1.Which account in the Gospel of John best expresses the love and character of God? Explain to the other conversation participants why you find this account so captivating.

An account in the Gospel of John that best expresses the love and character of God is John 13 – the foot washing by Jesus.

Why this account is so captivating:

1. An Expression of Humble Love:

   • Jesus, the Son of God, the Master and Teacher, washes the feet of His disciples. This task was typically the lowest duty of a servant. By doing so, He demonstrates a love expressed through humility.

   • It illustrates that true greatness lies in the willingness to serve others.

2. A Model for Discipleship:

   • Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you…” (John 13:34). This love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.

   • The foot washing is not just an act of kindness but a representation of how Christians should serve and love one another.

3. Forgiveness and Grace:

   • Even Judas, who would soon betray Jesus, is among the disciples whose feet He washes. Jesus acts without bitterness, showing that His love is unconditional, even in the face of betrayal.

4. The Character Traits of God:

   • The account portrays God’s love as pure, selfless, and active. Jesus reveals that God’s nature is not marked by power or domination but by care, dedication, and the willingness to take the lowest position to uplift others.

Why this account captivates us:

• Deep Emotional Connection: It is moving to see the Creator of the universe show love in such a personal and intimate way.

• Challenge to Imitate: The foot washing challenges us to be humble in our own lives and to love others without reservations, regardless of their status or behavior.

• A Picture of Divine Love: The account illustrates that God’s love does not need to be earned—it is given unconditionally. This inspires and encourages us to pass on that love.

John 13 is a vivid portrayal of God’s character, who desires to transform our lives through love and humility.

2.How should one concretely approach the search for truth?

The search for truth is a central component of the Christian life and requires a conscious and holistic approach. Here are concrete steps on how to proceed:

1. Align Yourself with God’s Word

• Bible Reading and Study: The Bible is the foundation for truth. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Regular Bible study helps understand God’s thoughts.

• Consider the Context: Read Scripture in context to properly understand the meaning of a passage and avoid misinterpretations.

2. Pray for Guidance

• Trust in the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit leads into all truth (John 16:13). Praying before reading the Bible helps cultivate a receptive heart for God’s guidance.

• Humility in Prayer: Pray that God removes pride and prejudices that might hinder the recognition of truth.

3. Openness and Willingness

• Open Heart: Be willing to question your beliefs and ways of thinking when the truth calls you to do so.

• Obedience: The willingness to not only recognize the truth but also act upon it is crucial. John 7:17 says, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”

4. Seek Community

• Exchange with Other Believers: Conversations with spiritual mentors, teachers, or other Christians can help better understand the truth and dispel doubts.

• Pray and Learn Together: Fellowship in the church strengthens faith and promotes understanding.

5. Test the Truth

• Compare with the Bible: Everything you hear or learn should be compared with Scripture to ensure it aligns with God’s truth.

• Fruit of the Spirit as a Standard: Insights that originate from God’s truth will always align with the love, peace, and grace of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

6. Remain Patient

• Truth Takes Time: Spiritual growth and deeper understanding of God’s truth do not happen overnight. It is a lifelong process.

• Accept Doubt as Part of the Search: Doubts can be opportunities to grow deeper in faith and better understand the truth.

7. Seek Truth in Life

• Live in Discipleship of Jesus: Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Discipleship means using His life and teachings as the standard for truth.

• Integrity and Honesty: Seeking the truth also means being honest with yourself and others and seeking God’s will in all things.

Summary: The search for truth begins with studying God’s Word, praying, being open and obedient, engaging in community with other believers, testing insights against Scripture, and living in discipleship of Jesus. Patience and the willingness to be transformed are essential to deeply understand and live out God’s truth.

3.Why is it generally difficult to relinquish the self as a judge of truth? Can we ever fully do so, or will our humanity always influence how we view the Holy Scriptures to some extent? Why must we acknowledge this fact, and how does humility help us subordinate our prejudices to the word of God?

Why is it difficult to relinquish the self as a judge of truth?

