30. September 2024

Lesson 12- The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

Sabbath Afternoon

Key Points:

  1. Jesus’ Death as Enthronement

    • Supporting Text: “John presents the Cross as the enthronement of Jesus” (John 7:30; John 12:27).
    • Jesus' death was the ultimate paradox: shame in human terms, but glory in divine terms.

  2. Central Theme of John's Gospel

    • Supporting Text: “Jesus answered, ‘For this purpose I was born… to bear witness to the truth’ ” (John 18:37).
    • Jesus' purpose was to reveal truth and fulfill the Father’s plan.

  3. Fulfillment of Prophecies

    • Supporting Text: “Each Gospel presents the death of Jesus differently, but all align with prophecy” (Matthew 27:35).
    • This highlights God’s faithfulness and the predetermined nature of Jesus’ mission.

  4. The Hour of Glory

    • Supporting Text: “The idea of the hour… referred to numerous times in John” (John 7:30; John 8:20).
    • The “hour” represents Jesus’ mission culminating at the Cross.

  5. Irony of the Cross

    • Supporting Text: Jesus’ shameful death was paradoxically His moment of glory (John 19:19).

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does John refer to the Cross as Jesus’ enthronement?

    • Answer: It reflects the divine irony of God’s power displayed in human weakness.

  2. How does Jesus bear witness to the truth in His death and resurrection?

    • Answer: Through fulfilling prophecies and embodying God’s plan of salvation.

  3. What does the "hour" signify in John’s Gospel?

    • Answer: It represents the completion of Jesus’ mission to redeem humanity.

Sunday – What Is Truth?

Key Points:

  1. Pilate's Question

    • Supporting Text: “Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’ ” (John 18:38).
    • Pilate failed to recognize that Truth stood before him.

  2. Jesus' Kingdom

    • Supporting Text: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
    • Jesus clarifies His spiritual kingship.

  3. Contrast of Darkness and Light

    • Supporting Text: “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
    • Truth is tied to Jesus’ identity and His divine mission.

  4. Pilate's Evasion

    • Supporting Text: “He went out to try to save Jesus from the crowd” (John 18:38).
    • Pilate avoided answering Jesus’ question due to pressure and prejudice.

  5. Missed Opportunity

    • Supporting Text: Pilate's indecision cost him the chance to embrace truth (John 19:6).

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does Jesus embody truth?

    • Answer: He reveals God’s character and fulfills divine promises.

  2. Why did Pilate fail to grasp the truth?

    • Answer: Prejudice, external pressures, and spiritual blindness hindered him.

  3. What is the significance of Jesus’ statement, “My kingdom is not of this world”?

    • Answer: It highlights the spiritual nature of His reign and mission.

 

Monday – Behold the Man!

Key Points:

  1. Mockery of Jesus

    • Supporting Text: “The soldiers put a crown of thorns and a purple robe on Him” (John 19:2).
    • This ridicule contrasts with His true kingship.

  2. Pilate’s Declaration

    • Supporting Text: “Behold the man!” (John 19:5).
    • A poignant statement that unintentionally points to Jesus’ divine role.

  3. People Choose Barabbas

    • Supporting Text: “Not this man, but Barabbas!” (John 18:40).
    • The crowd’s choice reflects humanity’s rejection of God.

  4. Pilate’s Fear

    • Supporting Text: “He sought to release Him but was afraid” (John 19:12).
    • Pilate’s indecision shows the consequences of fear over truth.

  5. Religious Leaders' Hypocrisy

    • Supporting Text: “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15).
    • Their rejection of Jesus underscored their spiritual blindness.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “Behold the man” signify in this context?

    • Answer: It ironically acknowledges Jesus’ dual role as human and divine Savior.

  2. Why did the crowd choose Barabbas over Jesus?

    • Answer: They were manipulated by religious leaders and blind to Jesus’ identity.

  3. How does Pilate’s fear influence his actions?

    • Answer: It led him to prioritize self-preservation over justice.

 

 

Tuesday – “It Is Finished”

Key Points:

  1. The Inscription

    • Supporting Text: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
    • Pilate’s inscription unintentionally proclaimed the truth.

  2. Mary at the Cross

    • Supporting Text: “Woman, behold your son!” (John 19:26).
    • Jesus demonstrated care for His mother even in death.

