Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 10.The Way, the Truth, and the Life | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 10.The Way, the Truth, and the Life |
Jesus: The Way to Redemption and the Source of Divine Truth |
Lesson 10 focuses on the unique role of Jesus Christ, who reveals Himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). These words are part of His farewell discourse, in which He prepares His disciples for His departure and gives them hope for His return. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet symbolizes humility and servant love, while His statements about the truth highlight His divine nature and mission. The Holy Scriptures are presented as the key that reveals the truth of Jesus and forms the foundation for our understanding of God’s plan. This lesson demonstrates how Jesus is the central path to God and the light for all who believe.
Memory Text: John 1:18 – “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
Content:
10.1 I Have Given You an Example
Humility and Service: Jesus’ Legacy to His Followers
In the farewell discourse (John 13–17), Jesus teaches through words and actions what true humility and willingness to serve mean. In John 13:1–20, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for servants. This extraordinary act shows that genuine authority lies not in ruling but in serving. Jesus’ example calls His followers to follow His path and lead lives of humility and dedication. Peter’s reaction underscores the profound significance of this event: without a willingness to humble oneself and be cleansed by Christ, there can be no true fellowship with Him. The rite of humility reminds Christians to serve selflessly and follow Christ in all things.
10.2 I Will Certainly Come Again
The Second Coming of Christ: Assurance from the Faithfulness of the Redeemer
In John 14:1–3, Jesus comforts His disciples in light of His impending departure with the promise of His return. These words look beyond the pain of the cross and the disciples’ confusion, providing them with firm hope. Jesus speaks of His return with such certainty that it is expressed in the present tense in Greek—as if it is already happening. The basis for trust in this promise lies not only in fulfilled prophecies but primarily in the character and faithfulness of Jesus, who already took up the cross to redeem us. His first coming guarantees His return, through which the work of redemption will be completed. This promise encourages believers to steadfastly hope for future glory.
10.3 I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus: The Path, the Revelation, and the Source of Life
Thomas’ question about the way reveals the disciples’ uncertainty as they hear Jesus’ words about His departure. Jesus responds that He Himself is the way, the truth, and the life—not only the way to the Father but also the revelation of the Father and the source of life. Through Jesus, the connection to God becomes possible, and He reveals God’s nature to a fallen world. In response to Philip, Jesus makes it clear that in Him the Father is made visible: whoever sees Jesus sees the Father. These words are a comfort to believers because they show that God’s nature is fully revealed in the person of Jesus. Without Jesus, there would be no secure access to the Father and no clarity about God’s truth and life.
10.4 I AM the Truth
Jesus: The Revelation of Truth and the Light of the World
In the Gospel of John, truth is inextricably linked with the person of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a teacher or proclaimer of truth but the truth itself—the embodiment of God’s nature and will. Biblical truth goes beyond facts and encompasses faithfulness, morality, and the revelation of God’s character. Jesus reveals this truth through His life, teachings, and sacrifice. Like the sun that illuminates the world, Jesus, the truth, enables believers to clearly understand the world and God’s plan. His claim to be the truth provides hope and guidance in a world full of confusion and deception.
10.5 The Scriptures and the Truth
The Bible: The Key to Revealing God and the Truth in Christ
The Holy Scriptures play a central role in revealing the truth, especially in portraying Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. In John 5:38–40, Jesus makes it clear that the Scriptures point to Him and have no full meaning without Him. In Luke 24:27, He shows the disciples how to understand His ministry and sacrifice through the Scriptures. The Bible provides the necessary context for understanding God’s plan, the meaning of life, and the future. It is more than a book of moral teachings—it is the key to revealing the divine truth that science alone cannot explain. The Scriptures lead us to the knowledge of Jesus, who Himself is the truth.
10.6 Summary
Jesus: The Path to Truth and Life in Fellowship with God
Lesson 10 highlights the central role of Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). In His farewell discourse, Jesus comforts His disciples, reveals His mission, and emphasizes the hope of His return. He demonstrates that true service is done in humility, as shown in the washing of the feet, and teaches that truth is not just a concept but a person: Himself. The Holy Scriptures are the foundation that reveals this truth and explains God’s plan. They consistently point to Jesus, who is the bridge to the Father and the light that illuminates the world. This lesson encourages believers to embrace Jesus as the center of truth, hope, and life.
Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 7.Blessed Are Those Who Believe | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 7.Blessed Are Those Who Believe |
Witnesses of Faith in the Gospel of John |
Lesson 7 of the Gospel of John invites us to view faith through the eyes of various witnesses of Jesus and to recognize the significance of faith without visible evidence. From Abraham to Thomas, it is shown how people in different situations responded to Jesus—with trust, doubt, or unconscious acknowledgment. These witnesses illustrate that faith often requires courage and enables a deeper insight into God’s workings. Jesus emphasizes the blessedness of faith that is not based on visible signs but on trust. By living this faith, we gain access to a vibrant relationship with God that gives us hope and life.