Relinquishing our ego and human self-perception as the standard for truth is challenging because:

1. Human Pride and Self-Centeredness:

   • The Desire to Be Right: The desire to be correct is deeply ingrained. We tend to place our opinions and interpretations above the truth.

2. Limited Perspective:

   • Influenced Perception: Our perception is shaped by culture, upbringing, personal experiences, and emotions, which can distort our view.

3. Fear of Losing Control:

   • Seeking External Truth: Seeking truth outside of ourselves means relinquishing control and relying on God’s revelation—a step that can bring uncertainty.

4. Cognitive Bias:

   • Confirmation Bias: People tend to interpret information in ways that confirm their existing beliefs, hindering the objective search for truth.

Can we ever fully do so?

No, we cannot completely eliminate our humanity and its influence on our perspective. We remain flawed beings with limited understanding. However, through the Holy Spirit and spiritual growth, we can:

1. Become More Aware:

   • Recognize Biases: We can learn to recognize and acknowledge our prejudices.

2. Seek Divine Truth:

   • Subordinate Self to God’s Word: With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can increasingly subordinate ourselves to God’s Word.

3. Progress Over Perfection:

   • Continuous Maturation: It is not about being perfect but about pursuing a path of constant maturation and correction.

Why must we acknowledge this fact?

1. Avoiding Pride:

   • Recognizing Limitations: Acknowledging that our perception is limited prevents us from arrogantly claiming absolute truth for ourselves.

2. Better Learning:

   • Openness to God’s Wisdom: Knowing our limitations makes us more open to God’s wisdom and correction through Scripture and other believers.

3. Honest Approach to Scripture:

   • Preventing Distortion: Recognizing our limitations guards us against distorting the Bible with preconceived opinions.

How does humility help us subordinate our prejudices to the word of God?

1. Humility Opens Us to God’s Guidance:

   • Receptive to the Holy Spirit: Acknowledging that we do not know everything makes us more receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and God’s truth.

2. Learning Through Correction:

   • Admitting Misinterpretations: Humility allows us to admit our misinterpretations and learn from them instead of clinging to false beliefs.

3. Alignment with God Instead of Self:

   • Acknowledging God’s Authority: Humility helps us recognize God as the highest authority and align ourselves with His plan rather than fitting Him into our own thinking.

4. Fostering Community:

   • Learning from Others: Humility enables us to learn from others and protects us from isolation and self-righteousness.

Conclusion:

It remains difficult to relinquish the self as the judge of truth because our humanity always influences us to some extent. However, acknowledging this fact prevents pride and error. Through humility, we can recognize our prejudices and subordinate them to God’s Word. The willingness to be corrected by the Holy Spirit and Scripture is key to a mature, truth-oriented faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-13-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 2

¹ But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

² For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

³ And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

⁴ For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

⁵ But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

⁶ Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

⁷ So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

⁸ Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

⁹ For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

¹⁰ To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

¹¹ Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

¹² Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

¹³ I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

¹⁴ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

¹⁵ For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

¹⁶ To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

¹⁷ For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In the second chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul shares his deep inner struggles, his concern for the church in Corinth, and his desire for reconciliation and love. This chapter is divided into two main themes: Paul’s motivations for his written admonitions and the importance of forgiveness within the church, as well as the portrayal of the proclamation of the Gospel as the triumphant victory of Christ.

Commentary

Paul exhibits a very human side in the first section, characterized by sorrow, compassion, and responsibility. His letters to the Corinthians are not intended to sadden the congregation but to encourage them toward love and unity. Particularly noticeable is the emphasis on forgiveness: a disciplined church member should not be permanently excluded but should be readmitted to the community through love. This underscores the central value of reconciliation in the Christian faith. Paul reminds the Corinthians that a lack of forgiveness could provide space for the workings of Satan.

In the second section, Paul turns his attention to the greatness and glory of the proclamation of the Gospel. He describes it as a “good fragrance,” which means life for believers but death for unbelievers. This metaphor emphasizes the profound impact of the Gospel, both positive and negative, depending on the heart attitude of the listener. In doing so, Paul presents himself as a faithful servant of God who delivers the word pure and untainted.

