Lesson 10- The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Sabbath Afternoon: Introduction

Memory Text: “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:18).

The Gospel of John can be divided into four main sections: the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Epilogue. This week’s study delves into the Book of Glory, particularly focusing on Jesus’ farewell discourse and the profound statement in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Sunday: I Have Given You an Example

Lessons:

1. Humility in Service: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20) teaches us that true greatness lies in serving others.

   • Supporting Text: John 13:14-15

2. Leadership Through Humility: As Teacher and Lord, Jesus demonstrated that authority is for service, not self-promotion.

   • Supporting Text: John 13:13

3. Union with Christ: Peter’s reluctance to be served by Jesus shows the necessity of accepting Christ’s work in us.

   • Supporting Text: John 13:8

4. Preparation for the Cross: The washing of feet symbolized cleansing and spiritual preparation for the trials ahead.

   • Supporting Text: John 13:10-11

5. Following the Master’s Example: The Ordinance of Humility reminds us to emulate Jesus’ love and humility.

   • Supporting Text: Philippians 2:3-5

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the Ordinance of Humility teach about leadership?

   • Answer: It teaches that leadership is about selfless service, as modeled by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

2. How can we serve others in a way that reflects Jesus’ humility?

   • Answer: By prioritizing their needs over our pride and seeking ways to meet practical and spiritual needs.

3. Why did Peter initially refuse to let Jesus wash his feet?

   • Answer: Peter struggled to accept the idea of his Master taking on such a lowly task, highlighting human resistance to grace.

Monday: I Will Certainly Come Again

Lessons:

1. The Promise of His Return: Jesus assures His disciples of His second coming, bringing comfort amid confusion.

   • Supporting Text: John 14:1-3

2. Certainty of the Promise: The Greek text emphasizes that Jesus’ return is not just a hope but a certainty.

   • Supporting Text: John 14:3 (Greek tense usage)

3. A Prepared Place: Jesus’ words about His Father’s house signify personal care and preparation for His followers.

   • Supporting Text: John 14:2

4. Eternal Perspective: The promise shifts focus from present trials to eternal joy with Christ.

   • Supporting Text: Daniel 7:27

5. Faith in the Promiser: Our confidence in the Second Coming stems from trusting Jesus, who fulfilled past promises.

   • Supporting Text: Hebrews 10:23

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Jesus’ promise of return bring hope today?

   • Answer: It reassures us that the struggles of this world are temporary and points to eternal life with Him.

2. What does Jesus’ preparation of a place tell us about His love?

   • Answer: It reflects His deep personal care and intention to be with us forever.

3. How can the certainty of Christ’s return influence our daily lives?

   • Answer: It motivates us to live faithfully, sharing His love and truth with others.

Tuesday: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Lessons:

1. The Only Path: Jesus declares Himself the exclusive way to the Father, bridging humanity’s separation from God.

   • Supporting Text: John 14:6

2. Revelation of God: Jesus, as the Word, reveals the Father’s character and love.

   • Supporting Text: John 1:18

3. Certainty in the Truth: Jesus is not just a teacher of truth but the embodiment of truth.

   • Supporting Text: John 14:6

4. Eternal Life Through Christ: Jesus, the Life, offers spiritual vitality and eternal fellowship with God.

   • Supporting Text: John 11:25

5. Faith That Sees: Knowing Jesus allows us to truly understand the Father.

   • Supporting Text: John 14:7-9

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is Jesus the only way to the Father?

   • Answer: Because He bridges the gap caused by sin and fully reveals God’s character.

2. How does knowing Jesus help us understand the Father?

   • Answer: Jesus is the exact representation of the Father, showing His love, grace, and truth.

3. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Life?

   • Answer: It means He is the source of spiritual and eternal life, reconnecting us with God.

Wednesday: I Am the Truth

Lessons:

1. Truth Embodied: Jesus is the truth, not as a concept but as a Person who reveals God’s ultimate reality.

   • Supporting Text: John 1:14; John 14:6

2. Moral Faithfulness: Truth in John’s Gospel involves both factual accuracy and faithfulness to God.

   • Supporting Text: John 8:32

3. Truth Opposes Darkness: Truth contrasts with sin and the lies of the enemy.

   • Supporting Text: John 3:19-21; John 8:44

4. The Spirit of Truth: The Holy Spirit continues Jesus’ mission of guiding believers into truth.

   • Supporting Text: John 15:26

5. Truth as Light: Jesus, as the Truth, illuminates life and provides clarity for living in a confused world.

   • Supporting Text: John 8:12

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean for truth to be a Person rather than an abstract concept?

   • Answer: It means truth is relational and embodied in Jesus, who reveals God and His will.

2. How does the Spirit of Truth guide us today?

   • Answer: By illuminating Scripture, convicting of sin, and pointing us to Christ.

3. Why is understanding truth important in a world of moral relativism?

   • Answer: It anchors us in God’s unchanging principles and provides a foundation for faith and practice.