Memory Text: John 20:29 – “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’.”
Content:
7.1 Harking Back to Abraham
Abraham as a Witness of Faith and Promise
Jesus refers to Abraham to emphasize the continuity between the faith of the patriarchs and His own message. In John 8:56, Jesus shows that Abraham “saw his day” from afar and rejoiced over it—a reference to the Redeemer that Abraham experienced as part of God’s promise. Paul picks up this thought in Romans 4 by presenting Abraham as an example of justification by faith, independent of the works of the law. This emphasis on faith as the foundation of the relationship with God makes Abraham the father not only of the Jewish people but of all believers. Through Abraham’s story, the importance of faith that trusts in God’s promise is highlighted—a connection that Jesus reveals as the fulfillment of this promise.
7.2 The Witness of Mary
Mary’s Precious Gift as an Expression of Faith
Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive oil was a profound testimony of her love and gratitude toward Him. The costly oil she used lavishly symbolized her complete devotion and recognition of Jesus as the one who brings forgiveness and new life. Her gesture was not only a sign of honor but also a prophetic act pointing to Jesus’ impending sacrifice. While Judas showed selfish motives in his criticism, Jesus defended Mary because He recognized the sincerity of her love and the faith in her heart. This story reminds us that Jesus looks beyond the exterior and knows the hearts—a call for us to let His transformative righteousness enter our lives.
7.3 The Unwitting Witness of Pilate
Pilate’s Unconscious Testimony of Truth
Pilate, the Roman governor, played a central role in the trial against Jesus and gave an involuntary testimony about Him. Although he declared Jesus innocent three times, he ultimately condemned Him to death—a decision influenced by the pressure from religious leaders and the crowd. By placing the sign “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” above the cross, Pilate unwittingly affirmed Jesus’ true identity as portrayed in the Gospel of John. The drama surrounding Pilate’s decision highlights the danger of being swayed by external influences instead of following one’s conscience. This event reminds us of the importance of steadfastly standing by the truth, even when circumstances create pressure and doubt. Pilate’s wavering serves as a warning against the temptation to betray the convictions of the heart to please the masses.
7.4 The Witness of Thomas
From Doubt to Confession of Faith – Thomas’ Lesson
Thomas’ story shows how doubt can be transformed into a stronger conviction of faith. Thomas made the mistake of tying his faith to physical evidence and only acknowledged the resurrection under his own conditions. However, Jesus met him with understanding and invited him to touch the wounds in His hands and side, leading Thomas to a powerful confession: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” remind us that true faith is not based on visible evidence but on trust in God’s testimony and His creation. This encounter teaches us that doubt can often be part of the journey of faith, but the goal is to reach a trust that exists even without “seeing.” The faith that Thomas ultimately found is an open trust in the reliability of God and His promises.
7.5 Our Witness of Jesus
Our Testimony – Faith Strengthened by History and Experience
The Gospel of John calls us to give our own testimony about Jesus, inspired by the testimonies of those who experienced Him directly. We have the advantage of not only reading about Jesus’ life and miracles but also recognizing the fulfillment of many of His prophecies in history, such as the destruction of the temple and the worldwide spread of the Gospel. These historical confirmations provide us with reasons for faith that go beyond mere eyewitness accounts. Today, we are called to accept Jesus as the Savior through Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit and to share this experience. Each of us has a unique story and a personal experience with Christ, and by sharing them, we continue what the first witnesses of Jesus began—a testimony of faith that also works life-changing in our world.
7.6 Summary
Faith Without Seeing – The Path to True Blessing
In Lesson 7, the Gospel of John emphasizes the importance of faith that is not based on visible evidence but on trust in God’s word. Through the testimonies of Abraham, Mary, Pilate, and Thomas, John illustrates various responses to Jesus and highlights the strength of faith that goes beyond the visible. Abraham trusted the promise, Mary showed deep gratitude, Pilate gave an unintended testimony, and Thomas learned to believe without seeing. Jesus Himself praises the blessedness of those who believe without proof and invites us to trust in God’s plan and word. This lesson reminds us that true faith is the foundation for a deeper relationship with God—a relationship that grants us life in His name.
Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 6.More Testimonies About Jesus | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 6.More Testimonies About Jesus |
Recognizing More About Jesus |
In Lesson 6, the image of Jesus as the Messiah is deepened through various testimonies. John the Baptist, the Father in Heaven, the crowd, and even the Pharisees themselves play an important role in clarifying Jesus’ identity and mission. John presents Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sin of the world and emphasizes that Jesus must be above him. Jesus reveals Himself as the source of life and salvation, even though His words are not understood or accepted by everyone. The Father confirms Jesus’ sonship, and the reactions of the crowd show both enthusiasm and rejection, giving us a more comprehensive insight into Jesus’ mission.