Summary

The chapter provides insight into Paul’s pastoral care. He writes with great emotional depth to urge the church toward forgiveness and love. At the same time, he highlights the triumphant nature of the Gospel, which brings both life and judgment. Through these words, it becomes clear that Paul aims not only to protect the unity and purity of the church but also to emphasize the glory and power of the Gospel, which he proclaims with integrity and in the authority of Christ.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 82: “Why Are You Weeping?” describes the wonderful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Lord. Based on the Gospels, it is shown how the sorrow and despair of the believers are transformed into joy and hope as they realize that Jesus is alive. This chapter emphasizes the central significance of the resurrection for the Christian faith and invites believers to embrace the hope of eternal life.

Commentary

The Women at the Empty Tomb:
The women who had accompanied Jesus up to His death came with spices to honor His body, unaware that the promise of His resurrection had already been fulfilled. Their deep sorrow was transformed into awe when they saw the angel who proclaimed the good news: “He is risen.” Their spices became unnecessary because the Savior was alive.

Mary Magdalene and Her Encounter with Jesus:
Mary Magdalene, whose grief was particularly great, experienced a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. Her inability to recognize Him immediately reflects the despair that kept her from the reality of His resurrection. However, Jesus’ loving “Mary” opened her eyes. This scene illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself uniquely to each individual.

The Disciples’ Doubts:
The disciples initially reacted with disbelief to the women’s message. Their doubts and fears prevented them from accepting the truth of the resurrection. Nevertheless, Jesus did not reject them but revealed Himself to strengthen their faith and restore their hope. Especially Peter received personal assurance of forgiveness through the mention of his name.

The Message of Hope:
Jesus’ words “Why are you weeping?” and the angels’ exhortation to spread the good news are still relevant today. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope and joy because it demonstrates that death has been overcome. The call to shift our focus from sorrow to the living Christ is an invitation to live in faith and hope.

Summary

Chapter 82 depicts the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Jesus and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection. It shows how sorrow, doubt, and despair can be transformed into joy, hope, and faith. The central message is clear: Jesus is alive, and through His resurrection, He grants all believers the hope of eternal life. This chapter calls believers to grow in faith and joyfully share the message of Jesus’ victory over death.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-11-2024-2-corinthians-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/

13.6 Summary
Jesus—The Light That Leads to Truth

The final lesson of this quarter summarizes the central themes of faith emphasized in the Gospel of John. It invites us to build a deeper relationship with Jesus and remain in His word to grow spiritually and reflect His light in the world.

13.1 Encounter in Galilee

• Jesus met His disciples in Galilee after His resurrection, encouraging them and equipping them for their ministry.

• The encounter reminds us that Jesus also wants to meet us in our daily lives to strengthen and guide us.

• Key Thought: Jesus seeks a personal encounter with us to transform us and enable us for His mission.

13.2 Keep Your Eyes Always on Jesus

• To withstand life’s challenges, we must keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, like Peter who walked on water as long as he looked at Jesus.

• Our spiritual strength comes from trusting in Jesus’ presence and guidance, even in stormy times.

• Key Thought: Amid difficulties, Jesus remains our anchor and our guide.

13.3 Light and Darkness

• The Gospel of John describes Jesus as the light of the world that dispels darkness.

• People face the choice to accept or reject this light. Those who choose the light experience healing and truth, while rejection leads to blindness.

• Key Thought: Choosing Jesus is choosing the light that illuminates and renews our lives.

13.4 Theology from “Above” or “Below”

• “Theology from above” is based on trusting God’s word and revelation, while “theology from below” relies on human wisdom and logic.

• Jesus calls us to prioritize God’s perspective over our own and humbly accept His truth.

• Key Thought: True theology recognizes God’s sovereignty and is based on unwavering trust in His word.

13.5 Remaining in Jesus

• The image of the vine and the branches illustrates the necessity of maintaining a living connection with Jesus to grow spiritually and bear fruit.

