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3: The Backstory: The Prologue – Teaching Plan

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Key Thought: The prologue is the opening of the book of John as he tells the story of Jesus within the historical period of Jesus’ life and summarizes its major themes.
October 19, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read John 1:1-5, 14.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
  2. What do these verses tell us about Jesus and what He did?
  3. Personal Application: What would we lose if Jesus were just a mere created being? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of you relatives states, “Why would John start out talking about Jesus in His role as Creator? Is it important to have a correct understanding of Creation?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read John 1:9-13.

  1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
    b. What harsh reality is John stating here about how people respond to Jesus?
    b. Personal Application: How has your life changed by becoming a son or daughter of Christ as you accepted Him? Share your thoughts.
    c. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Have you ever denied being Christian, or hid it from someone? Have you ever been shamed for being a Christian? How could this lead to being honored or rejected by Christ?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read John John 3:16-21, John 9:35-41, John 12:36-46.

  1. a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. How do these texts repeat the theme of belief/unbelief found in the prologue?
  3. Personal Application: In what ways do you live out your faith in Jesus rather than just holding a mental assent to Him being the Messiah? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Have you ever had questions about the character of God or the Father? Do you think they exhibit differences in their characters in the Bible? How do you deal with doubts about God’s character?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read John 17:1-5.

  1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you”?
  3. Personal Application: How does God offer Himself dying on the cross to save us from sin tell us about just how bad sin really is? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/3-the-backstory-the-prologue-teaching-plan/

Salmo 94:9 – Domenica 13 ottobre 2024

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"Colui che ha fatto l'orecchio, forse non ode? Colui che ha formato l'occhio forse non vede?". (Salmo 94:9) Meditazione giornaliera “Apri la porta del tuo cuore”. Rubrica a cura di Anna Cupertino. Speaker: Daniella Escobar Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDfWqPgpzA8

Jesus Grew the Tree

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A long time  ago, when I was a teenager, a country singer by the name of Barbara Mandrell, sang, “He grew the tree that He knew would be used to make the old rugged cross.” The song brought out, that even at creation Jesus was planning our redemption. This song could not be any truer.

Description Jesus is given his cross to carry

In Genesis 2:16-17 ESV God says, “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” We all know Adam and Eve did not die the day they ate of the forbidden fruit. Man has been trying to make excuses for God ever since.

Some say, well they began to die. However that is not what God said. He did not say you will begin to die the day you eat of the fruit. He said you will die in the day you eat of the fruit. Others say, they died spiritually that day. I don’t even know what the means! Sounds profound enough, I guess, but what does it mean? Besides, God did not say you will die spiritually the day you eat of the fruit. He said you will die – drop dead the day you eat of it. So what kept Adam and Eve from dropping dead the day they ate of the fruit?

Instead of trying to make up weak excuses for God, let’s let God’s Word explain itself. He does not need any help from us to get out of this  jam. We find the answer at the other end of the Bible. Revelation 13:8 tells us Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. There is our answer! God did not need us bailing Him out by making up our own theories about beginning to die or dying spiritually that day. Revelation 13:8 lets us know that Jesus’ death on the cross had already taken effect. God calls things that are not yet, as though they already were. Just like I can cut and paste, just as I am writing this post in Microsoft Word, God can cut and paste through time and eternity and put the cross at the foundation of the world.

Jesus is truly the Savior of the whole world, as His sacrifice sustains not only the believer but the unbeliever as well. Adam and Eve were not believers; they were running from God. But they still had their breath that day because of the cross of Christ and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. God told Abraham in Genesis 12:3, “and in thee [Abraham’s Seed which was Christ] shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Notice God said all families will be “blessed,” or benefit from the cross. That includes Christians, Jews, Muslims, and atheists. They all benefit the same way Adam and Eve did.

The reason Adam and Eve did not drop dead the same day they ate the fruit was because Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and His death had already taken effect. The reason we do not drop dead the same day we sin, is because of the cross of Christ as well.

Believer and unbeliever benefit from the cross. This is what John was talking about in 1 John 2:2 ESV. He writes, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” John was writing to believers when he said “not  for ours only,” the believers, but the whole world! An inspired writer, 1,800 years after John, echoes the same sentiments.

“To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf.” – Ellen White, Desire of Ages, page 660.

Every breath we breathe is brought to us courtesy of the cross. People curse God with the very breath that He died to give them!

This idea of Jesus beginning our redemption even at creation runs all through the Bible. 

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” 9Matthew 25:34 ESV)

… even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love. (Ephesians  1:4 ESV)

in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began (Titus 1:2)

Yes! Jesus created the tree He knew would be used to make the old rugged cross. Even at creation He was beginning our redemption. He died to give us probationary time. Not a probationary time to see if God will accept us – He already has accepted us from the foundation of the world – but time to see if we will accept Jesus and His life-changing love.

