Lesson Nine: THE SOURCE OF LIFE
As we learn more of the Gospel of John, we continue to explore the theme of the revelation of God as given to us that we do not make the mistake of not believing in Jesus despite the powerful evidence. In addition, we are looking at Jesus Christ as the only Source of Life and the fact that walking in the way led by Him leads to eternal life.
Memory text: ” ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ “ (John 14:6, NKJV)
SABBATH; Jesus answered to a question of who He is by referring to the Lord Himself as the “I AM.” This is not a mistake because He is the same “I AM WHO I AM” who had appeared to Moses. Jesus is the “I AM” made flesh and dwelt among us. Through the book of John, the same “I AM” is the Light of the world, the Bread of Life, the Door of the sheep, the Good Shepherd and the True Vine.
(READ Exodus 3:14, John 1:14; 14:6)
SUNDAY: In Jesus was life, and this life was the light of men. This is because He has life within Him and He can as well give life to whom He will. This life is unto Salvation as well for it is He(Jesus) who offers it. The bronze serpent in Moses’ time, while lifted, took up the place of the Israelites who were bitten by serpents. Likewise, Jesus took our place and died on our behalf so that we may have the life that was His and have it more abundantly.
(READ John 1:1,4 and 5,18,29; 3:14-16; 6:40; 10:10,17; 12:27)
MONDAY; Jesus says that He is the Bread of Life as He feeds the 5000, meaning that His Life, death and resurrection are the source of eternal salvation. Faith is a gift from God, and it is by faith alone that we believe in sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary unto salvation. It remains our choice to accept it by the help of the Holy Spirit only and not by any other means.
(READ John 6:61-68; 3:15 and 16; 5:24; 6:40,47; 8:31; 12:46; 20:31)
TUESDAY; The Gospel of John is written that we may believe in Jesus Christ, and by believing, we may have eternal life. This happens when we act in belief, receive Him and be open to the Light, however, He is the only one who regenerates the heart. He then gives us the power to become God’s children. The Holy Spirit is the only One that convicts one to believe in the truth of Jesus as Messiah and it is with this foundation of faith that we grow in understanding and grace.
(READ John 1:12 and 13, 20:31; Romans 8:16; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Corinthians1:17-24; 2:1-6)
WEDNESDAY; We see all through John that Jesus Christ, the “I AM” is rejected by His very own people. This was because these people did not accept His Word. Whereas people question everything to determine the truth, this only leads to doubt. At Kadesh Barnea, twelve spies reported back, with the majority anticipating defeat from their enemies because they doubted God’s power. However, the two who anticipated victory, expressed in their positive feedback based on their faith in the overwhelming power of God’s Word.
(READ John 1:5,10 and 11, Numbers 13:23-33)
THURSDAY; The rejection of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world leaves us open to doubt and temptations of the Devil. Eve was tempted into testing God’s word and by relying on her senses, sinned and so did Adam. Unlike Eve, Jesus Christ answered to the temptation of the Devil using the Word of God. Believing in the Word of God and in Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, frees us from the ultimate death brought by sin, which awaits those who do not believe, upon Christ’s return.
(READ John 3:18,36; 5:24,38; 8:24; 12:47; Matthew 4:1-4)
FRIDAY; Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. With His stripes, we are healed.
(READ “God With Us” pp 19-26 and “Controversy” pp 601-609, in the Desire of Ages by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; In Him was life
MONDAY; The words of eternal life
TUESDAY; Believing and new birth
WEDNESDAY; Rejecting the Source of life
THURSDAY; Condemnation
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- In John 14:3, Jesus says to His disciples, ” ‘I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also’ “(NKJV). How does trusting His Words for the future impact your life today?
- Jesus gave so much to save the world. What do you consider the best ways to help others see this amazing truth and come to Him in faith?
- What are the key differences in making decisions on a human, wordly level versus making decisions on the basis of divine revelation?
