Lesson 06- More Testimonies About Jesus

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Sabbath Afternoon

Key Points:

1. Jesus’ Words and Actions: Jesus didn’t only claim to be the Messiah; He proved it through miracles and signs.
2. Division and Reactions: Despite His miracles, Jesus’ actions caused division among people, leading some to reject Him and others to believe.
3. Ire of Leaders: Jesus’ healings, like the one at the pool of Bethesda, incited anger from some leaders who opposed Him.
4. Faith and Hostility: Miracles such as the resurrection of Lazarus led some to faith, while others became increasingly hostile toward Jesus.
5. Vision of Jesus as Messiah: Each incident involving testimonies and signs reveals more about Jesus’ true nature and purpose as the Messiah.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. Why did Jesus’ miracles and teachings cause division among people?

   • Some people couldn’t reconcile their expectations with Jesus’ true mission, leading to diverse responses of faith and hostility.

2. What does John 7:31 suggest about how people recognized Jesus?

   • His signs and miracles led many to believe He was the Messiah, as they couldn’t imagine anyone else doing more.

3. How should we respond when faced with division over faith in Jesus?

   • We should remain committed to understanding and believing in Jesus’ words and actions, even if it causes division.

Sunday, November 3

Lesson: Humility of Soul: John the Baptist Testifies Again

Key Points:

1. Humility of John the Baptist: John demonstrated humility, focusing on his role as a forerunner to Jesus, not as a rival.
2. Rejection of Jealousy: John’s disciples were concerned about Jesus’ growing following, but John responded by reaffirming his role in supporting Jesus’ mission.
3. Wedding Analogy: John used the analogy of a wedding, calling himself the friend of the bridegroom (Jesus), while Jesus is the groom.
4. “He Must Increase, I Must Decrease”: John emphasized his understanding that Jesus’ role was greater, and his purpose was to lead others to Christ.
5. Eternal Consequences: Those who accept Jesus’ testimony have eternal life, while those who reject Him face separation from God.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. How did John’s humility help his disciples focus on Jesus?

   • John’s humility directed their loyalty away from him and towards Jesus, the true source of salvation.

2. What can we learn about humility from John’s example?

   • John’s example shows that true humility involves supporting God’s mission, putting aside personal pride or jealousy.

3. Why is it important to recognize Jesus as greater than any earthly leader?

   • Acknowledging Jesus’ divine authority helps us maintain the proper focus on salvation and eternal life.

Monday, November 4

Lesson: A New Understanding of the Messiah

Key Points:

1. Different Expectations of the Messiah: Many expected a political leader, but John referred to Jesus as “the Lamb of God.”
2. Spiritual Purpose: John’s words about Jesus highlighted His sacrificial purpose rather than a political mission.
3. God’s Revelation to John: John came to know Jesus as the Messiah through divine revelation, not human understanding.
4. Redemption Through Sacrifice: Jesus came to offer Himself as a sacrifice, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering Savior, not a warrior.
5. Faith and Salvation: Only through faith and the Spirit’s guidance can we understand Jesus as the Savior.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. Why did John’s description of Jesus as the “Lamb of God” surprise people?

   • People expected a conquering Messiah, not a sacrificial Savior.

2. How does faith help us understand Jesus’ mission as the Lamb of God?

   • Faith allows us to grasp the spiritual significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of the world.

3. Why is it essential to study the Bible for understanding Jesus’ role?

   • The Bible reveals the truth about Jesus as our Redeemer, helping us align our understanding with God’s purpose.

Tuesday, November 5

Lesson: Acceptance and Rejection

Key Points:

1. Jesus, the Bread of Life: Jesus described Himself as the “bread of life,” but many struggled to accept His teachings.
2. Disappointment Over Earthly Expectations: Jesus’ refusal to become an earthly king led some followers to turn away.
3. Peter’s Confession: When others left, Peter affirmed that Jesus held the “words of eternal life.”
4. Staying Committed: Despite not fully understanding Jesus’ mission, the disciples continued to follow Him.
5. Truth Over Popularity: Jesus’ teachings remind us that truth may not always align with majority opinion.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. What can we learn from the disciples who left Jesus after His teachings?

