus three times, is now asked three times if he loves Him, symbolizing a deliberate restoration. In doing so, Peter recognizes his own inadequacy and responds humbly. This demonstrates that true humility—the awareness of one’s own faults and dependence on God’s grace—is essential for ministry and spiritual growth.

Jesus’ command to Peter to “feed my sheep” makes it clear that God’s forgiveness and calling do not depend on human perfection but on the willingness to place God at the center. This event is a powerful reminder that no one can stand before God based on their own achievements, but only through His immeasurable grace.

13.2 Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus
The Key to Discipleship

In John 21:20–22, it becomes evident how quickly the focus can shift from a personal relationship with Jesus to the circumstances of others. Peter curiously asks about the fate of John, but Jesus corrects him by saying, “What does it matter to you? Follow me!” This response shows that the path of discipleship is individual and not based on comparisons. Jesus redirects Peter back to the essential task: to focus on Him and fulfill His calling.

The misunderstanding about Jesus’ words—that John would remain until His return—highlights the importance of correctly understanding His message. John clarifies this confusion and refocuses attention on the central message: the focus should be solely on Jesus, our Savior and Master. This episode serves as a reminder that distractions and comparisons can lead us astray—the only path we should follow is the one Jesus shows us.

13.3 Light and Darkness
The Path to Truth

The texts from the Gospel of John emphasize the strong contrast between light and darkness, which is fundamental to understanding the truth. Light symbolizes Jesus Christ, who brings the truth and revelation of God, while darkness represents the world and its turning away from God. People often avoid the light because it exposes their actions, but only through the light can they recognize the true God. This contrast shows that true knowledge and relationship with God are not possible through our own strength but only through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus makes it clear that faith based on a false foundation is dangerous, as was the case with the religious leaders of Israel. They relied on human perspectives and rejected the truth revealed in Christ. For us, this means that we must always measure our interpretations and reactions by the light of Christ, especially when biblical truths are challenging. Only then can we overcome the darkness of human misinterpretations and walk in the truth.

13.4 Theology From “Above” or From “Below”
Faith That Goes Beyond Human Ideas

A royal official came to Jesus with the desperate request to heal his sick son. However, his initial faith was based on the expectation of visible miracles—a “from below” theology that ties God’s actions to human conditions. But Jesus challenged him to believe His word without visible proof. The true theme here is the transition from a conditional faith to a trust that is based solely on Jesus and His Word.

Theology “from above” acknowledges God’s sovereignty and is guided by the Word of God, not by human ideas. Faith that springs from a loving relationship with Jesus leads to obedience that comes from the heart, not from legal obligation. Without love, obedience becomes a mechanical fulfillment of duty. But when love is the foundation, obedience becomes an expression of devotion and joy in God’s will.

13.5 Abiding in Jesus
The Key to True Discipleship

In John 12:32, Jesus describes His authority as one that draws all people to Himself when He is lifted up. This statement shows that Jesus is the central figure for understanding God’s will and the truth. The Gospel of John makes it clear that encounters with Jesus require decisions: either to accept the light and grow or to reject it and remain blind. Spiritual growth and health are only possible if we remain in Jesus, as illustrated by the relationship between the branches and the vine in John 15:1–11.

Jesus is the source of all life and truth. To grow spiritually, we must submit to His Word and His guidance, without placing our human ideas above divine truth. Faith rooted in Christ leads to a life that bears fruit and stands in love and obedience to God’s will. Thus, the Bible becomes the foundation by which everything is tested—the anchor for true life and true understanding.

13.6 Summary
Jesus—The Light That Leads to Truth

In Lesson 13, it is emphasized that encountering Jesus Christ requires a profound decision from each person. The disciples, especially Peter, experience God’s grace and forgiveness, which must be accepted through humility and faith. The contrast between light and darkness shows that true understanding and discipleship are only possible through turning to Jesus. Theology “from above” teaches us to trust God and place His Word above human ideas.

The secret to spiritual growth lies in remaining in Jesus, being guided by His Word, and bearing fruit for His kingdom. This lesson calls us to recognize Jesus as the center of our lives and to deepen our relationship with Him through faith, obedience, and love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/