If we choose to accept His love, Jesus tells us in John 11:26 ESV, “everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?.” Sure, we may fall asleep like Lazarus did, but God will not abandon us in the grave. We will not experience the death and God abandonment that Jesus experienced for us on the cross when He cried out, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me!”

The cross echoes throughout time and space from every corner of eternity, telling us God is love! The Gospel begins at creation.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/jesus-grew-the-tree/

Comments of the Week October 7-13

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Comments of the Week October 7-13 “What is the perceived threat that the SDA church sees by allowing LGBTQ to exist as employees of the church?” -Floyd Poenitz weighs in on the lawsuit against Maryland. See what others have said! Comments on the Lawsuit against Maryland, Adventism & Catholicism, Trading the Gospel for Power, and […] Source: https://atoday.org/comments-of-the-week-oct7-13/

13.10.2024 – John Chapter 7 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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October 13, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 7
1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2 Now the Jew’s feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
43 So there was a division among the people because of him.
44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
53 And every man went unto his own house.
King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary
Introduction
John Chapter 7 describes Jesus’ journey to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, one of the most important Jewish celebrations. The tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders continues to grow as the people are divided over His identity. During the festival, Jesus reveals significant teachings, particularly His invitation to the thirsty to come to Him and drink, which is an allusion to the Holy Spirit. This scene highlights the increasing conflict between those who believe in Him and those who reject Him.
Commentary
The Journey to the Feast of Tabernacles and the Skepticism of His Brothers (John 7:1-10)
At the beginning of the chapter, it is mentioned that the Jewish leaders in Judea want to kill Jesus, which is why He stays in Galilee for the time being. His own brothers, who do not believe in Him, challenge Jesus to publicly display His miracles to gain glory. They do not understand His mission and view it more through worldly eyes. Jesus responds that His “time” (Greek: kairos) has not yet come, referring to the divine timing of His revelation and suffering. Eventually, Jesus goes to the festival secretly.
Jesus Teaches in the Temple (John 7:14-24)
In the middle of the festival, Jesus publicly appears in the temple and begins to teach, which astonishes the people because He has not received formal training as a scholar of the law. Jesus explains that His teaching does not come from Himself but from God the Father. He emphasizes that the truth of His teaching is recognized when someone does the will of God (verse 17). Jesus also points out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who want to kill Him because of the healing on the Sabbath, even though they themselves practice circumcision on the Sabbath.
Controversy Over Jesus’ Origin (John 7:25-31)
Jesus’ identity remains a central theme. Some residents of Jerusalem recognize Him as the one the leaders intend to kill and question whether He is truly the Messiah. Jesus’ origin is questioned because some believe that the Messiah is supposed to come in a more mysterious manner. Jesus responds that while He is recognizable as a human, His true origin is divine, as He was sent by God (verses 28-29). Despite attempts to arrest Him, no one can lay a hand on Him because His hour has not yet come.
The Invitation to Living Water (John 7:37-39)
On the last day of the festival, Jesus makes a significant invitation: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (verse 37). This is a symbolic invitation that foretells the Holy Spirit, whom believers would receive after His glorification. Jesus offers not just physical water but the “living water” that quenches eternally and becomes a source of life within the believer.
The Division Among the People (John 7:40-52)
Jesus’ speech leads to a clear division among the people. Some believe that He is the Prophet or the Messiah, while others criticize His origin from Galilee, seeing it as evidence that He cannot be the Messiah, who should come from Bethlehem. The Pharisees are frustrated that Jesus was not arrested and mock the temple guards who were impressed by His words. Nicodemus, who had already come to Jesus in John 3, partially defends Jesus and reminds them that the law requires a fair hearing. However, his objections are dismissed by the Pharisees, who remain entrenched in their prejudice.
Summary
John Chapter 7 illustrates the growing tensions and controversies surrounding Jesus’ person. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus openly preaches in the temple and invites people to receive the “living water,” a reference to the Holy Spirit. The chapter reveals the deep division among the people regarding His identity: some believe He is the Messiah, while others reject Him because of His origin from Galilee. Despite the hostility of the leaders, it is not yet time for Jesus to be captured. However, His words and miracles begin to provoke a deeper spiritual discernment among the people.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 70 deals with the Parable of the Great Judgment, in which Jesus describes how He will separate people into two groups at His second coming: the “sheep” on the right and the “goats” on the left. Each person’s eternal destiny is not judged based on the size or significance of their actions, but rather on the mercy they have shown toward the “least brothers”—the needy. It is about practical love that serves Christ Himself in the service of fellow human beings.
Commentary
This parable illustrates a central message of Jesus: that the true signs of faith lie in practical mercy and care for those in need. Jesus makes it clear that people will be judged by their actions toward the weakest and most needy. He identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, and imprisoned, explaining that every act of kindness given to these individuals is considered a service to Himself.
It becomes evident that theological knowledge or status is not the primary focus, but rather the heart of service and humanity. Those who act spontaneously and lovingly will be rewarded, while those who live selfishly and ignore the plight of others will be condemned. The surprising reaction of the righteous, who did not even know that they were serving Jesus, demonstrates that genuine neighborly love comes from the heart and does not seek recognition.
The parable also serves as a challenge to those who live in prosperity. Jesus points out that wealth brings responsibility and that God expects the rich to care for the needy. Yet all too often, the wealthy remain selfish and isolate themselves from the suffering of the poor.
Summary
Chapter 70, based on Matthew 25:31-46, shows that people’s eternal fate depends on their practical love and mercy toward the needy. Jesus identifies Himself with the weakest and explains that every service to them is a service to Himself. This parable calls Christians to live out Christ’s love in their daily lives by helping the needy and demonstrating true discipleship through their mercy. Love for one’s neighbor is presented here as the most important sign of a living faith.