Thursday: The Scriptures and the Truth

The Bible reveals crucial truths about Jesus, His mission, and His role in our lives. The Scriptures point us to Him as the way, the truth, and the life. Below are five important lessons from the Bible, with supporting texts, and three discussion questions with answers.

Five Important Lessons

1. The Scriptures Testify About Jesus

   • John 5:38-40: Jesus emphasized that the Scriptures reveal Him and provide eternal life when understood correctly.
   • Lesson: The Bible’s ultimate purpose is to lead us to Christ and His saving grace.

2. Jesus is Central to All Scripture

   • Luke 24:27: Jesus explained to the disciples how the Old Testament writings pointed to Him.
   • Lesson: Every part of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, centers on Jesus.

3. The Fulfillment of Prophecy Validates Jesus

   • John 5:46-47: Moses wrote about Jesus, showing the continuity of Scripture in revealing the Messiah.
   • Lesson: Prophecy demonstrates God’s divine plan and assures us of Jesus' role as the Savior.

4. The Bible Provides Life's Meaning

   • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips us for every good work and guides us to understand God’s purpose.
   • Lesson: The Bible answers foundational questions about life, purpose, and eternity.

5. The Scriptures Are Inspired by the Holy Spirit

   • 2 Peter 1:20-21: Prophecy and Scripture were inspired by the Holy Spirit, not human interpretation.
   • Lesson: The Bible is divinely inspired and trustworthy for understanding truth.

Discussion Questions with Answers

1. What are some truths taught in the Bible that science, even in theory, can never teach us?

   • Answer:
     • The existence of a Creator and the origins of humanity (Genesis 1:1).
     • The plan of salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
     • The reality of the resurrection and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
     • The Second Coming of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
     • The great controversy between good and evil (Revelation 12:7-9).

2. Why did Jesus point to the Scriptures to reveal His mission?

   • Answer:
     • To show that His life and mission were the fulfillment of God’s plan as revealed in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53).
     • To validate His identity as the Messiah through prophecy (Luke 4:17-21).
     • To provide a foundation of faith grounded in God’s Word (Romans 10:17).

3. What does the rebellion of Lucifer teach us about free will?

   • Answer:
     • Lucifer’s fall demonstrates that free will is a gift from God, allowing us to choose obedience or rebellion (Isaiah 14:12-14).
     • It shows the importance of daily surrender to God to align our will with His (James 4:7).
     • Even in a perfect environment, loyalty to God requires trust and faith in His goodness.

Friday: Further Thought

The teachings of Jesus and Scripture deepen our understanding of His role as the Light of the World and the significance of His mission. Below are five important lessons from the Bible with supporting texts, along with three discussion questions and their answers.

Five Important Lessons

1. Jesus Is the Light of the World

   • John 8:12: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
   • Lesson: Jesus illuminates the spiritual darkness of this world, providing guidance and eternal hope.

2. The Scriptures Reveal the Messiah

   • Luke 24:44: Jesus explained that all things written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.
   • Lesson: The Bible is a unified revelation of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

3. Christ as the Fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles

   • John 7:37-38: Jesus offered Himself as the source of living water during the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing the Messiah's role in bringing spiritual refreshment.
   • Lesson: Jesus fulfills the symbols of Israel’s festivals, pointing to His mission as the Savior.

4. Jesus Guides Us Like the Pillar of Light

   • Exodus 13:21-22: The pillar of cloud and fire guided Israel in the wilderness, symbolizing God’s presence and protection.
   • Lesson: Just as God led Israel, Jesus leads His people today, providing light and direction.

5. Free Will Requires Trust and Surrender

   • Joshua 24:15: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve."
   • Lesson: God has given us free will to choose Him. Daily surrender to His guidance ensures we remain in His light.

Discussion Questions with Answers

1. What crucial truths taught by the Bible could we never learn from science?

   • Answer:
     • The plan of salvation: Science cannot explain the Cross or how Jesus’ sacrifice provides forgiveness (Romans 5:8).
     • The resurrection: The power of Jesus to conquer death and offer eternal life is beyond scientific explanation (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
     • The Second Coming: The promise of Jesus’ return to establish His kingdom is a divine revelation (John 14:1-3).

2. Why is it significant that Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world"?

   • Answer:
     • It connects to the Feast of Tabernacles, where the light symbolized hope for the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled this hope, proclaiming Himself as the spiritual light of all humanity.
     • His statement emphasizes that He is the ultimate source of truth and life for a dark world in need of redemption (Isaiah 60:1-3).

3. What does Lucifer's fall teach us about free will?

   • Answer:
     • Lucifer’s rebellion shows that even a perfect being with full knowledge of God can choose to reject Him, emphasizing the power and responsibility of free will (Isaiah 14:12-15).
     • It underscores the need for humility and continual reliance on God’s grace to remain faithful (James 4:7).