Lesson 4.Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah
Jesus Christ – The True Messiah

Lesson 4 focuses on the diverse and significant testimonies that point to Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. In the Gospel of John, we encounter individuals such as John the Baptist and the first disciples, who recognize Jesus as the Savior and point to Him. This lesson demonstrates how Jesus did not fulfill the political expectations of a Messiah but instead took on the crucial role of redeeming humanity through His sacrifice. The various testimonies we examine in this lesson emphasize Jesus’ identity as the “Lamb of God” and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. They invite us to accept Jesus as the true Savior, just as the witnesses of His time did.

4.1 The Testimony of John the Baptist
John the Baptist: A Witness to the True Messiah

Read John 1:19–23. How did John the Baptist explain his ministry and mission?

John the Baptist plays a crucial role in the Gospel of John as the first witness to the Messiah. As the study guide highlights, John clearly states that he is not the Messiah himself but merely the forerunner preparing the people for the coming of Jesus. This was especially important in a time when expectations for the Messiah were varied and strong. Some Jews even expected two different Messiahs—a kingly one and a priestly one. John rejects such ideas and focuses entirely on Jesus Christ, the true Messiah.

Clarifying His Identity
In John 1:19–23, John the Baptist is questioned by the religious leaders about who he is. In the face of messianic expectations, he makes it clear: “I am not the Christ.” He does not present himself as the expected Savior but as “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,” quoting Isaiah 40:3. This humble stance shows that John understood his role clearly: He was not the light but was sent to bear witness to the light—Jesus Christ—and to prepare the people for Him.

The Testimony About the Greater One
John further clarifies that his baptism with water was only a symbolic preparation for the far greater work of Christ, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 1:26–33). He emphasizes that he is not even worthy to untie the straps of the coming Messiah’s sandals—a sign of deep humility and awareness of Jesus’ immense greatness.

The Difference Between John and Jesus
John also highlights the preeminence of Jesus by saying that Christ “was before him” (John 1:30). This refers to Jesus’ eternal existence, as described in the prologue of the Gospel of John. Although John the Baptist began his public ministry before Jesus, he emphasizes that Jesus, who has existed for all eternity, is infinitely greater.

The Mission of the Testimony
John’s role as a witness was to point to the true Son of God (John 1:34). He recognized in Jesus not just another prophet but the one who had come as the “Lamb of God” to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). John the Baptist saw himself as a servant of this truth, with his entire mission focused on Jesus.

Relevance for Today
John the Baptist’s testimony carries a message for believers today. His clarity about his identity and mission, along with his humility toward Christ, serves as an example. John shows us that our task is to point to Jesus and not to ourselves. His ministry reminds us that the true focus should be on Christ, the sole Savior and fulfillment of God’s promises.

John the Baptist was not the Messiah, but he was the faithful witness who pointed people to the true Messiah. His humility and dedication to the divine mission make him a model for all who seek to live according to Christ’s example.

Read Isaiah 40:1–5 and John 1:23. How does John use these verses?

John the Baptist plays a central role in fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:1–5. This prophecy speaks of a messenger who “cries out in the wilderness” and prepares the way for the Lord. John quotes this passage in John 1:23 to explain his own mission: He is not the Messiah but the one sent to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah.

Preparation of the Way
In ancient times, when roads were rough and filled with obstacles, servants were sometimes sent ahead of the king to smooth the roads and remove sharp turns to make the king’s journey easier. John the Baptist fulfilled a similar spiritual role. He came to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus by calling them to repentance and aligning their lives with the coming of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

The Call to Repentance
Isaiah 40:1–5 describes not only the physical preparation of a road but also the spiritual preparation necessary for people to receive the Messiah. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and renewal to free people’s hearts from pride, sin, and hardness. Just as the roads were made smooth for a king, so people were to humble their hearts and change their ways in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
By quoting Isaiah 40:1–5, John positions himself as the forerunner of Jesus, as foretold in the prophecy. This demonstrates the continuity between the Old Testament and Jesus’ ministry. John was the one who marked the transition between the old order and the new covenant in Christ. He called people to repentance and to a new spiritual life, preparing them for the radical renewal that Jesus would bring.

