Lesson 1.Signs That Point the Way
The Revelation of Jesus through Miracles

The Gospels report many miracles that Jesus performed during His earthly ministry. However, in the Gospel of John, these miracles are not only described as demonstrations of power but also as signs that point to something much greater—the divine nature of Jesus and His mission to save humanity. These signs serve as guides, showing believers the path to deeper understanding and trust in Jesus as the Son of God.

In this first lesson, “Signs That Point the Way,” we explore some of the most important miracles described by John. From the transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, to the healing of the royal official’s son, and the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda—each of these signs reveals not only Jesus’ power over creation and life but also His close relationship with the Father and His role as the Redeemer.

These signs challenge us to look beyond mere miracles and recognize that they guide us toward a deeper faith. They encourage us to trust in God’s work in our own lives, even when things often turn out differently than we expect. The lesson invites us to examine our faith: Are we ready to accept Jesus not only as a miracle worker but as our Lord and Savior?

1.1 The Wedding at Cana
Signs That Show the Way

Read John 2:1–11. What sign did Jesus perform at Cana, and how did it help His disciples come to believe in Him?

In John 2:1–11, the first miracle of Jesus is described, where He turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This sign was a pivotal moment for the disciples, helping them believe in Jesus. They experienced not only an impressive miracle but also saw in this event a deeper symbol that revealed Jesus as the Savior sent by God. It was a clear indication of His divine authority, even if they might not have fully realized that He Himself was God.

A comparison to Moses, the leader of the Israelites, highlights the symbolic depth of this miracle. Moses led the people out of slavery in Egypt through “signs and wonders,” including turning the Nile into blood as one of the plagues over the Egyptians. Jesus performed a similar sign in Cana, but instead of turning water into blood, He turned it into wine—a symbol of joy and blessing. This parallel portrays Jesus as the promised prophet like Moses but also as the true Redeemer who brings a deeper, spiritual salvation.

The fact that Jesus transformed water from jars used for ceremonial cleansing into wine emphasizes the connection of this miracle to redemption. The water, symbolizing ritual purification, is transformed by Jesus’ miracle into something new, perfect, and joyful. Thus, John pointed to Jesus as the one who grants not only external but also inner cleansing and renewal.

The master of the feast was surprised by the quality of the wine, unaware of the miracle, and noted that usually the best wine is served first. However, Jesus reversed this human expectation—much like in His redemptive work, which always holds the best until the end.

It is also important to emphasize that the wine Jesus produced was not alcoholic. Ellen White explains that it was unfermented grape juice, a pure symbol of joy and blessing. This clarifies that the miracle at Cana was not intended to promote alcoholism but rather to demonstrate divine provision and a sign of God’s overflowing grace.

Overall, this first sign of Jesus at Cana symbolizes not only His power over the elements but also His role as the true Redeemer who has come to free humanity and fill it with the true “wine” of life—His grace and redemption.

What reasons do you have to follow Jesus? (There are many, aren’t there?)

Yes, there are many reasons to follow Jesus, and they touch different areas of life and faith. Here are some central reasons:

1. His Unconditional Love: Jesus shows a love that is independent of our mistakes and weaknesses. This unconditional love provides hope and comfort, even in the darkest moments of life (John 15:13).

2. His Forgiveness and Grace: Through Jesus, we are granted forgiveness. He took the world’s sin upon Himself and offers us forgiveness and redemption, no matter how often we fail (1 John 1:9). This forgiveness leads to a new life and deep inner freedom.

3. His Example of Neighborly Love: Jesus lived as an example of how to serve others and practice neighborly love. His message to love and support the needy, the sick, and the outcasts inspires us to bring compassion and justice into everyday life (Matthew 25:40).

4. Hope of Eternal Life: Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 3:16). This hope of eternal communion with God provides deep assurance and strengthens faith, even in the face of suffering or death.

5. His Teachings Provide Guidance: Jesus’ teachings—such as the Sermon on the Mount—are a source of profound wisdom and moral guidance. They offer practical advice for living a life of peace, justice, and truth (Matthew 5-7).

6. His Presence and Nearness: Jesus has promised to always be with us, even in life’s challenges (Matthew 28:20). This constant presence of God gives strength to continue through difficult times and ensures we are never alone.