Memory Text: John 12:32 – “‘And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself’.”
Content:
6.1 Humility of Soul: John the Baptist Testifies Again
John the Baptist – Humility and Testimony in the Greatness of Christ
John the Baptist demonstrates extraordinary inner humility in this passage by willingly placing his position behind Jesus and acknowledging Him as the true Savior. He sees himself as the “friend of the bridegroom” rather than the main person, highlighting his role: to prepare the way for Jesus. The words “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30) reflect a deep dedication to God’s plan and a willingness to set aside personal significance. While some of his disciples are jealous of Jesus, John remains clear in his mission and calls on his followers to recognize Jesus’ greatness as well. John teaches us the value of humility—a posture that honors God and leads others to faith. His willingness to stand in the shadows illustrates the character of true greatness and spiritual growth.
6.2 A New Understanding of the Messiah
“The Lamb of God” – An Unexpected Image of the Messiah
John the Baptist describes Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” which was surprising to many Jews who expected a powerful liberator from the Roman yoke, not a suffering Messiah. The image of the lamb referred to a sacrifice offered for the forgiveness of sins—a role that Jesus willingly accepted. Through this designation, John directs attention to a deeper meaning of the Messiah: not as a political liberator but as a Savior who makes the ultimate sacrifice. God’s revelation to John through the sign of the Spirit helped him recognize that Jesus is the promised Savior who will transform the world through love and sacrifice, not through power. John’s words call us to explore the Bible as the source of this truth and to understand more deeply how Jesus invites us into His saving work.
6.3 Acceptance and Rejection
“The Bread of Life” – Jesus’ Call to Deeper Commitment
People wanted to make Jesus their king when He fed them with bread, but they turned away when He revealed Himself as the “Bread of Life” and spoke of His sacrifice. Jesus’ explanation that His flesh and blood are necessary for eternal life was a challenge that many could not accept. This made it clear that they were seeking the Messiah as a political liberator, not as a spiritual Savior. Only the disciples, led by Peter’s confession, recognized Him as the Holy God whose words convey eternal life. Jesus shows us here that true discipleship means not only appreciating the visible miracles but also understanding the deeper meaning of His message. This event reminds us that God’s ways may often be unpopular or misunderstood, but they lead to true spiritual life.
6.4 The Witness of the Father
God’s Confirmation of His Son
Throughout His ministry, Jesus receives visible and audible testimony from the Father. From the beginning of His service at the baptism to the impending crucifixion, the Father publicly confirms that Jesus is His beloved Son. This is particularly evident at the moment when Jesus asks the Father to glorify His name; God responds from heaven, deeply moving those present. Through this testimony, the Father emphasizes the significance and the upcoming sacrifice of Jesus, who, as the “Lamb of God,” takes on the sin of the world. God’s voice makes it clear that Jesus’ mission to save and redeem humanity is both intended and fulfilled. This heavenly testimony strengthens people’s faith in Jesus as the ultimate connection between God and humanity.
6.5 The Witness of the Crowd
Divided Belief and Questions About Jesus’ Origin
When Jesus spoke to the people on the last day of the festival, many were deeply touched by His message about “living water,” and the reactions to Him were varied and remarkable. Some in the crowd believed He was the prophet or even the Messiah, while others remained skeptical because of His origin, seeing Him as a Galilean and not knowing that He was actually born in Bethlehem. Even the officials sent to arrest Jesus were overwhelmed by His words and could not carry out their mission. In this discussion, Nicodemus appears as an advocate for Jesus, standing for justice and raising the question of whether one can condemn Him without listening to Him. This suggests that Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, might have come to believe in Jesus. The leaders’ contempt for the crowd shows that true understanding and faith often do not reside in positions of power but in an open, seeking attitude.
6.6 Summary
Revelations of the Messiah
Lesson 6 highlights additional testimonies about Jesus that clarify both His nature and His mission. John the Baptist emphatically points to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and emphasizes the humility that characterizes His role as the forerunner. Jesus reveals Himself as the “Bread of Life” and the source of “living water,” which resonates with many in the crowd, while others react with confusion because Jesus does not meet their expectations of the Messiah. God Himself testifies for Jesus and confirms His divine sonship. Through the diverse reactions of people, ranging from deep enthusiasm to outright rejection, we recognize how Jesus opens new horizons with His ministry and broadens the image of the expected Messiah.
Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 5.The Testimony of the Samaritans | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