  3. Fulfillment of Scripture

    • Supporting Text: “To fulfill the Scripture… It is finished” (John 19:28-30).
    • Jesus’ mission was the complete fulfillment of God’s plan.

  4. The Final Victory

    • Supporting Text: “It is finished” signifies the completion of atonement (John 19:30).

  5. Divine Providence

    • Supporting Text: “A higher power had directed the placing of that inscription” (DA, p. 745).

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “It is finished” mean in the context of salvation?

    • Answer: Jesus completed His mission to redeem humanity.

  2. How does Jesus’ care for His mother reflect His character?

    • Answer: It shows His compassion and love even in suffering.

  3. Why is the inscription significant?

    • Answer: It points to Jesus as the true King, fulfilling prophecy.

 

 

 

Wednesday – The Empty Tomb

Key Points:

  1. The Empty Tomb

    • Supporting Text: “The tomb was empty; the stone was rolled away” (John 20:1).
    • The resurrection confirms Jesus’ victory over death.

  2. The Folded Face Cloth

    • Supporting Text: “The face cloth was folded separately” (John 20:7).
    • This detail suggests intentionality, not theft.

  3. Belief in the Resurrection

    • Supporting Text: “He went in, saw, and believed” (John 20:8).
    • The evidence led John to believe in Jesus’ resurrection.

  4. Grave Robbery Unlikely

    • Supporting Text: Guards and folded cloths made theft improbable (Matthew 27:62-66).

  5. Resurrection as Proof

    • Supporting Text: “If Christ is not raised… your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the empty tomb significant for Christians?

    • Answer: It affirms Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

  2. What does the folded face cloth symbolize?

    • Answer: It signifies order and intention, not chaos or theft.

  3. How does the resurrection validate Jesus’ mission?

    • Answer: It confirms His divinity and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

 

Thursday - Jesus and Mary

5 Important Points

  1. Mary Magdalene's Misunderstanding

    • Supporting Text: John 20:11-13
      Mary wept at the tomb, not fully understanding the significance of the empty tomb, believing someone had taken Jesus’ body.

  2. The Presence of Angels

    • Supporting Text: John 20:12
      Mary saw two angels sitting where Jesus' body had been, yet her grief prevented her from comprehending their presence or message.

  3. Jesus’ Appearance

    • Supporting Text: John 20:14-15
      Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener until He called her by name, revealing Himself as the risen Savior.

  4. Mary's Mission

    • Supporting Text: John 20:17
      Jesus instructed Mary to tell His disciples that He was ascending to His Father, emphasizing the new relationship with God as "My Father and your Father."

  5. The Transformative Power of Resurrection

    • Supporting Text: John 20:18
      Mary’s testimony to the disciples demonstrated her faith and obedience, affirming Jesus’ victory over death.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did Mary initially fail to recognize Jesus?
    Answer: Mary was overwhelmed by grief and focused on finding Jesus’ body, not expecting His resurrection (John 20:14-15).

  2. Why was it significant that Jesus appeared to Mary first?
    Answer: This demonstrated Jesus’ compassion and broke cultural norms by entrusting the first message of His resurrection to a woman (John 20:17).

  3. What is the importance of Jesus’ words, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father”?
    Answer: These words affirm the reconciliation between humanity and God through Christ’s death and resurrection, establishing believers as children of God (John 20:17).

 

 

Friday - Further Thought

5 Important Points

  1. Pilate’s Tragic Choice

    • Supporting Text: The Desire of Ages, p. 738
      Pilate prioritized his position over justice, sacrificing Jesus to maintain worldly power.

  2. The Victory of the Cross

    • Supporting Text: John 19:30, The Desire of Ages, p. 758
      Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” signifies the completion of His redemptive mission and victory over sin.

  3. The Cosmic Impact of Christ’s Victory

    • Supporting Text: The Desire of Ages, p. 758
      Christ’s triumph brought joy to angels and unfallen worlds, confirming Satan’s defeat.

  4. The Centrality of the Resurrection

    • Supporting Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
      Without the resurrection, Christian faith is futile, and believers remain in their sins.