• This connection is achieved through prayer, Bible study, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

• Key Thought: Remaining in Jesus is the secret to spiritual health, growth, and joy.

Conclusion This lesson reminds us of the central importance of knowing Jesus and His word and remaining in Him. The encounter with Jesus, keeping our eyes on Him, choosing the light, trusting in God’s theology, and maintaining a lasting connection with Him lead us to a fulfilled, joyful, and fruitful faith life.

The themes of this lesson offer clear applications for our daily lives and strengthen our faith by encouraging us to prioritize Jesus in all areas of our lives. The central thoughts can be practically integrated into our everyday life:

1. Encountering Jesus in Daily Life (13.1)

• Application: Just as Jesus met the disciples in Galilee, He seeks to meet us in our everyday moments. This can happen through prayer, Bible reading, or quiet moments.

• Practical: Consciously set aside time each day to seek God’s presence and allow Him to strengthen and guide you.

2. Fixing Our Gaze on Jesus (13.2)

• Application: In life’s storms—whether facing professional, financial, or family challenges—we remain strong by keeping our focus on Jesus.

• Practical: In difficult times, focus on God’s promises in the Bible and trust that Jesus is the anchor that supports you.

3. Reflecting Jesus’ Light (13.3)

• Application: Choosing to accept Jesus’ light means also carrying His light into our surroundings—through kindness, forgiveness, and sharing His gospel.

• Practical: Be a testimony of Jesus’ light in your environment by acting lovingly and honestly, and by giving hope to others.

4. Prioritizing God’s Perspective Over Our Own (13.4)

• Application: “Theology from above” encourages us to trust God, even when we do not understand His ways. This protects us from pride or doubt.

• Practical: Submit your plans and decisions to God’s will in prayer and trust that His ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8–9).

5. Remaining in Jesus (13.5)

• Application: The connection with Jesus is the key to a fulfilled and fruitful life. Without Him, we lack the strength to grow spiritually and bear good fruit.

• Practical: Nurture this connection through daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

Daily Life Conclusion

• Encounter: Recognize Jesus in the everyday moments of your life.

• Trust: Remain focused on Him even in difficult times.

• Light: Let His light shine through your life.

• Humility: Prioritize God’s wisdom over your own.

• Connection: Remain steadfast in Him.

By living these principles in our daily lives, we will not only grow spiritually ourselves but also show others what it means to live a life in Christ. Jesus invites us to accept His light and make our connection with Him a source of joy, strength, and truth for our lives.

Remain in Jesus, for in His presence you find light, truth, and the strength to make your life fruitful.

 

Summary for the Quarter: Jesus in the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John reveals Jesus in His deepest identity: as the incarnate Word of God, the light of the world, and the source of all life. Through His signs, teachings, and sacrifice, He invites us to recognize Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, and to maintain a living relationship with Him. Each lesson of this quarter highlights central aspects of His work and leads us deeper into the truth of His nature and message.

1. Signs That Point the Way

Jesus’ early miracles—such as turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana—reveal His power and divine mission. These signs are not just spectacular miracles but signposts pointing to His divine nature and role as Savior. They invite people to believe in Him and place their hope in Him. Particularly through the healing of the royal official, it becomes clear that Jesus’ word is sufficient to bring healing and transformation. Faith here is defined as trust in Jesus’ power, regardless of whether the outcome is immediately visible.

2. Signs of Divinity

Further miracles, such as the feeding of the five thousand and walking on water, affirm Jesus’ divinity. These signs show that He not only rules over the physical world but also the spiritual. The feeding reveals Jesus as the true bread of life that can satisfy humanity’s deepest hunger. Walking on water demonstrates His authority over the laws of nature and reminds us that He is with us in the midst of storms. Each sign invites deeper trust and acknowledgment of Jesus’ glory.

