NOTE: So sorry. My mother passed away last week so I was not able to make this earlier.
Read for This Week’s Study
John 1:1–5, Gen. 1:1, John 1:9–13, John 3:16–21, John 9:35–41, Matt. 7:21–23, John 17:1–5.
Memory Text:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
Sabbath Afternoon:
Key Points:
- John's Purpose: The prologue of John's Gospel sets the direction, revealing profound truths about Jesus that the characters in the story may not fully grasp.
- Themes in John's Writing: New Testament writers often introduce their key themes in the opening sections, and John follows this pattern by starting with cosmic themes about Jesus’ identity.
- Grand Cosmic Scope: John’s prologue reaches back before Creation, emphasizing Jesus' eternal nature and role in divine plans.
- Historical Context: Readers are invited to see Jesus' earthly life within the grand context of God's salvation plan for humanity.
- Preview of Jesus' Life: John provides readers an overview of Jesus’ divine nature, setting the stage for his Gospel’s unfolding narrative.
Discussion Questions:
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Why does John begin his Gospel by looking back before Creation?
- Answer: To emphasize Jesus' eternal nature, showing that He is not just a historical figure but the eternal Son of God involved in Creation.
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How do the themes introduced in the prologue shape the rest of John’s Gospel?
- Answer: The themes of Jesus’ divinity, His relationship with the Father, and His mission to save humanity recur throughout the Gospel, helping to frame the story.
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What advantage do modern readers have compared to the characters in the Gospel?
- Answer: Modern readers know that Jesus is the Messiah, which gives them insight into understanding His actions and words in the context of God's redemptive plan.
Sunday: In the Beginning—The Divine Logos
Key Points:
- The Logos: John introduces Jesus as the "Word" (Logos), connecting Him with both the creation narrative and the divine nature.
- Jesus and Creation: Jesus, the Word, was present before the creation of the universe, affirming His eternal existence.
- Divine Intimacy: Jesus is described as being “with God,” indicating a close relationship with the Father.
- The Word as God: Though distinct from the Father, Jesus shares in the fullness of divinity.
- Jesus as Creator: John emphasizes that Jesus is the Creator, through whom everything was made.
Discussion Questions:
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What does John mean when he says “the Word was with God, and the Word was God”?
- Answer: This highlights the unity between Jesus and the Father, affirming Jesus' full divinity and eternal existence alongside the Father.
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How does the concept of Jesus as Creator affect our understanding of Him?
- Answer: It shows that Jesus is not a mere teacher or prophet but the divine Creator, worthy of worship and central to the universe’s existence.
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Why is the deity of Christ essential to Christian theology?
- Answer: Without Jesus’ divinity, His sacrifice would not have infinite value, and He would be incapable of bridging the gap between humanity and God.
Monday: The Word Made Flesh
Key Points:
- The Incarnation: John emphasizes that the eternal Word became flesh, revealing the radical nature of God’s love by becoming human.
- God’s Dwelling with Humanity: The term “dwelt among us” alludes to the tabernacle in the Old Testament, showing that God’s presence is now with us through Jesus.
- Philosophical Context: John redefines the concept of "Logos," used in Greek philosophy, as not an abstract force but a person—Jesus Christ.
- Revealing God's Character: Jesus, in becoming flesh, communicates God’s love and character in a personal and tangible way.
- Human Connection: Jesus’ incarnation means He shares in the human experience, offering comfort and hope to humanity.
Discussion Questions:
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What does it mean for Jesus to be the Word made flesh?
- Answer: It means that God, in His infinite love, chose to become fully human, experiencing life as we do in order to save us.
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How does the concept of God “pitching His tent” among us change our understanding of His closeness?
- Answer: It shows that God desires a personal relationship with us, living among His people and participating in their struggles and joys.
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What comfort can we take from the truth that God became one of us?
- Answer: This truth assures us of God’s deep love and empathy, demonstrating that He understands our human condition and has made a way for our redemption.
Tuesday: Hearing or Not Hearing the Word
Key Points:
- Light for Everyone: Jesus is the true Light who came to enlighten everyone, though not all accept Him.
- Rejection by His Own: Despite being the Messiah, many of His own people, Israel, did not recognize or accept Jesus.
- Becoming Children of God: Those who do receive and believe in Jesus are given the right to become children of God.
- John’s Central Theme: John highlights belief in Jesus as essential for salvation, a theme that runs throughout his Gospel.