7. His Victory Over Evil: Jesus has defeated evil and death through His resurrection. This victory gives believers the assurance that evil does not have the final word and that God is always fighting for us (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Each of these reasons shows how comprehensive and deep a relationship with Jesus shapes life. Which of these motivations stands out the most may vary individually, but they all inspire and invite us to follow Him and grow in faith.

The Story of the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11) clearly demonstrates how deeply Jesus’ work penetrates our daily lives and our faith. The first miracle, where Jesus turned water into wine, is not only proof of His divine power but also carries a symbolic meaning for our everyday lives.

Connection to Daily Life and Faith:

1. Jesus Provides for Our Needs: The miracle at the wedding shows that Jesus is present even in everyday situations like a celebration and intervenes where human means fail. This illustrates that Jesus is not only concerned with big spiritual questions but also with our daily worries and needs. When in life “the wine runs out”—a symbol of joy and fulfillment—we can rely on Jesus to provide in these moments.

2. Transformation and Renewal: The transformation of water into wine symbolizes how Jesus can transform not only circumstances but also our lives. Just as the water from the ritual jars for purification was turned into valuable wine, Jesus can transform our everyday lives through His presence and grace, filling them with joy and blessing. This reminds us that He is capable of renewing and changing us internally, no matter our situation.

3. A Sign of Faith: For the disciples, this miracle was a key event that helped them believe and follow Jesus. Similarly, in our daily lives, we experience moments where God acts in unexpected ways to show us that He is present. These signs—whether big or small—strengthen our faith and lead us deeper into following Jesus. They call us to trust in Him amidst daily challenges and hold firmly to His presence.

4. God’s Grace in Abundance: Jesus did not just turn a little water into wine but filled six large jars typically used for ceremonial cleansing. This symbolizes the overflowing grace of God available to us in our daily lives. God not only gives us what is necessary but often blesses us beyond our expectations—a reassuring sign for our trust in Him.

5. Quality and Blessing of Life: The master of the feast was surprised that the best wine was saved until the end. This shows that Jesus has the best prepared for us, often beyond our expectations. In everyday life, this means that Jesus can enrich life in a way that is deeper and more fulfilling than what human means alone can achieve.

Conclusion:

The miracle at Cana is more than an impressive story; it is a profound symbol of Jesus’ work in our daily lives. It reminds us that Jesus is present in the everyday moments of our lives, ready to help us, transform us, and grant us His overflowing grace. This event strengthens our faith and shows us that we can trust Him in all aspects of life—whether in moments of joy or in times of need.

Trust that God can perform miracles even in the small moments of everyday life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-1-signs-that-point-the-way-1-1-the-wedding-at-cana-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

September 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 17

¹ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

² It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

³ Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

⁴ And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

⁵ And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

⁶ And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

⁷ But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

⁸ And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

⁹ Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

¹⁰ So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

¹¹ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

¹² And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

¹³ And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

¹⁴ And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

¹⁵ And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

¹⁶ And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

¹⁸ There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

¹⁹ And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

²⁰ And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

²¹ Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

²² And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

²³ And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

²⁴ For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

²⁵ But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

²⁶ And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

²⁷ They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

²⁸ Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

²⁹ But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

³⁰ Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

³¹ In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

³² Remember Lot’s wife.

³³ Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

³⁴ I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

³⁵ Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

³⁶ Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

³⁷ And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke 17 offers a variety of teachings from Jesus to His disciples that address important topics such as forgiveness, faith, humility, gratitude, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. The chapter deals with both everyday challenges of the Christian life and the serious warning of the impending judgment, as well as the hope for the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ words are a blend of instructions for living in the present and prophetic insights into the future.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with a warning against being led into evil and the urgency of forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that temptations are inevitable, but the behavior of those who cause others to stumble has serious consequences. It highlights the importance of forgiving one another, even when offenses are repeated, placing mercy at the center of Christian life. The section on the power of faith conveys that even the smallest amount of faith can have remarkable effects, while the parable of the servant reminds us that humility and fulfilling one’s duties should be natural for Jesus’ followers.

The miracle of the healing of the ten lepers underscores the importance of gratitude, as only one healed Samaritan returns to Jesus to give thanks to God. This episode points to God’s universal grace that reaches everyone, but also to the fact that only a few show full recognition and gratitude.

The final section, which deals with the coming of the Kingdom of God, emphasizes that this kingdom does not come with visible signs but is “within” the believers. Jesus warns His disciples about false prophets and explains that the end will come unexpectedly and suddenly, similar to the times of Noah and Lot, when people were caught by surprise by judgment in the midst of their daily activities.