  5. Scriptural and Historical Evidence for the Resurrection

    • Supporting Text: The Desire of Ages, pp. 779–787
      Both Scripture and historical accounts provide compelling evidence for the resurrection, reinforcing its foundational importance to Christianity.

Discussion Questions

  1. What decision-making processes can help avoid mistakes like Pilate’s?
    Answer: Prioritizing conscience and principle over self-interest, seeking divine guidance, and resisting peer pressure can help avoid compromising decisions.

  2. Why was Christ’s death necessary for salvation?
    Answer: Jesus’ death fulfilled the requirements of divine justice, serving as the perfect substitute for humanity's sins (Isaiah 53:5, John 3:16).

  3. How does Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15 refute the idea that the dead go straight to heaven?
    Answer: Paul emphasizes the necessity of the resurrection for eternal life, implying that the dead remain asleep until Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:18-20).

 

Write a comment

Comments: 24
  • #1

    Shem (Friday, 13 December 2024 23:40)

    Thankyu for the summary of Lesson 11. God bless you always.I pray that God will give you ample time to have the pointers for Lesson 12 ready before Sabbath.

  • #2

    Shem (Friday, 13 December 2024 23:44)

    Iam in Papua New Guinea. Sabbath School and Divine Service is over.Our local time now is 15:43 and we are getting ready for AY program.

  • #3

    Francis Busmai Tamilong (Saturday, 14 December 2024 01:20)

    Thanks God for giving you the strength every week to write this teacher pointers. Please send the download section every week. Lesson 10 didn't have download section. Please send those pointers soon, I know it's not an easy work that you under go every week.

  • #4

    Jerlyn (Saturday, 14 December 2024 02:00)

    Thank you for the lesson 11 pointers

  • #5

    Edden tainedden@gmail.com (Saturday, 14 December 2024 04:55)

    Thanks again for the opportunity to meet God went study � this lesson

  • #6

    Neitai G Kaitu'u (Saturday, 14 December 2024 13:55)

    Really appreciate the points shared on lesson 11.
    Looking forward for this lesson again.

    Thanks again and have a blessed week ahead family �

  • #7

    katangoji wilson (Saturday, 14 December 2024 23:15)

    power point

  • #8

    katangoji wilson (Sunday, 15 December 2024 00:54)

    power poin

  • #9

    Chinedu Eric (Monday, 16 December 2024 09:36)

    Am highly pleased with the wonderful teachings and inspiration that I do see in here,, may we remain blessed..

  • #10

    wilson katangoji (Monday, 16 December 2024 16:57)

    power point

  • #11

    wilson katangoji (Monday, 16 December 2024 17:00)

    power point lesson

  • #12

    C (Tuesday, 17 December 2024 06:15)

    [Satan] was on the ground at the time when Christ presented Himself to John for baptism. . . . [He] heard the fearful words from Jehovah, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He saw the brightness of the Father’s glory overshadowing the form of Jesus, thus pointing out in that crowd the One whom He acknowledged as His Son with unmistakable assurance. The circumstances connected with this baptismal scene had aroused the most intense hatred in the breast of Satan. He knew then for a certainty that unless he could overcome Christ, from thenceforth there would be a limitation of his power. . . .
    He feared that God was now to unite man more fully to Himself, and give power to overcome his devices. And for this purpose Christ had come from the royal courts to the earth. Satan was well ac­quainted with the position of honor Christ had held in heaven as the Son of God, the beloved of the Father. And that He should leave heaven, and come to this world as a man, filled him with ap­prehension for his safety. . . . As he had lost through his rebellion all the riches and pure glories of heaven, he was determined to be revenged by causing as many as he could to undervalue heaven and to place their affections upon earthly treasures.—Confrontation, p. 29.

    The only-begotten Son of God took upon Him the nature of man, and established His cross between earth and heaven. Through the cross, man was drawn to God, and God to man. Justice moved from its high and awful position, and the heavenly hosts, the armies of holiness, drew near to the cross, bowing with reverence; for at the cross justice was satisfied. Through the cross the sinner was drawn from the stronghold of sin, from the confederacy of evil, and at every approach to the cross his heart relents and in penitence he cries, “It was my sins that crucified the Son of God.” At the cross he leaves his sins, and through the grace of Christ His character is transformed. The Redeemer raises the sinner from the dust, and places him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.—Ellen G. White Comments, in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 470.