The Significance for Us Today

The message of John, based on Isaiah 40, remains relevant today. Preparing the way for Jesus Christ is a task we must continue in our own lives and in the world around us. It involves preparing our hearts for God’s work, removing the obstacles of pride or sin, and humbly receiving what God wants to do in our lives. Just as John the Baptist prepared people for the first coming of Christ, we are called today to prepare ourselves and others for His second coming.

Conclusion

John the Baptist uses Isaiah 40:1–5 to clarify his role as the preparer of the Messiah’s way. As the prophecy describes, he paves the way not through physical labor but through preaching repentance and bearing witness to Jesus Christ. His mission reminds us that true spiritual renewal begins with preparing our hearts for God’s work.

In what ways should we, as Seventh-day Adventists, carry out the same type of ministry as John the Baptist? What parallels exist?

As Seventh-day Adventists, we see ourselves in many ways in a similar role to John the Baptist, who announced the first coming of Jesus Christ and prepared the people for the Messiah. Our ministry is focused on preparing the world for Christ’s second coming. There are clear parallels between the ministry of John the Baptist and what we as Adventists are called to do today.

1. Message of Repentance and Renewal

   John the Baptist preached a clear message of repentance, calling people to turn from their sins and prepare spiritually for the coming of the Messiah. As Adventists, we are also called to summon people to a spiritual awakening. Our message emphasizes the need for personal and communal repentance, as only through this transformation of the heart can true preparation for Christ’s return be achieved.

2. Preparation for the Coming of the Messiah

   John was a forerunner who prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming. As Adventists, we proclaim the soon return of Christ. Just like John, we call people to prepare spiritually because Jesus is coming soon. Our ministry involves pointing people to the second coming of the Lord and helping them be ready through Bible study, prayer, and a life of faith.

3. A Life of Simplicity and Dedication

   John the Baptist led a simple, ascetic life, prioritizing spiritual things above all else. We, too, are called to lead lives of simplicity and dedication to God in a world often consumed by excess and self-interest. This lifestyle is a powerful testimony to the values of God’s coming kingdom and reflects the importance of a spiritually focused life.

4. Testimony About Jesus as the Lamb of God

   John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and identified Him as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Our mission as Adventists is also to point to Jesus—not only as the Savior of the world but also as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary and the soon-coming King. The core of our testimony is Jesus Christ: His work of salvation, His current ministry in heaven, and His second coming.

5. A Call to Spiritual Vigilance

   John called people to be vigilant so they would not miss the coming of the Messiah. As Adventists, we warn against spiritual complacency and urge people to be watchful and ready. The “Three Angels’ Messages” (Revelation 14) emphasize the urgency of preparing for the end times and call for faithfulness to God’s commandments and faith in Jesus.

6. Unwavering Faith and Courage

   John the Baptist stood boldly for the truth, even when he was rejected by the religious and political leaders of his time. As Adventists, we are also called to steadfastly proclaim the truth, even when it goes against the prevailing culture or faces opposition. John’s courage to openly speak the truth inspires us to continue sharing the message of salvation and Christ’s return, even in difficult times.

Conclusion:

As Seventh-day Adventists, we should carry out the ministry of preparation and testimony, much like John the Baptist did. Our task is to prepare the world for the second coming of Christ by calling for repentance, pointing to Jesus as the Savior, and living a life of simplicity and dedication. The parallels between John’s ministry and our mission today show that we act as forerunners of Christ’s return, pointing to the imminent end and calling for spiritual vigilance.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we can draw valuable lessons for our daily lives and faith from the testimony of John the Baptist. John lived with a clear focus on his mission: to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. This task is also relevant for us, as we are called to prepare the world for Christ’s second coming.

1. Humility and Clarity in Our Calling

   John showed deep humility by clearly distinguishing his role from that of Jesus. We too should be aware that our task is to point to Jesus and not to ourselves. Our lives should be a testimony that leads others to Christ.

2. Call to Repentance

   John called people to repentance and to prepare their hearts for the Messiah. This message remains relevant today. In our daily lives, we should strive to live our faith authentically, encourage others to repent, and point them to the spiritual renewal that is only possible through Christ.

3. Vigilance and Preparation

   Just as John pointed to the first coming of Jesus, we are also called to prepare people for the second coming of Christ. This spiritual vigilance should shape our daily lives, as we recognize the signs of the times and help our fellow humans to be aware of God’s plan.

