Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 4.Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 4.Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah |
Jesus Christ – The True Messiah |
Lesson 4 deals with the various testimonies that confirm Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. The Gospel of John shows how different people—from John the Baptist to the first disciples—recognize Jesus as the Savior and point to Him. This lesson emphasizes that Jesus did not meet the expectations of a political or military savior but was the one who, through His sacrifice, was to renew the relationship between God and humanity. The testimonies we examine in this lesson reveal Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and fulfill the Old Testament promises about the Messiah. They invite us, just as the witnesses of that time did, to acknowledge Jesus as the true Savior.
Memory Text: John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’.”
Content:
4.1 The Testimony of John the Baptist
John the Baptist: A Witness for the True Messiah
John the Baptist clearly understood his role as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. In John 1:19–23, he testifies that he is not the Messiah but merely one who points to the coming Savior. His mission was to prepare people for the Messiah’s arrival by directing their hearts toward repentance and spiritual renewal. John quoted Isaiah 40 to illustrate that he is the “voice crying out in the wilderness,” preparing the way of the Lord. As Seventh-day Adventists, we are similarly called to point to Christ and prepare people for His second coming through our service by proclaiming the message of repentance and salvation.
4.2 The Lamb of God
Jesus, the Lamb of God: The Messiah as a Sacrifice for the World
John the Baptist reveals Jesus as “the Lamb of God,” who takes away the world’s sin (John 1:29). This image of the lamb refers to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where lambs were offered as atonement sacrifices to atone for the people’s sins. Jesus fulfills this sacrificial promise by giving His own life to free humanity from sin. John’s proclamation corrects the misunderstood image of a military Messiah by presenting Jesus as the gentle and humble Savior who renews the relationship between God and humans through self-sacrifice. This conception of Jesus as the Lamb of God leads us to a deeper understanding of the high cost of redemption and God’s unconditional love.
4.3 The Two Disciples of John
The Disciples Recognize Jesus as the Messiah
When John the Baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God,” two of his disciples decided to follow Him (John 1:35–39). They left John because they recognized that Jesus was the promised Messiah, greater than John. After spending time with Jesus, they felt deeply moved and inspired, prompting Andrew to immediately bring his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus. This encounter changed their lives as they recognized the true Messiah. The Gospel of John illustrates the transformative power of encountering Christ and how it leads to spreading His message. Just as the disciples were changed, our faith in Christ calls us to also transform our lives and proclaim His message.
4.4 Philip and Nathanael
Nathanael: From Doubt to Faith
Philip demonstrates deep faith in Jesus when he tells Nathanael that they have found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about: Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:43–46). Despite Nathanael’s skepticism due to prejudices against Nazareth, Philip simply invites him to “come and see.” This invitation shows that true conviction often comes through personal encounter and experience. When Nathanael meets Jesus, he recognizes through Jesus’ knowledge of his life and prayers that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Nathanael makes a profound confession of faith by acknowledging Jesus as Rabbi, Son of God, and King of Israel. This encounter shows how Jesus, through divine insight, can bring revelation and faith even to the most skeptical hearts.
4.5 The Witness of Nicodemus
Nicodemus and the Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth
Nicodemus, a respected teacher and member of the Sanhedrin, sought out Jesus at night to learn more about His divine mission (John 3:1–21). Although he recognized Jesus as a Rabbi and saw His signs as evidence of divine calling, he did not yet understand that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus sees through his heart and confronts him with an unexpected truth: he must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. This statement shows that even a righteous Jew needs profound spiritual renewal. Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, had not yet grasped this fundamental truth. However, he later becomes a follower of Jesus, demonstrating how transformative encounters with Christ can awaken the heart. The rebirth that Jesus refers to emphasizes the necessity of complete inner renewal by the Spirit, regardless of one’s background or status.
4.6 Summary
The Diverse Testimonies About Jesus as the Messiah
The Gospel of John presents various testimonies pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. John the Baptist clearly explains that he is not the Christ but acts as a witness for the true Messiah. He calls Jesus the “Lamb of God,” referencing the Old Testament sacrificial system and underscoring Jesus’ role as the Savior. John’s disciples, such as Andrew and Philip, also recognize Jesus as the Messiah and follow Him after hearing his testimony. Nathanael overcomes his prejudices and confesses Jesus as the Son of God, while Nicodemus, a respected teacher, is taught by Jesus that spiritual rebirth is necessary to see the Kingdom of God. These testimonies emphasize Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of prophecy and as the Savior of humanity.
Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 3.The Prelude: The Prologue | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 3.The Prelude: The Prologue |
Divine Revelation: The Prologue in the Gospel of John |
Lesson 3 describes the prologue of the Gospel of John, which introduces Jesus as the eternal Logos (Word) that was with God from the beginning and is God Himself. John emphasizes that Jesus is the true Light that comes into the world to enlighten it, yet many reject Him. Through His incarnation, the divine Word becomes flesh and reveals God’s glory directly among humans. The prologue conveys the profound truth of Jesus’ divine nature and His mission to save people and unite them with God. Thus, it lays the foundation for the entire Gospel, unfolding Jesus’ life and work.
Memory Text: John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Content:
3.1 In the Beginning – The Divine Logos
The Eternal Nature and Creative Power of the Divine Logos
John 1:1–5 reveals the divine nature of Jesus, the “Word,” and His role as Creator. John begins his Gospel by referencing the beginning, thereby affirming the eternal existence of Christ, who was before creation. He further explains that Jesus was with God, indicating the close relationship between the Son and the Father. At the same time, it is emphasized that Jesus Himself is God, which the Greek text clarifies by highlighting the divine attributes of the Word. Additionally, Jesus is depicted as the Creator through whom everything that exists was made. John thus highlights the central role of Jesus in the divine plan and in creation.
3.2 The Word Made Flesh
The Word Became Man: God’s Radical Nearness to Us
John 1:1-3,14 shows the profound truth that Jesus, the eternal Logos, God Himself, became flesh and lived among us. John emphasizes that the Logos is not an abstract idea but a person: Jesus Christ. This incarnation reveals God’s closeness and love for humanity by entering our world and living with us. The image of “dwelling among us” recalls the sanctuary where God was with the Israelites, now God comes to us in human form. This truth demonstrates the most radical form of God’s revelation and highlights how deep His love is. It is a source of comfort, as the Creator Himself became human to save us.
3.3 Hearing or Not Hearing the Word
Hearing or Rejecting the Word: People’s Response to the Light
John 1:9-13 describes the bitter reality that not all people accept the Light of Jesus Christ that has come into the world. Although He is the true Light that brings clarity to every person, many reject Him, especially His own people, Israel. This theme of accepting or rejecting Jesus runs throughout the entire Gospel of John. Nevertheless, John offers hope: all who accept Jesus become children of God through faith. This connection between the beginning and the end of the Gospel emphasizes the main goal: faith in Jesus as Savior and the gift of eternal life.
3.4 Reappearing Themes—Belief and Unbelief
The Response to the Light
In John 3:16–21, 9:35–41, and 12:36–46, the central theme of faith and unbelief, already introduced in the prologue, is deepened. In these passages, people are divided into two groups: those who believe in Jesus and accept the Light, and those who reject the Light and remain in darkness. John emphasizes that faith is active—it is not just about intellectual understanding but a heart attitude that is expressed in actions. Believers let the Light of Jesus shine into their lives and become children of God, while unbelievers avoid the Light and remain hostile toward Jesus. This separation underscores the profound significance of the decision to follow or reject Jesus.
3.5 Recurring Themes – Glory
Recurring Themes: Glory on the Cross
In John 17:1–5, Jesus speaks about His “hour” having come, which is associated with His glorification—a paradoxical glory revealed on the cross. While crucifixion was the most humiliating form of death in the ancient world, John portrays the cross as the pinnacle of divine glory. Jesus prays to the Father to glorify Him so that He can glorify the Father, pointing to the impending sacrifice and victory over sin. This glorification is manifested not only in the resurrection but also in the infinite love revealed in Jesus’ sacrificial death. It is a powerful contrast: the deepest human shame becomes the greatest moment of divine glory and redemption.
3.6 Summary
The Prelude to the Gospel: The Prologue and the Divine Word
In Lesson 3, the prologue of the Gospel of John addresses the eternal nature of Jesus and His role as the divine Logos (Word). John begins with the statement that Jesus was with God from the beginning and is Himself God. Jesus is described as the Light that comes into the world to enlighten people, yet many reject Him. Through the incarnation, the divine Word becomes flesh, and Jesus reveals God’s glory directly among humans. This prologue lays the groundwork for understanding the person of Jesus and His mission to reconcile people with God.
Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 2.Signs of Divinity | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 2.Signs of Divinity |
The Revelation of Jesus’ Divinity through His Miracles |
Lesson 2 explores the signs and miracles that reveal Jesus’ divinity. Through the Feeding of the Five Thousand, the Healing of the Blind Man, and the Raising of Lazarus, Jesus not only demonstrates His power over the physical world but also His role as Redeemer and Giver of Life. These miracles serve to point people towards a deeper spiritual truth: Jesus is the promised Messiah who has come to save humanity. His actions make it clear that He is not merely a prophet or teacher, but the divine Son of God. This realization invites believers to have faith in Him and receive eternal life.
Memory Text: John 11:25,26 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”
Content:
2.1 The Feeding of the Five Thousand
The Revelation of Jesus’ Divinity through the Feeding of the Five Thousand
In the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, John deliberately points to the temporal proximity to the Passover festival to highlight the parallel between Jesus and Moses. Just as Moses led the people of Israel in the wilderness and provided manna through God’s power, Jesus multiplied the loaves to feed the people. This act recalls the liberation from Egypt and symbolizes that Jesus is the new Moses who has come to finally free His people. The twelve baskets of leftovers refer to the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the completeness and God’s care for His people. Through this act, Jesus not only shows His power but also His divinity by revealing Himself as the true Passover Lamb, sacrificed for the sins of humanity. This is particularly confirmed by Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2, which emphasize that Jesus took upon Himself our sins to redeem us—a truth that forms the foundation of our faith.
2.2 “Surely, He Is the Prophet”
Jesus’ Revelation as the True Bread of Life
In John 6:14–15, the people responded to Jesus’ miracles with the desire to make Him their earthly king, as they saw Him as the expected prophet who could politically liberate them. However, Jesus tried to shift their attention from the material miracles to the spiritual truth: He is the “Bread of Life” that came down from heaven to give eternal life to people. However, the people did not understand that Jesus came to free them from sin, not from political oppressors. Jesus’ “I am” statement (“I am the Bread of Life”) refers to His divinity, as revealed in Exodus 3:14. Yet the crowd was primarily seeking short-term benefits rather than recognizing the deeper spiritual significance of His mission.
2.3 The Healing of the Blind Man, Part 1
The Revelation of God through the Healing of the Blind Man
In John 9:1–16, the disciples thought that the man’s blindness was the result of sin, either his own or his parents’. Jesus corrected this assumption by explaining that the blindness was not due to sin, but that through this suffering, the works of God would be revealed. Jesus’ healing of the blind man by using mud to heal him recalls creation when God formed man from the dust of the earth. John’s account emphasizes less the healing itself and more the ensuing discussion, particularly the growing faith of the blind man and the increasing confusion of the Pharisees. Although the Pharisees saw Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath as a breach of the law, the miracle caused division among them as some could not believe that a sinner could perform such signs.
2.4 The Healing of the Blind Man, Part 2
The Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees and the Growing Insight of the Healed Man
In John 9:17–34, the Pharisees repeatedly question the formerly blind man to challenge the authenticity of his healing and Jesus’ identity as a sinner. The man responds increasingly confidently, explaining that Jesus healed him and that no one who does not come from God could perform such a miracle. As the blind man gains more spiritual insight and believes in Jesus, the Pharisees become more obstinate and reject Jesus. This healing story shows a reversal of roles: the once blind man now sees clearly, while the religious leaders remain in their spiritual blindness. They refuse to recognize the obvious and expel the healed man from the synagogue. This story reminds us that true knowledge and wisdom are often given to those who are humble and open, as Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 1:26–29, while worldly wisdom can be blinded.
2.5 The Resurrection of Lazarus
Jesus’ Power Over Death and the Revelation of His Divinity
The raising of Lazarus in John 11 is one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles and clearly demonstrates His divine power over death. Despite the mourning over Lazarus’ death and Jesus’ apparent hesitation, the delay served a higher purpose: the revelation of God’s glory and the confirmation that Jesus is the “Resurrection and the Life.” By raising Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, Jesus proved that He has power over death and that through faith in Him, eternal life is possible. This miracle underscores the central message of the Gospel of John: Jesus is the divine Son of God, and through Him, we can receive true life. Yet, despite this incredible evidence, many of the leaders responded with disbelief and conspiracy, highlighting human blindness to divine wisdom.
2.6 Summary
The Revelation of Jesus’ Divinity through Miracles and Signs
In Lesson 2, Jesus’ divinity is clarified through various miracles and signs. In the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Jesus demonstrates His provision as the true “Bread of Life,” fulfilling people’s spiritual needs. The healing of the blind man reveals not only Jesus’ power over physical blindness but also the growing spiritual insight of the healed man in contrast to the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness. In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates His power over death and reveals Himself as the “Resurrection and the Life.” These miracles confirm that Jesus is the divine Son of God who brings eternal life.