- Spiritual Vision: The ability to "see" or "hear" the Word (Jesus) depends on spiritual openness to the light of Christ.
Discussion Questions:
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Why do some people not accept the light of Christ even when it is revealed to them?
- Answer: Many reject Christ because of spiritual blindness, self-interest, or unwillingness to surrender to the transformative power of the light.
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What does it mean to become a child of God through belief in Jesus?
- Answer: It means entering into a personal, familial relationship with God, where one is adopted into His family and inherits eternal life.
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How does John 1:9–13 connect to the overall theme of belief in the Gospel of John?
- Answer: John emphasizes that belief in Jesus as the Son of God is essential for salvation, and this belief brings about the transformative experience of becoming God’s child.
Wednesday – Reappearing Themes: Belief and Unbelief
Key Points:
- Division of Humanity: John’s Gospel depicts humanity as divided between those who believe in Jesus and those who reject Him.
- Belief as Active Faith: The Greek verb "pisteuō" (believe) appears 98 times in John, emphasizing that belief is an active, lived-out faith.
- Openness Toward Jesus: Believers are open to Jesus’ teachings, even when challenging, and receive His light.
- Resistance to Jesus: Unbelievers reject Jesus, often clashing with Him, preferring darkness over the light He brings.
- Faith and Salvation: The Gospel of John’s ultimate purpose is that people may believe in Jesus as the Son of God and be saved (John 20:31).
Discussion Questions:
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How does John’s use of "believe" as a verb affect our understanding of faith?
- It shows that faith in Jesus is not just intellectual but involves active trust and obedience.
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What are some ways in which belief in Jesus transforms one’s life?
- It brings light into one's life, provides guidance, leads to a relationship with God, and changes how a person lives and interacts with others.
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Why do some people prefer to reject Jesus despite being exposed to the truth?
- People may reject Jesus because they are unwilling to let go of old traditions, are blinded by pride, or fear the changes accepting Him would bring.
Thursday – Reappearing Themes: Glory
Key Points:
- Jesus' Glory and the Cross: In John, Jesus' glory is paradoxically linked to His crucifixion, the moment of His greatest shame and suffering.
- Glory in the Prologue: Jesus’ glory is first referenced in His becoming flesh and dwelling among humanity (John 1:14).
- The Hour of Glory: In John 17:1–5, Jesus prays for His glorification, referring to His impending death as the "hour" when He will glorify the Father.
- Divine and Human Storylines: John intertwines the divine cosmic plan of salvation with the human story of Jesus' life and death.
- The Irony of the Cross: God’s greatest glory—offering salvation to humanity—was revealed through the humiliation and suffering of the cross.
Discussion Questions:
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How does the concept of glory differ between the human and divine perspectives?
- Humanly, glory is associated with power and fame, while divine glory is revealed in humility and sacrifice, especially in the cross.
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Why is it significant that Jesus’ "hour of glory" is His death on the cross?
- It shows that God’s greatest act of love and redemption—saving humanity—was achieved through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus' life.
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What does the cross tell us about the gravity of sin and God’s plan to save us?
- The cross reveals that sin is so severe that it required the death of God Himself to redeem us, showing both the depth of sin and the magnitude of God’s love.
Friday – Further Thought
Key Points:
- Jesus’ Eternal Existence: Ellen G. White highlights that Jesus, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity and shared in the glory of heaven with the Father.
- Jesus as the Creator: John’s emphasis on Jesus as Creator ties His role in creation to His role in redemption, underscoring the importance of Creation theology.
- Jesus’ Love and Sacrifice: Christ’s love, demonstrated by His death on the cross, is incomprehensible and draws sinners to repentance.
- Power of the Cross: The cross is the central event in salvation history, revealing God’s glory and drawing people to Him.
- Mystery of the Incarnation: The mystery of Jesus’ divinity and humanity illuminates other truths, such as God’s character and His plan for redemption.
Discussion Questions:
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Why is understanding Jesus as the Creator essential to the Christian faith?
- It reinforces His divine authority, the power of His redemption, and His ability to restore what was lost in Creation through sin.
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What do we lose if Jesus is seen as a created being and not the eternal God?
- If Jesus were a created being, His sacrifice would not be sufficient to cover the sins of all humanity. Only the eternal God could provide an infinite atonement for sin.
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How does contemplating Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross inspire a deeper appreciation for God’s love?
- It shows the lengths to which God was willing to go to save us, revealing a love that is beyond human comprehension and calling us to respond in faith and gratitude.
