1.5 Jesus’ Claims
The Claim to Divinity

Read John 5:16–18. Why was Jesus persecuted for His actions on the Sabbath?

The miracle at the Pool of Bethesda provides John with an excellent opportunity not only to describe Jesus’ actions but also to reveal His identity as the Son of God. In John 5:16–18, it becomes clear why the religious leaders persecuted Jesus for His actions on the Sabbath. To them, His healing on the Sabbath constituted a violation of the Sabbath laws. However, the leaders’ anger went far beyond the mere “Sabbath-breaking”—it was Jesus’ claim to divinity that particularly infuriated them.

Why Was Jesus Persecuted for His Actions on the Sabbath?

Jesus explained that His work on the Sabbath was in line with the work of His Father. In John 5:17, He says, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” Thus, Jesus made it clear that God’s work does not cease on the Sabbath. God sustains the universe even on the Sabbath, and likewise, Jesus brings healing and life regardless of the day. This was a significant affront to the religious leaders because Jesus was not only disregarding human Sabbath regulations but also presenting Himself as equal to God.

A Deeper Look at John 5:18

At first glance, John 5:18 might give the impression that Jesus “broke” the Sabbath. However, what Jesus did was in harmony with God’s nature and actions. His healing and His words make it clear that the Sabbath is a day of redemption, peace, and restoration—a day when God’s grace is visible. By healing on the Sabbath, Jesus did not question the law but revealed the deeper meaning of the Sabbath: God brings healing and life, not just rest. In this sense, Jesus claimed a special divine authority that goes beyond human traditions and regulations.

Jesus’ Claim to Divinity

The religious leaders saw Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath as a challenge to their authority and interpretation of the law. However, what troubled them even more was His claim to be equal with God. To them, this was blasphemy. But for John and the believers who read his Gospel, this reveals Jesus’ true identity: He is the Son of God, one with the Father. Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath was not only a miracle but a clear sign of His divinity and unique relationship with the Father.

Conclusion: John uses the miracle at the Pool of Bethesda to clearly demonstrate who Jesus truly is: the Son of God, Lord over the Sabbath, and life itself. The religious leaders persecuted Jesus because He violated their rigid rules and revealed Himself as God. Yet, it is precisely in this conflict that Jesus’ true nature becomes visible—He is the one who fulfills the Scriptures and reveals the true essence of God.

Read John 5:19–47. What does Jesus say to help the leaders recognize Him as who He truly is—a claim that was powerfully confirmed by the miracle He had just performed?

In John 5:19–47, Jesus defends His actions and powerfully reveals to the religious leaders who He truly is. He does this in three steps to help them recognize Him as the Messiah sent by God—a claim that was confirmed by the miracle of healing at the Pool of Bethesda.

1. Jesus’ Relationship with the Father (John 5:19–30): Jesus begins by explaining His unique and intimate relationship with God, the Father. He clarifies that He does nothing on His own initiative but only what the Father shows Him. Jesus and the Father act in perfect harmony. This close connection grants Jesus the authority to judge and even to raise the dead (v. 25–30). He emphasizes that life and authority over judgment come solely from the Father and are given to Him as the Son. With this explanation, Jesus underscores that His actions—even healing on the Sabbath—are entirely in line with God’s will.

2. The Four Witnesses (John 5:31–38): Jesus calls upon four witnesses to confirm His divine authority:

   • John the Baptist: John testified about Jesus by calling Him the “Lamb of God” and urging people to repent (v. 31–35).

   • The Miracles: Jesus points out that the works He does—including the healing of the paralyzed man—bear witness about Him and confirm His divine mission (v. 36).

   • God the Father: Jesus emphasizes that the Father Himself has testified about Him. This occurred both at Jesus’ baptism and through God’s ongoing guidance and work in Jesus’ ministry (v. 37–38).

   • The Holy Scriptures: Jesus reminds the leaders that the Scriptures they study also testify about Him. The entire Scripture points to Him, yet they fail to recognize Him (v. 39).

3. Accusation Against the Religious Leaders (John 5:40–47): In the final step, Jesus confronts the leaders with their own blindness and selfishness. Despite all these witnesses, they refuse to believe and receive eternal life through Jesus. Their hard-heartedness and pursuit of honor from people rather than from God make them incapable of recognizing the truth. Finally, Jesus brings up Moses, whom they honor and hope in. However, Moses will condemn them because they have not understood his writings (v. 45–47).