3. The Preface, the Prologue

The prologue in John 1:1–18 presents Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. Here, Jesus is described as the light that has come into darkness to illuminate people. The prologue emphasizes His divine nature and His incarnation, which bridges the gap between God and humanity. Jesus came to show people God’s glory and to give them the opportunity to become children of God. This introduction is an invitation to recognize Jesus as the one who brings life and truth into the world.

4. Testimonies of Christ as the Messiah

John presents various testimonies that identify Jesus as the Messiah. John the Baptist points to Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin. The disciples who follow Jesus also testify to Him as the promised Savior. The statements of these witnesses show that Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Their encounters with Jesus change their lives and encourage us to testify about Him today. The lesson emphasizes that our faith must be based on a personal recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

5. The Testimony of the Samaritan Woman

Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the Jacob’s well demonstrates His ability to overcome cultural and social barriers. Jesus reveals Himself to the Samaritan woman as the source of living water that quenches the thirst of the soul. This encounter not only leads to her personal renewal but also makes her a witness who brings her entire city to Jesus. The testimony of the Samaritan woman shows that Jesus’ message is universal and reaches all people. The lesson teaches that true life and worship are only possible through Jesus, who reveals the Spirit and the truth.

6. More Testimonies About Jesus

Jesus reveals Himself in further encounters as the one who grants healing, grace, and new life. The healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda illustrates His authority to perform divine work even on the Sabbath. Jesus’ teaching shows that He was sent by the Father to do His will and to give people eternal life. This lesson calls us to believe in Jesus’ words and recognize His works as signs of His divinity. The encounters with Jesus show that He is the key to healing and renewal.

7. Blessed Are Those Who Believe

The story of Thomas after the resurrection emphasizes the importance of faith that does not rely on visible evidence. Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing and invites us to trust in His promises. Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate sign of His divinity and power over death. Thomas’ transformation from doubt to faith encourages us to honestly bring our doubts to Jesus. The lesson underscores that genuine faith is based on a relationship with Jesus, not on visible signs.

8. Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament by revealing Himself as the true bread of life, the light of the world, and the good shepherd. These images illustrate that He is the hope of Israel and all humanity. Jesus shows that Scripture points to Him and finds its fulfillment through Him. The lesson encourages us to see Jesus as the answer to the deepest needs of our lives. It calls us to trust Him as the promised Messiah.

9. The Source of Life

Jesus reveals Himself as the source of eternal life that satisfies every spiritual thirst. His teachings show that true peace and hope can only be found through Him. He offers us not only physical life but also spiritual and eternal life. This lesson invites us to place our trust in Jesus and receive from Him what no one else can give. It reminds us that only Jesus can connect us with God.

10. The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus explains that He is the only way to God. He is not only a teacher of truth but the truth itself. Through Him, we have access to the Father and eternal life. This lesson calls us to see Jesus as the center of our lives and to align our lives with His truth. It emphasizes that Jesus not only shows the way but is the way itself.

11. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

The Gospel of John reveals the unity and cooperation of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together for the redemption of humanity. Jesus reveals the Father and promises the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Helper. This lesson shows that our relationship with God is strengthened through the work of the entire Godhead. It calls us to live in this community and draw strength and comfort from it.

12. The Hour of Glory: The Cross and the Resurrection

The cross is not only a place of suffering but the culmination of Jesus’ glory. Through His death and resurrection, He reveals God’s infinite love and His power over sin and death. The lesson reminds us that the cross is the turning point of history through which we receive forgiveness and new life. It invites us to recognize the depth of God’s love and to respond to it.

13. Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word

The final lesson emphasizes that it is not enough to know about Jesus—we must know Him personally. The relationship with Jesus and remaining in His word are the keys to a fulfilled and joyful faith life. This lesson calls us to let go of our own wisdom and align our lives with the truth and love of Jesus.

Conclusion

The Gospel of John invites us to recognize Jesus in His entirety and to respond to Him with our lives. Each lesson leads us deeper into His identity as the Word of God, the light of the world, and the source of life. They encourage us not only to believe in Him but to remain in Him in all aspects of our lives and to live by His strength.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-13-6-summary-summary-for-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/