    Jesus placed the cross in line with the light coming from heaven, for it is there that it shall catch the eye of man. The cross is in direct line with the shining of the divine countenances, so that by beholding the cross men may see and know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent. In beholding God we behold the One who poured out His soul unto death. In beholding the cross the view is extended to God, and His hatred of sin is discerned. But while we behold in the cross God’s hatred of sin, we also behold His love for sinners, which is stronger than death. To the world the cross is the incontrovertible argument that God is truth and light and love.—Ellen G. White Comments, in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1133.

  • #13

    D (Tuesday, 17 December 2024 06:16)

    When the Saviour was brought into the judgment hall, Pilate looked upon Him with no friendly eyes. The Roman governor had been called from his bedchamber in haste, and he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. He was prepared to deal with the prisoner with magisterial severity. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to examine, that he had been called from his repose at so early an hour. He knew that it must be someone whom the Jewish authorities were anxious to have tried and punished with haste.
    Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus in charge, and then his gaze rested searchingly on Jesus. He had had to deal with all kinds of criminals; but never before had a man bearing marks of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On His face he saw no sign of guilt, no expression of fear, no boldness or defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, whose countenance bore not the marks of a criminal, but the signature of heaven.—The Desire of Ages, pp. 723, 724.

    Pilate’s golden opportunity had passed. Yet Jesus did not leave him without further light. While He did not directly answer Pilate’s question, He plainly stated His own mission. He gave Pilate to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne. . . .
    Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice.”
    Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would unlock the mystery to those who were prepared to receive it. It had a self-commending power, and this was the secret of the spread of His kingdom of truth. He desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed.
    Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. He eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirred with a great longing to know what it really was, and how he could obtain it. “What is truth?” he inquired. But he did not wait for an answer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of the hour.—The Desire of Ages, p. 727.
    Christ’s enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity. They had evidence far greater than any they had sought. As their cruelty degraded His torturers below humanity into the likeness of Satan, so did His meekness and patience exalt Jesus above hu­manity, and prove His kinship to God. His abasement was the pledge of His exaltation. The blood drops of agony that from His wounded temples flowed down His face and beard were the pledge of His anointing with “the oil of gladness” (Hebrews 1:9.) as our great high priest.—The Desire of Ages, p. 734.

  • #14

    E (Tuesday, 17 December 2024 06:16)

    Pilate showed his weakness. He had declared that Jesus was innocent, yet he was willing for Him to be scourged to pacify His accusers. He would sacrifice justice and principle in order to compromise with the mob. This placed him at a disadvantage. The crowd presumed upon his indecision, and clamored the more for the life of the prisoner. If at the first Pilate had stood firm, refusing to condemn a man whom he found guiltless, he would have broken the fatal chain that was to bind him in remorse and guilt as long as he lived. Had he carried out his convictions of right, the Jews would not have presumed to dictate to him. Christ would have been put to death, but the guilt would not have rested upon Pilate. But Pilate had taken step after step in the violation of his conscience. He had excused himself from judging with justice and equity, and he now found himself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers. His wavering and indecision proved his ruin.—The Desire of Ages, p. 731.

    Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate and trying to lead him on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did not take part in condemning Jesus others would; the multitude were thirsting for His blood; and if he did not deliver Him to be crucified, he would lose his power and worldly honor, and would be denounced as a believer on the impostor. Through fear of losing his power and authority, Pilate consented to the death of Jesus. And notwithstanding he placed the blood of Jesus upon His accusers, and the multitude received it, crying, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25), yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty of the blood of Christ. For his own selfish interest, his love of honor from the great men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die.—The Story of Redemption, p. 218.

    The difference between the character of Christ and the character of other men of His day was everywhere apparent, and because of this difference the world hated Him. It hated Him for His goodness and His strict integrity. And Christ declared that those who manifest the same attributes would be likewise hated. As we near the end of time this hatred for the followers of Christ will be more and more manifest. . . .
    Satan contested every claim put forth by the Son of God and employed men as his agents to fill the Saviour’s life with suffering and sorrow. The sophistry and falsehood by which he had sought to hinder the work of Jesus, the hatred manifested through the children of disobedience, his cruel accusations against Him whose life was one of unexampled goodness, all sprang from deep-seated revenge. The pent-up fires of envy and malice, hatred and revenge, burst forth on Calvary against the Son of God, while all heaven gazed upon the scene in silent horror.—Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, pp. 527, 528.