   • Following Jesus requires spiritual understanding and commitment, especially when His message challenges our expectations.

2. Why did Peter stay when others left?

   • Peter recognized that Jesus was the source of eternal life, even if he didn’t fully understand everything.

3. What does this story teach about truth versus popularity?

   • True faith often requires standing firm in our beliefs, even if it means going against the majority.

Wednesday, November 6

Lesson: The Witness of the Father

Key Points:

1. The Father’s Testimony: The Father testifies about Jesus, affirming His identity and mission (John 5:36–38).
2. Miraculous Works as Proof: Jesus points to His works and miracles as evidence of His divine mission, a testimony from the Father.
3. Baptism Affirmation: At Jesus’ baptism, the Father declares Jesus as His beloved Son, marking the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11).
4. Glorifying the Son: Near the end of Jesus' ministry, the Father affirms His plan to glorify His name through Jesus (John 12:28).
5. Sacrifice of the Son: The Father’s testimony points to the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ ministry—His sacrificial death for humanity’s salvation.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. How does the Father’s testimony support Jesus’ claim of being sent by God?

   • The Father’s voice and the miracles Jesus performed were direct affirmations that Jesus was on a divine mission, sent to reveal God’s character and redeem humanity.

2. What significance did the Father’s voice at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration have?

   • These events publicly identified Jesus as God’s Son, providing divine endorsement for His ministry and authority.

3. Why is it essential to recognize the Father’s testimony about Jesus?

   • Acknowledging the Father’s testimony reinforces our understanding of Jesus’ divinity and the unique role He played in fulfilling God’s plan for salvation.

Thursday, November 7

Lesson: The Witness of the Crowd

Key Points:

1. Jesus’ Bold Claims: Jesus invites people to believe in Him, promising living water to all who thirst (John 7:37-38).
2. Crowd’s Mixed Reactions: Some thought Jesus was the Prophet or the Christ, while others doubted because they misunderstood His origin.
3. Testimony of Nicodemus: Nicodemus subtly defended Jesus before the Pharisees, showing his growing faith (John 7:51).
4. The Officers’ Response: Even those sent to arrest Jesus were impressed by His words, showing His impact on diverse groups.
5. Rejection by Religious Leaders: The Pharisees showed disdain for the crowd’s support of Jesus, revealing a prideful and dismissive attitude (John 7:49).

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. Why did some people believe Jesus was the Messiah while others doubted?

   • Some people accepted His words and miracles, but others were limited by preconceived ideas about the Messiah’s origin and role.

2. How did Nicodemus’ actions reveal his evolving faith?

   • By questioning the Pharisees’ intent to judge Jesus without a fair hearing, Nicodemus demonstrated an openness to Jesus’ message and a willingness to stand apart from his peers.

3. What can we learn from the Pharisees’ dismissal of the crowd’s beliefs?

   • Their attitude reminds us to be humble and open to God’s work among all people, rather than judging or belittling others’ faith experiences.

Friday, November 8

Lesson: Further Thought

Key Points:

1. Following Christ vs. Tradition: The disciples faced a choice between remaining with Jesus and returning to religious formalism, ultimately choosing Jesus for His message of peace and joy.
2. Truth Through Revelation: Only through Scripture do we come to know the most important truth—that Christ died for our sins, which science and reason alone cannot reveal.
3. Importance of Faith Testimonies: Recounting God’s actions in our lives strengthens personal faith and offers encouragement to others.
4. Evidence and Belief: People react differently to evidence of Jesus’ identity; some believe readily, while others reject it, showing the complex nature of faith.
5. Anchor of Faith: Like the disciples, we should hold onto Jesus as our “anchor” in life, a foundation that gives direction, meaning, and hope.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. Why do people respond differently to the same evidence about Jesus?

   • Personal backgrounds, biases, and openness to God’s guidance affect how individuals perceive and respond to evidence about Jesus.

2. Why should the Bible be our primary source for understanding Jesus?

   • While other disciplines offer insight, only the Bible reveals the redemptive truth that Christ died for our sins, making it essential for understanding salvation.

3. How does recounting God’s work in our lives support our faith?

   • Reflecting on God’s actions reminds us of His presence and faithfulness, reinforcing our trust and commitment to Him, especially in challenging times.