Conclusion: In this section, Jesus shows the religious leaders that there is ample evidence to recognize Him as the Savior sent by God—His relationship with the Father, the miracles, the testimonies of others, and the Scriptures. However, their own blindness and self-righteousness prevent them from seeing the truth. These words of Jesus also challenge us to examine whether we are truly open to God’s workings or if we are hindered by false notions and selfishness.

How Can We Guard Against Believing in God and Upholding Correct Teachings Without Fully Submitting to Christ? Prepare Your Discussion Contribution for Sabbath.

To ensure that our faith in God is not merely an intellectual confession or adherence to teachings but leads to complete submission to Christ, we can consider several essential points:

1. Personal Relationship Over Mere Theory: It is possible to know and uphold the correct teachings without maintaining a deep personal relationship with Jesus. A relationship with Christ requires more than just knowledge of the Bible. We must spend daily time in prayer and reflection on His Word to truly encounter Him. This personal relationship will transform our hearts and guide our lives far beyond mere adherence to teachings.

2. Humility and Self-Examination: Jesus confronted the religious leaders because they were proud of their knowledge and positions but unwilling to submit to the truth. We must regularly examine ourselves and ask: Am I willing to let Christ guide me in every aspect of life, even when it contradicts my own ideas or conveniences? True submission to Christ requires humility—the willingness to be corrected and led.

3. Love and Service as Signs of True Submission: The Bible teaches that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Our lives should reflect the love and mercy of Christ. If we do not translate our love for God into practical service to others, we risk living our faith only theoretically. To be subject to Christ means to serve others in love and share His compassion.

4. Spiritual Fruits as a Measure: Jesus says that people will be known by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). If we truly submit to Christ, this should be visible through the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). We must ask ourselves: Are these fruits growing in me, or am I only focused on outwardly following rules?

5. Openness to God’s Will in All Areas: It is easy to trust God in certain areas of our lives but want to control other areas. True submission to Christ means trusting Him in every area—whether in our relationships, work, decisions, or even our worries. We must learn to relinquish control to God and place His will above our own.

6. Trusting in God’s Grace, Not Our Own Performance: There is a danger that we rely on our religious performance or knowledge instead of fully trusting in God’s grace. We must recognize that our salvation comes solely through Christ and not through our works or knowledge. This trust in His grace leads us to genuine submission and humility before God.

Discussion Contribution for Sabbath:

We can easily fall into the trap of upholding the correct teachings without fully submitting to Christ. The path to true submission begins with the willingness to lay our hearts and lives in His hands. This includes daily nurturing of our relationship with Him through prayer, self-examination, humble openness, and service to others. Ultimately, following Christ means trusting Him in all areas and aligning our entire lives with His guidance. This way, we avoid the danger of merely “formal” belief and experience the deep, transforming power of His work within us.

The Connection Between Jesus’ Claims and Our Daily Life and Faith Is of Central Importance.

In John 5:16–18 and the following verses, it is evident that Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet but the Son of God who has a unique relationship with God the Father. This understanding challenges us in our daily lives to not only intellectually align ourselves with Him but to fully lay our lives in His hands.

Connection to Our Daily Life and Faith:

1. Placing Christ Above Traditions: Just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ time clung to their traditions and regulations, we too today can be prone to prioritizing our own religious or cultural notions over the living work of God. Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath teaches us that God’s actions and love go beyond human traditions. We should be open in our daily lives to how God works in us, even if it is different from our expectations.

2. Allowing God to Work in All Areas: Jesus explained that He does what the Father shows Him. Similarly, we are invited to live in close connection with God and allow Him to work in all areas of our lives. This means not only seeking God’s will in religious matters but also in our daily lives—relationships, work, decisions. Jesus as the Son of God teaches us that our faith must be holistic and encompass all areas of life.

3. Trusting in God’s Grace: The religious leaders persecuted Jesus because He broke the Sabbath and equated Himself with God. They could not recognize that His actions were expressions of God’s grace and mercy. In our faith life, it is about not relying on our own achievements or merits but on God’s grace revealed in Christ. This grace should shape our daily lives and make us people who pass on God’s love.

4. Openness to Jesus’ Divinity and Guidance: Jesus’ claim to divinity poses the question of whether we truly submit our lives to Him. Often, we may intellectually acknowledge God and uphold the “correct teachings” but not fully surrender to His guidance. In our daily lives, we should continually ask ourselves if we are willing to accept God’s will in every aspect of our lives, even if it upends our own plans or ideas.

5. The Sabbath as a Day of Restoration: Jesus demonstrated through His actions that the Sabbath is not only a day of rest but also a day of healing and restoration. This deeper meaning of the Sabbath can also shape our faith and daily life. The Sabbath is an opportunity not only to find physical rest but also to experience inner healing and renewal in God’s presence. We can apply this principle of healing and restoration in our daily lives by regularly giving ourselves and others space for renewal and peace.