  • #15

    F (Tuesday, 17 December 2024 06:17)

    [Mary’s] heart was pierced with anguish such as none but a fond mother can feel; yet, with the disciples, she still hoped that Christ would work some mighty miracle and deliver Himself from His murderers. She could not endure the thought that He would suffer Himself to be crucified. But the preparations were made, and Jesus was laid upon the cross. The hammer and the nails were brought. The hearts of the disciples fainted within them. The mother of Jesus was bowed with agony almost beyond endurance. Before the Saviour was nailed to the cross, the disciples bore her from the scene, that she might not hear the crashing of the spikes as they were driven through the bone and muscle of His tender hands and feet. Jesus murmured not, but groaned in agony. His face was pale, and large drops of sweat stood upon His brow. Satan exulted in the suffering through which the Son of God was passing, yet feared that his efforts to thwart the plan of salvation had been in vain, that his kingdom was lost, and that he must finally be destroyed.—Early Writings, p. 176.

    The eyes of Jesus wandered over the multitude that had collected together to witness His death, and He saw at the foot of the cross John supporting Mary, the mother of Christ. She had returned to the terrible scene, not being able to longer remain away from her Son. The last lesson of Jesus was one of filial love. He looked upon the grief-stricken face of His mother, and then upon John; said He, addressing the former: “Woman, behold thy son!” Then, to the disciple: “Behold thy mother!” John 19:27. John well understood the words of Jesus, and the sacred trust which was committed to him. He immediately removed the mother of Christ from the fearful scene of Calvary. From that hour he cared for her as would a dutiful son, taking her to his own home. The perfect example of Christ’s filial love shines forth with undimmed luster from the mist of ages. While enduring the keenest torture, He was not forgetful of His mother.—The Story of Redemption, p. 224.

    In silence the people watch for the end of this fearful scene. . . . Suddenly the gloom is lifted from the cross, and in clear trumpet tones, that seem to resound throughout creation, Jesus cries, “It is finished.” “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” Luke 23:46. A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like unto the sun. He then bowed His head upon His breast and died. . . .
    Jesus did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do. . . . There was joy in heaven that the sons of Adam could now, through a life of obedience, be exalted finally to the presence of God. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.—The Story of Redemption, p. 226.

  • #16

    wilson katangoji (Tuesday, 17 December 2024 20:58)

    power point review

  • #17

    Lafayette kerkula (Wednesday, 18 December 2024 20:55)

    I blessed God almighty for bringing us this teacher pointers every week. Thank you.

  • #18

    Noemi Yanson (Thursday, 19 December 2024 08:19)

    Thank you for the summary of lesson 11 still hoping that you will have enough time to send pointers about lesson

  • #19

    Shem (Friday, 20 December 2024 03:32)

    It's Friday here in Papua New guinea. Time. 1932hrs. Could you send the pointers for Lesson 13?

  • #20

    Shem (Friday, 20 December 2024 03:49)

    Sorry,I meant to say ,pointers for Lesson 12. Pls send.

  • #21

    RODGIE ARGAWANON (Friday, 20 December 2024 13:45)

    Continue post the important points of our lesson to make our study clear like in a previous week, I really understand the point that you have been shared and help me to understand the will of God, thank you sulads.

  • #22

    Shem (Friday, 20 December 2024 14:09)

    It is 0605a.m and it is Saturday morning.We are getting ready for Sabbath School and the pointers for Lesson 12 is not here yet. Could you send before Sabbath School timing(09.00am)is over?
    Thank-you for your time and God bless you for the Lesson pointers.

  • #23

    Shem (Friday, 20 December 2024 16:09)

    Thank-you for the lesson 12 pointers. It arrived on time. We are in the program of Sabbath school now. God bless you.

  • #24

    Brother (Friday, 20 December 2024 20:25)

    Thanks tirelessly working to provide these Inspirational lessons.Can u please make them downloadable.God bless you Sir

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