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 71—A Servant of Servants
This chapter is based on Luke 22:7-18, 24; John 13:1-17.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Einleitung
Kapitel 71 beschreibt den letzten Abend Jesu mit seinen Jüngern vor seinem Tod. Während des letzten Passahmahls offenbart Jesus seinen Jüngern in einer demütigen Handlung, wie wahre Größe im Dienst an anderen besteht. Das Kapitel thematisiert die Fußwaschung als Beispiel für Demut und selbstlosen Dienst, die Jesus seinen Nachfolgern hinterlassen hat. Die Szene spielt sich in einer Atmosphäre des Kummers ab, da Jesus sich seines bevorstehenden Opfers bewusst ist.
Kommentar
Im oberen Raum eines Hauses in Jerusalem bereitete sich Jesus darauf vor, das Passah mit seinen Jüngern zu feiern. Er wusste, dass seine Zeit gekommen war, und dass er das wahre Opferlamm sein würde. In dieser entscheidenden Nacht wollte er seine Jünger lehren, was wahre Größe und Nachfolge bedeuten. Während die Jünger weiterhin über ihre eigenen Positionen und Überlegenheit stritten, entschied sich Jesus, ihnen ein kraftvolles Beispiel der Demut und Liebe zu geben. Anstatt über ihre Fehler zu predigen, wusch er ihnen die Füße, eine Aufgabe, die normalerweise einem Diener vorbehalten war. Diese Handlung zeigte, dass wahre Führung und Größe nicht darin bestehen, sich dienen zu lassen, sondern selbst zu dienen.
Die Fußwaschung wurde zu einem Symbol für die Reinigung des Herzens. Auch wenn die Jünger äußerlich gereinigt waren, brauchten sie immer noch die geistliche Reinigung von Stolz, Eifersucht und Zwietracht. Petrus, der zunächst entsetzt war, als Jesus ihm die Füße waschen wollte, verstand später die tiefere Bedeutung dieser Handlung: Es ging um die innere Reinigung, die nur durch Jesus möglich ist.
Jesus nutzte diesen Moment, um den Jüngern klarzumachen, dass wahre Nachfolge darin besteht, anderen zu dienen, so wie er es tat. Durch seinen Dienst gab er ein Beispiel, dem sie folgen sollten: „Ein Beispiel habe ich euch gegeben, daß ihr tut, wie ich euch getan habe“ (Johannes 13,15). Jesus lehrte, dass Demut, Liebe und Selbstlosigkeit die Schlüssel zur wahren Gemeinschaft und zur Nachfolge sind.
Zusammenfassung
Kapitel 71 behandelt den letzten Abend Jesu mit seinen Jüngern, bei dem er ihnen durch die Fußwaschung ein bleibendes Beispiel der Demut und des Dienens gibt. Jesus zeigt, dass wahre Größe nicht in Macht oder Position liegt, sondern im selbstlosen Dienst an anderen. Diese Lektion, die er durch seine Tat der Fußwaschung vermittelt, wird zu einer grundlegenden Lehre des christlichen Lebens: „Durch die Liebe diene einer dem andern.“ Jesu Beispiel ermutigt uns, unsere Herzen für seine reinigende Gnade zu öffnen und in Liebe und Demut unseren Mitmenschen zu dienen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-10-2024-john-chapter-7-believe-his-prophets/

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