Themes in the Gospel of John – Lesson 1.Signs That Point the Way | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 1.Signs That Point the Way |
The Revelation of Jesus through Miracles |
In this first lesson, we focus on the significant signs and miracles of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospel of John. Central to this is the miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–11), which serves as the first public sign of Jesus’ divine authority. Through the transformation of water into wine, Jesus not only reveals His power but also provides concrete evidence to His disciples and the attending guests that He is the promised Messiah. This miracle symbolizes the connection between the earthly and the divine and points to the forthcoming redemption that Jesus will bring for humanity. By examining this and other miracles, we gain a deeper understanding of how Jesus’ actions strengthen faith and guide the way to Him. These signs are not merely impressive deeds but carry a deeper spiritual significance that invites us to explore the true identity of Jesus and the impact of His works on our own lives.
Memory Text: John 20:30.31 – “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Content:
1.1 The Wedding at Cana
Signs That Show the Way
The miracle that Jesus performed in Cana, where he turned water into wine (John 2:1–11), was the first sign of his divine authority. This miracle not only revealed his power but also served as evidence for his disciples, who were strengthened in their faith through this event. By acting at a wedding—a place of joy and celebration—Jesus demonstrated that he engages with both the ordinary and the spiritual aspects of life. This sign also alludes to the Old Testament theme of liberation and redemption, similar to Moses leading the Israelites with signs and wonders. The miracle at Cana was a foreshadowing of the future redemption that Jesus would bring for humanity.
1.2 The Second Sign in Galilee
Faith Strengthened by Miracles
The second sign, which Jesus performed in Galilee by healing the son of a royal official (John 4:46–54), deepened the faith of his disciples and the surrounding people. John makes a deliberate connection to the first miracle in Cana to illustrate that Jesus’ signs are meant to strengthen faith. Despite Jesus’ seemingly harsh response, the official recognizes the spiritual dimension of his request and trusts Jesus’ words. The royal official realizes that faith in Jesus does not depend on visible miracles but on trusting his promises. Through this miracle, it becomes clear that Jesus heals not only physically but also spiritually.
1.3 The Miracle at the Pool of Bethesda
Healing Beyond the Expected
At the Pool of Bethesda, where the sick hoped for a miracle in the water, Jesus brought healing in an unexpected way (John 5:1–9). When he asked the paralyzed man if he wanted to be healed, he made it clear that true healing would not come from the pool but from himself. The man, who had waited for the water to move for years, found healing in Jesus’ words: “Get up, take your mat and walk!” Through faith in Jesus’ command, he immediately experienced the power of God. This miracle shows that true healing is often not found where we look for it but in encountering Jesus.
1.4 Hard Hearts
Blindness Despite the Miracle
The miracle at the Pool of Bethesda not only revealed Jesus’ power but also the hardening of the religious leaders’ hearts (John 5:10–16). Instead of praising God for the miracle of healing, they criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. This reaction shows how people can become blind to God’s work when they cling to rigid traditions and human rules. Their rejection of Jesus illustrates that spiritual blindness often arises from pride and false expectations. Jesus’ warning to them reminds us to examine our own hearts so that we do not overlook the truth that could lead us to freedom.
1.5 Jesus’ Claims
The Claim to Divinity
The miracle at the Pool of Bethesda provided Jesus the opportunity to reveal his divine authority. The religious leaders persecuted him not only because of his Sabbath healing but also because he referred to God as his Father, which they saw as blasphemy (John 5:16–18). Jesus defended his actions by explaining that he acts in harmony with the Father, just as God continues to work on the Sabbath to sustain the universe. In John 5:19–47, Jesus demonstrates through his words and witnesses that his claim to divinity is confirmed by his miracles and the Scriptures. The leaders, who referred to the Law of Moses, missed the true meaning of Jesus’ work and mission.
1.6 Summary
Miracles That Create Faith
The miracles that Jesus performed in the Gospel of John serve as signs that reveal his divine identity and strengthen his disciples’ faith. Each of these signs, beginning with the wedding at Cana, carries a deeper spiritual meaning and points to Jesus as the Savior. The healing of the royal official’s son and the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda not only affirm Jesus’ power but also his authority over physical and spiritual healing. These signs call people to recognize Jesus not only as a miracle worker but as the Messiah and Son of God. Despite the obvious miracles, the religious leaders persisted in their rejection, highlighting the danger of spiritual blindness.
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