Write a comment
Melany Marthinus (Monday, 07 October 2024 20:27)
Thank you for being my lesson study support
Shedrick mwendela (Tuesday, 08 October 2024 09:55)
Thank you for being my lesson teacher
Biden Odhiambo (Saturday, 12 October 2024 01:10)
Teachers copy
Renny Saycon (Saturday, 12 October 2024 06:54)
Thanks for the lesson
Davis (Saturday, 12 October 2024 07:01)
Thanks for the lesson.teachers copy
Aubrey (Sunday, 13 October 2024 14:39)
I really appreciate for being my mentor. Wonderful teacher's insight.
Lafayette kerkula (Sunday, 13 October 2024 22:16)
My thanks and appreciation for you bringing us the teacher edition soon last week. My sabbath school class was active and enjoyable. I pray and hope that you will bring it sooner this week please.
Ben M Turner (Monday, 14 October 2024 11:47)
Appreciate the great support for the weekly lesson summary
Cirilo (Wednesday, 16 October 2024 05:21)
Thank you
Craig Hull (Wednesday, 16 October 2024 08:06)
In speaking of His preexistence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He to whose voice the Jews were then listening had been with God as one brought up with Him.
Christ’s words were spoken with a quiet dignity and with an assurance and power that sent conviction to the hearts of the scribes and Pharisees. They felt the power of the message sent from heaven. God was knocking at the door of their hearts, entreating entrance.
He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. . . . He is the eternal, self-existent Son.
In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath life” (1 John 5:12). The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life. “He that believeth in me,” said Jesus, “though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” . . . Christ here looks forward to the time of His second coming.—Lift Him Up, p. 17.
Craig Hull (Wednesday, 16 October 2024 08:08)
While God’s Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding His preexistence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father. From everlasting He was the Mediator of the covenant, the One in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted Him, were to be blessed. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God. . . .
God and Christ knew from the beginning of the apostasy of Satan and of the fall of Adam through the deceptive power of the apostate. The plan of salvation was designed to redeem the fallen race, to give them another trial. Christ was appointed to the office of Mediator from the creation of God, set up from everlasting to be our substitute and surety. Before the world was made, it was arranged that the divinity of Christ should be enshrouded in humanity. “A body,” said Christ, “hast thou prepared me.” But He did not come in human form until the fullness of time had expired. Then He came to our world, a babe in Bethlehem.—Lift Him Up, p. 74.
Irene (Wednesday, 16 October 2024)
I really enjoy the teachers points especially when having to lead the lesson for the week. Thank you very appreciative.
N.Kataina (Wednesday, 16 October 2024 15:22)
Thanxmuch for the teachers guide. Much appreciated. It really helps understand the lesson fully. Simple and full of depth resouces which enrich my understand . May God abundantly bless your work of sharing his word. God bless
ISACK LUSAKA (Thursday, 17 October 2024 08:21)
i am wait teacher`s guide line notes ,with lesson points
DANI (Thursday, 17 October 2024 12:55)
i am wait teacher`s guide line notes ,with lesson points
Lafayette kerkula (Thursday, 17 October 2024 22:46)
Hello! There is no teacher edition for week, Why? Please don't disappoint us. I'm still waiting for the teacher edition for this week please.
Steve (Friday, 18 October 2024 07:38)
A wonderful summary
Awino (Friday, 18 October 2024 07:42)
But nowadays I have difficulty on downloading the summary and accessing it on time
Dani (Friday, 18 October 2024 09:18)
Sorry !!
You have strong !!
God keep you !!
ISACK LUSAKA (Friday, 18 October 2024 10:31)
sorry for your misforture met you last week,GOD KEEP YOU ,STRONG HEART
Gloria (Friday, 18 October 2024 11:27)
Sorry for your loss. May God give you strength in your trying time.
Wontwoni Jimmy (Friday, 18 October 2024 11:46)
Thanks for the deeper insight and the spirit led discussion
Danielkiago (Friday, 18 October 2024 11:56)
Sorry for the loss of your mom.... Me having lost both of my parents I can assure you that you will get comfort from our Lord Jesus Christ as we look forward to meet them in that beautiful morning.... it's well bro
Lafayette kerkula (Friday, 18 October 2024 15:02)
I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Thanks for bringing the teacher edition to us. Your mother died, and you still brought the teacher edition for this week. May God almighty continue to bless you.