   Overall, John’s testimony reminds us that our faith is not only important for ourselves, but that we also have a responsibility to bear witness to the light of Jesus Christ in the world and to help prepare others for His return.

Prepare your heart daily as if Christ’s return is near, and live with hope and dedication.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-witnesses-of-christ-as-the-messiah-4-1-the-testimony-of-john-the-baptist-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 20, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 14

¹ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

⁴ And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

⁵ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

⁷ If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

⁸ Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

¹⁰ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

¹² Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

¹³ And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

¹⁴ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

¹⁹ Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

²⁰ At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

²¹ He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

²⁴ He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

²⁷ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

²⁸ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

²⁹ And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

³⁰ Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

³¹ But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 14 is a central section in the Gospel of John, offering profound insights into Jesus’ teachings about His relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the future of believers. This chapter forms an essential part of the so-called “Comfort Discourses” of Jesus, which are found in chapters 14 through 17 of the Gospel of John. In these speeches, Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending ascension, provides them with comfort, and gives them instructions for life after His physical departure. John 14 addresses key themes such as Jesus’ identity as the way to the Father, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the unique peace that Christ grants to His followers.

Commentary

Jesus, the Way to the Father (Verses 1-4)

Jesus begins the chapter with an encouragement to His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me!” (Verse 1). These words are meant to comfort the disciples in a time of uncertainty and fear. Jesus emphasizes that He is the way, the truth, and the life (Verse 6). This statement underscores His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity. Only through Him can believers gain access to the Father. Jesus assures His disciples that He is going to the Father to prepare a place for them and that He will return to take them to Himself. This strengthens the disciples’ trust in His divine mission and the eternal fellowship with Him.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit (Verses 15-17)

Jesus promises His disciples the Holy Spirit, the “other Comforter” or “Advocate” (Verse 16). The Holy Spirit is to remain with believers and work within them to teach them and remind them of everything Jesus has said (Verse 26). This promise ensures that the disciples will not be left alone after Jesus’ departure. The Holy Spirit will function as a source of truth and spiritual assistance, strengthening and guiding believers in their discipleship.

The Peace of Christ (Verses 27-31)

Jesus speaks about the peace He leaves with the believers: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (Verse 27). This peace differs from what the world offers, as it encompasses deeper spiritual and emotional tranquility. Jesus encourages His disciples not to be afraid, as His peace dwells within them. He reminds them that He is going to the Father and assures them that through their faith in Him, they will share in His life (Verse 19). This peace is a sign of divine presence and support in life’s challenges.

The Unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Verses 20-21)

Jesus emphasizes the deep unity between Himself, the Father, and the believers: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (Verse 20). This unity implies a close fellowship and dependence of the believers on Christ and the Father. Those who keep Jesus’ commandments show their love for Him and are loved by God. This relationship is characterized by mutual love and revelation, highlighting the intimate connection between God and the believers.

The Significance of the Word and the Holy Spirit (Verses 22-26)

Jesus explains that His word comes directly from the Father and that those who love Him will keep His word (Verse 23). Jesus’ word is an expression of the Father’s will and character, giving believers a direct insight into God’s nature and intentions. The Holy Spirit serves as a teacher and reminder, keeping the believers mindful of Jesus’ teachings and supporting them in their spiritual growth.

The Farewell Conversation and the Assurance of Peace (Verses 27-31)

In the concluding part of the chapter, Jesus once again assures His disciples of His peace and encourages them not to fear. He explains that the ruler of this world—Satan—has no power over Him and that His return will mark the completion of His work. This assurance gives believers confidence and hope for the ultimate overcoming of evil.

Summary

John Chapter 14 provides a profound teaching from Jesus about His divine mission and the future relationship of believers with God. Through His statements as the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus conveys to His disciples that access to the Father is only possible through Him. The promise of the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Teacher ensures that believers will be spiritually supported even after His departure. The peace that Jesus grants is distinct from worldly peace, offering deep inner tranquility and security in God’s presence. Finally, Jesus emphasizes the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and encourages believers to live in love and obedience to His commandments. This chapter strengthens believers’ trust in Jesus’ leadership and the ongoing divine support through the Holy Spirit.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-10-2024-john-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/