Conclusion: Jesus’ claims to divinity and His revelation as the Son of God who acts in harmony with the Father invite us to live our faith fully in our daily lives. This means not only following religious rules but cultivating a living, transformative relationship with Christ. It calls us to be open to His workings and recognize Him as the one who embodies the deepest truth and life itself. In our daily lives, this is manifested through trust, submission, and the willingness to accept God’s grace in every aspect of our lives.

Trust that God’s workings go beyond human notions and bring healing and renewal into your life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-1-signs-that-point-the-way-1-5-jesus-claims-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 3, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 21

¹ And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

² And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

³ And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

⁴ For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

⁵ And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

⁶ As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

⁷ And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

⁸ And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

⁹ But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

¹⁰ Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

¹¹ And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

¹² But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.

¹³ And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

¹⁴ Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

¹⁵ For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

¹⁶ And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

¹⁷ And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

¹⁸ But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

¹⁹ In your patience possess ye your souls.

²⁰ And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

²¹ Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

²² For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

²³ But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

²⁴ And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

²⁵ And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

²⁶ Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

²⁷ And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

²⁸ And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

²⁹ And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

³⁰ When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

³¹ So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

³² Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

³³ Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

³⁴ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

³⁵ For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

³⁶ Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

³⁷ And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

³⁸ And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Luke chapter 21 presents a series of teachings from Jesus that contain both spiritual wisdom and prophetic predictions. It begins with the story of the widow, who serves as a model of sincere devotion through her sacrifice, and moves on to a series of apocalyptic warnings about the destruction of the temple, the end of Jerusalem, and the coming of the Son of Man. In these teachings, Jesus calls for vigilance and patience in the face of the trials to come.

Commentary

The chapter opens with the humble offering of a widow, which Jesus highlights. Her gift, though small in material value, holds great spiritual worth because she gave all she had. Here, Jesus shows that the quality of devotion is not measured by outward appearances but by the heart of the giver.
In the following sections, Jesus speaks about the upcoming destruction of the temple, which must have been shocking for His listeners. The temple was not only a religious symbol but also a cultural one. Yet, Jesus warns that not one stone will be left on another, a prophecy that was later fulfilled in 70 A.D.
He also provides insight into the coming challenges: wars, natural disasters, and persecution of the faithful. However, these persecutions will serve as opportunities to bear witness. Despite all the tribulations, Jesus assures that God remains in control and will protect His followers.
The chapter culminates with the announcement of the coming of the Son of Man in power and glory. Signs in the heavens and on earth will herald His return. Jesus encourages His disciples to stay alert and place their hope in the redemption that is near.

Summary

Luke 21 describes both the devotion of a poor widow and Jesus’ prophetic announcements regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, upcoming persecutions, and the end of times. He urges vigilance and prayer while preparing believers for difficult times, encouraging them to trust in the coming Kingdom of God.

 

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Chapter 67 describes Jesus’ final day, during which He teaches in the temple and delivers a powerful condemnation of the hypocrisy and sanctimony of the religious leaders. Jesus speaks bold words, denouncing the Pharisees and scribes for their false, selfish way of life in faith while simultaneously praising humility and true piety. The crowd observing Him is moved by His words, while the religious leaders are exposed and humiliated.

Commentary:

Jesus’ sharp words against the Pharisees and scribes emphasize their hypocrisy, abuse of power, and selfish motives. Although they appear outwardly pious and emphasize religious duties, they do not adhere to these rules themselves. Jesus condemns their love for titles, honors, and external recognition, highlighting true piety, which is demonstrated through humility, mercy, and service.

The episode of the poor widow who throws her last coins into the temple underscores the importance of selfless sacrifice. While the rich give out of their abundance, the widow gives all she has. This shows that God does not evaluate the material value of a sacrifice but the heart and intention behind it.

At the end, Jesus warns of the spiritual decline of the religious leadership, which will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. His lament over Jerusalem reflects God’s deep sorrow over the obstinacy of His people, who reject His prophets and ultimately His Messiah.

Summary:

Chapter 67 reveals Jesus’ sharp criticism of the religious leaders of His time. He condemns their hypocrisy and abuse of power, making it clear that true greatness lies in serving and humility. The story of the poor widow demonstrates that God values the heart and willingness to sacrifice of His followers, while Jesus prophesies the impending judgment on Jerusalem. This chapter is a poignant call to inner repentance, genuine piety, and the fulfillment of God’s commandments with love and mercy.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/3-10-2024-luke-chapter-21-believe-his-prophets/