Coni hu (Friday, 18 October 2024 15:27)
My condolence. I been waiting for this post for it helps a lot in my understanding of the lessons every week. Thank you so much. God bless you.
Vince (Friday, 18 October 2024 19:36)
Sorry for the great loss Teacher. May the good Lord comfort you as u nevigate thru the trying times. Always Remember we are in the Great Controversy.
Once again thanks for the powerful lessons. God bless you
Raquel (Friday, 18 October 2024 19:44)
Happy Sabbath!
I always waiting this summary.
Very well summarized.
Thank you!
May you feel well.�
Philip khensa (Friday, 18 October 2024 20:11)
Appreciate the weeks'lesson summary
Bovene (Friday, 18 October 2024 20:31)
My condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort in God!
Simeon Onyoni (Friday, 18 October 2024 21:03)
This message of Jesus has really helped me to know more about the relationship between the word and Jesus himself being fresh. It has helped me to understand why Jesus died and the reason as to why we should believe
Kelly (Friday, 18 October 2024 22:44)
Sorry for the loss of your dear mother. We hold dearly to the promise of a resurrection morning. May God strengthen you all the way.
Meanwhile, thank you for the lesson summary. God bless you!
Lynette (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:00)
Sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. May God comfort you and your family in this sad time.
Kenneth kiage (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:05)
Sincere condolences to family , church and friends. May the lord give you strength .
Trinity (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:18)
Sorry about your mum's leaving .Be comforted in Jesus Christ.hugs.
Tawonga (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:22)
Sorry for your loss the lord should make you strong but remember that the day will come we will meet our loved ones
Samson Omasire (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:23)
Sorry for the loss of your dearest mother may you find comfort from above. And thanks for the lesson guide, be blessed
Arnold Banda (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:24)
Sorry for the loss of your mother, may God continue comforting you and the family.
Lucia (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:24)
Sorry for your loss I pray God will give you comfort �
Thank you for the lesson study we always look forward to it .May God inspire you more and more as your are so obedient to His calling God bless � �
Anyango (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:32)
Sorry for the loss of your dear mother may God comfort you. Thanks for lesson study guide may God strengthen you to continue with the good work �
Luke kabwe (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:36)
Thank you for the lesson God bless you
Daudi Richard Masanja (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:40)
I'm so sorry for that Pastor, may the Lord give you courage through this hard time and be your comforter to your family
Luckson Bwalya (Friday, 18 October 2024 23:55)
My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss, Thanks for the insightful study, very brief and loaded
Peter Mariridza (Saturday, 19 October 2024 00:06)
Thank you so much, keep up the good work.
Faith (Saturday, 19 October 2024 01:01)
Kind request which site can i be getting this notes coninually?
my email is:munyi.faith@yahoo.com
The Almighty God comfort you and your family during this times.
Amen
Osei Mensah Simon (Saturday, 19 October 2024 01:38)
Happy blessed and a glorious sabbath day beloved, may God richly bless you as far as this great work of yours is concerned.I have been really enjoying it
Uncle Zubby (Saturday, 19 October 2024 01:46)
So for your loss. She is resting now, awaiting resurrection.
SHAKA GODIDE DUBE (Saturday, 19 October 2024 02:25)
Thank you so much
GOD BLESSED
Dominic Nyariki (Saturday, 19 October 2024 04:04)
I'm so sorry for that loss, may God be with you always. Thank you for your lesson update, it makes me to grow spiritual. Amen
Muwanguzi Henry (Saturday, 19 October 2024 05:52)
Sorry for loss, may God comfort and strengthen you in this trying moment
Lucy Inkisopo (Saturday, 19 October 2024 06:09)
Sorry for your loss, may God comfort and strengthen you. Thank you for lesson update
Shelamie Santillan (Saturday, 19 October 2024 08:17)
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your trying times. You are not alone. We are always grateful for you for all that you do in this Ministry. Thank you for feeding our soul. May our loving Heavenly Father keep you and bless you in everything that you do.
Jackie Hicks (Monday, 21 October 2024 22:00)
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother! I'm praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for you and your family. Thank you so much for this wonderful ministry you have. These notes on the Sabbath School lesson are such a blessing to me!
Luisa (Wednesday, 23 October 2024 16:20)
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with you and your loved ones in your time of sorrow.
Hold on to God's promise of Joy that comes in the morning and His soon return.
Thank you for continuously summarising and sharing the weekly lessons.
God Bless from Fiji