Summary:

In Luke 17, Jesus teaches His disciples fundamental principles of the Christian life such as forgiveness, humility, and faith. He warns of the dangers of being led into evil and calls for relentless forgiveness. Through the example of the healing of the lepers, He reminds us of the importance of gratitude. Finally, He provides prophetic insights into the coming of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that there will be no external signs but that it is present in the hearts of believers. The Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, and therefore Jesus urges vigilance and readiness.

 

 

 

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/29-09-2024-luke-chapter-17-believe-his-prophets/

What is God’s final warning to the world before Jesus returns? In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, discusses part 2 of Chapter 38 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

Listen as he delves into the crucial messages of Revelation 18 and the life-and-death decisions everyone will face in the end times. Discover the importance of understanding God’s law, the mark of the beast, and the seal of God. As the world approaches these prophetic events, now is the time to draw close to Christ, trust in His Word, and prepare for His soon return.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-38-the-final-warning-pt-2-pastor-ted-wilson/

1.Why would the disciples have lied about Jesus’ resurrection? Given what we know, they only faced hatred, alienation, and persecution because of their faith. What would they have gained from making up this story?

There is no compelling reason why the disciples would have lied about Jesus’ resurrection. Everything we know from the history suggests that their faith in the risen Christ subjected them primarily to persecution, suffering, and even death. The following points illustrate why it is unlikely that they fabricated the account:

1. No Material or Social Benefit: The disciples had nothing to gain and everything to lose. They faced hatred, alienation, and persecution, and were often arrested or killed. If they had lied, it would have been illogical to maintain such a lie under these circumstances.

2. Willingness to Suffer and Die: Many of the disciples died martyrdom because they held firmly to the message of the resurrection. It is unlikely that anyone would be willing to die for something they knew was a lie. Their willingness to sacrifice their lives speaks to their conviction that they had indeed seen the risen Jesus.

3. Their Faith and Transformation: After the resurrection, the disciples radically changed their lives. From fearful and doubtful individuals, they became bold proclaimers of the Gospel. This transformation suggests that they had a profound, real experience that drove them to their new lives and faith in Jesus.

4. No Counter-Evidence: If the resurrection had been invented, Jesus’ religious and political opponents could have easily presented the body to disprove the resurrection claim. However, there was no body, and the tomb was empty.

In summary: The disciples had nothing to gain from lying about the resurrection. Instead, their willingness to suffer and die for their faith indicates that they were firmly convinced of the truth they were proclaiming.

2.What evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is the most convincing to you? Explain why.

For many, the most convincing evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is the empty tomb and the radical transformation of the disciples after the resurrection. These two factors combined are powerful because they underscore the credibility and impact of the resurrection.

1. The Empty Tomb: The tomb was empty, and even Jesus’ opponents could not produce the body to refute the resurrection claim. If the body had been stolen or the resurrection was fabricated, the Jewish and Roman authorities could have easily found and presented the body. However, they could not, and the empty tomb remained an irrefutable sign.

2. The Transformation of the Disciples: Before the resurrection, the disciples were fearful, uncertain, and hiding. After the resurrection, they became courageous, fearless proclaimers of the Gospel, willing to endure persecution and death. This radical change is difficult to explain unless they had genuinely encountered the risen Jesus. People do not drastically change their lives based on a lie or imagination.

Why these evidences are so convincing:

• The Empty Tomb Provides an Objective Basis: There was no body to refute the claim. This is a strong fact that Jesus’ opponents could not disprove.

• The Transformation of the Disciples Offers Emotional and Psychological Evidence: People are generally not willing to suffer or die for something they know is a lie. Their willingness to accept death for their faith supports the authenticity of their conviction.

Together, these two pieces of evidence make Jesus’ resurrection a credible and powerful event that remains a central foundation of the Christian faith to this day.

3.Reflect more on the great hope that Jesus’ resurrection offers us. Read 1 Corinthians 15. How much significance does Paul attribute to Jesus’ resurrection?

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul assigns a central and indispensable significance to Jesus’ resurrection. For him, the resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. He argues that without Jesus’ resurrection, the faith would be meaningless, and people would still be trapped in their sins. The resurrection, for Paul, is the proof of victory over death and sin and the basis for the hope of eternal life. It gives believers the assurance that they too will one day be resurrected and have a new life in Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-7-questions-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/