6.6 Summary
Revelations of the Messiah

In Lesson 6, we examine how various testimonies reveal and challenge the identity and mission of Jesus. The lesson begins with the testimony of John the Baptist, who refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and announces Him as the Savior who bears the sins of the world. This message calls people to gain a new understanding of the Messiah—not as a political liberator but as a spiritual redeemer.

Next, the lesson discusses the testimony of the Father, who confirms Jesus’ divine sonship during Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, demonstrating that Jesus acts in perfect alignment with God’s will. Jesus’ works, miracles, and teachings are also testimonies of the Father, expressing His love and mercy for humanity.

The crowd’s reaction to Jesus, especially during the Feast of Tabernacles, highlights another aspect: many recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah or prophet, while others remain skeptical and question His origin. These differing reactions reflect the challenge that Jesus’ words and works posed to people. Despite various responses, there are also voices of defense, such as that of Nicodemus, who advocates for fair judgment and shows that some come to faith.

The lesson reminds us that faith in Jesus often means questioning our own beliefs and expectations and having the courage to make a personal decision for Him—even if that decision goes against the majority. It invites us to approach others with humility, compassion, and openness and to shape our lives as testimonies of God’s love and truth.

Lesson 6 teaches us how diverse testimonies about Jesus can also impact our daily lives and faith, inspiring us in various ways:

1. A Deeper Understanding of Jesus’ Role as Redeemer

   Just as people in Jesus’ time were invited to recognize Him as the Redeemer who satisfies their deepest needs instead of seeking short-term solutions for their earthly desires, we are invited to see Jesus as the one who not only helps us externally but also heals us internally and grants us peace.

2. Seeking God’s Confirmation in Our Lives

   The Father’s testimony shows the confirmation Jesus receives from God. Similarly, in our daily lives, we can seek God’s guidance and confirmation, trusting that our worth and calling are based on His love. This helps us give less weight to the voices of the world and walk our path in confidence.

3. Openness to People in Different Stages of Faith

   The crowd’s reaction reminds us that people find faith in Jesus in various ways. Instead of judging, we can approach them with patience and understanding, just as Nicodemus advocated for fair judgment. Our faith becomes more inviting, and we are enriched by the diversity of experiences.

4. Courage to Believe Against the Tide

   Many in the crowd did not understand Jesus and were skeptical. Similarly, we often experience that our faith is unpopular or misunderstood. This lesson encourages us to remain faithful and hold on to the truth of Jesus as our Redeemer—even if it means standing alone or in the minority.

5. Humility and Compassion in Our Interactions with Others

   The arrogance of the religious leaders was a barrier to recognizing Jesus. For us, this is a reminder that true discipleship requires humility and compassion, especially toward those who are still seeking truth. Instead of judging people based on their knowledge or background, we can accompany them lovingly.

Lesson 6 calls us to lead a life of faith characterized by openness, humility, and a deep connection to God’s will. We are invited to live out our testimony daily and reflect the love and truth of Jesus through our actions.

True faith is demonstrated by standing up for the truth with courage and humility, even when the world goes in a different direction.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-more-testimonies-about-jesus-6-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 8, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 12

¹ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.

²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/8-11-2024-acts-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/