Sabbath School Lesson 3 - The Backstory: The Prologue

 

Themes in the Gospel of John

Sabbath School Lesson 3

The Back Story: The Prologue

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 3 video here.

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> Download  Themes in the Gospel of John (4th  qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

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The Raising of Lazarus and Jesus' Claim of being The Resurrection and The Life: John 11:38-44

 

The raising of Lazarus in John 11:38–44 powerfully illustrates Jesus’ declaration that He is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25) because it demonstrates His authority over death and His ability to grant life. Here's how this miracle reveals Jesus in that role.

Lazarus had been dead for four days, which, in the cultural and biological understanding of the time, meant his body had already started to decompose. Despite this, Jesus commands Lazarus to rise from the dead. Only someone with power over life and death could perform such a miracle. Jesus shows that He can restore life even when death seems final.

The miracle of Lazarus points forward to Jesus’ own resurrection. Just as Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, He would rise from the dead after His own crucifixion. This miracle serves as a tangible demonstration of the resurrection power Jesus claims to have, validating His future promise of eternal life for believers.

By proclaiming, “I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus is not just claiming that He can bring people back to life but that He is the very source of life itself. The raising of Lazarus shows that through Jesus, there is not only physical life but also the promise of eternal life.

Jesus tells Martha, Lazarus' sister, “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection reinforces that those who believe in Jesus will not experience eternal death, as He can give them everlasting life.

The miracle not only shows Jesus' power over death but also serves as a sign of the eternal life He offers to all who believe in Him.

Why Doug Batchelor is a Hypocrate

 

It should come as now surprise that none other than Doug Batchelor is hypocrite. Most of these big-name ministry people are. They love quoting The Bible to make their Pharisaical points, pointing out how others should behave, dress, live, and eat.

One of his favorite topics is the wearing of jewelry. He talks piously as he points out scriptures like:

1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV) "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,"

Pastor Batchelor then goes on a diatribe of drivel as to how the wearing of gold is sinful and adornment comes from within,  extolling the virtues of plain clothes, no makeup, no jewelry.

Like all these wannabe-Pharisees, who think it's their business to make up rules for others to follow, they themselves ignore Biblical teaching in their own lives. Let's quote Jesus on this one:

Matthew 23:1-3 (NIV)

"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach."

Take a look above at a recent photo of Doug Batchelor's wife, taken recently at his Prophecy Odyssey series in New York.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y68Z_P3vxQ

Hmmm. It looks like good ol' Pastor Doug missed some things that Paul wrote

1 Corinthians 11:6 (NIV)

"For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head."

1 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NIV)

"Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering."

1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV)

"I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,"

No wonder our churches are failing to bring new members, and younger ones are moving on. We keep preaching rules that even we don't follow.

Before anyone talks about others, they should look within. In fact, what good does any of this do at an evangelism series? Alienate people? Our job is to bring people to Jesus on the grace of Jesus and His death. Not on our perfection following one man's rules and regulations.

We can do better than this.

*Image copied under Fair Use: U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Index

John 9:17-34 - The Pharisees question the blind man who was healed.

 

In John 9:17-34, the Pharisees, the Jewish religious leaders, interrogate the man who had been born blind after Jesus healed him. Here’s a summary of the key questions they asked and how the formerly blind man responded.

 "What do you say about him (Jesus), since he opened your eyes?" (v. 17)  The man replied, "He is a prophet."  

   This was a bold statement, acknowledging Jesus as someone sent by God, which contrasted with the leaders' skepticism.

 "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" (v. 19) The parents confirmed, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes."  

   Fearing the Jewish leaders, the parents avoided answering directly about Jesus, pointing the leaders back to their son.

"What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" (v. 26) The man grew frustrated with their persistent questioning and replied, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?"  

   This response is somewhat sarcastic and defensive, hinting that the man had grown tired of the leaders' refusal to believe in Jesus' miracle.

 The leaders accused Jesus of being a sinner, to which the man responded.

The man countered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."  

He simply testified to the miracle, regardless of the leaders’ theological claims.

The leaders became angry and said, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" (v. 34), and then they cast him out of the synagogue.  

This passage illustrates the tension between the religious leaders, who were skeptical and unwilling to accept Jesus, and the healed man, who was increasingly bold in affirming Jesus' role in his healing.

The Misunderstanding of the Disciples in the Healing of the Blind Man: John 9:1-16

 

In John 9:1–16, the story of Jesus healing a man born blind offers both a miraculous healing and an opportunity for Jesus to correct misunderstandings about suffering and sin.

 The Disciples' Belief

When Jesus and His disciples encounter a man who was born blind, the disciples ask:

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2)

Their question reflects a common belief in that time: that physical ailments or suffering were direct punishments for specific sins. They assumed that the man's blindness was caused by either his own sin (even though he was born blind) or the sin of his parents.

 Jesus' Response

Jesus rejects this notion. He responds:

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3)

Jesus corrects their belief by explaining that the man's blindness is not a result of sin but rather an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed. He shifts the focus from blame and punishment to the idea that even suffering can serve a greater purpose in God’s plan.

 The Miracle

Jesus then heals the man by spitting on the ground, making mud with His saliva, and applying it to the man’s eyes. He instructs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and after doing so, the man regains his sight (John 9:67).

 Significance

 Jesus corrects the disciples' misunderstanding of suffering and sin, emphasizing that not all suffering is a direct result of individual sin. 

 He highlights that God's power and glory can be displayed through healing and restoration.

 This act of healing also leads to a controversy with the Pharisees (John 9:13–16), who question whether the miracle was lawful because it was performed on the Sabbath.

Thus, Jesus teaches that suffering can sometimes be an occasion for God's work, rather than a punishment for sin.

More: Lessons from Themes in the Gospel of John Lesson 2

Are we Called to be Fruit Inspectors?

 

Someone sometime ago came up with some line that we are not to judge others, but we can be fruit inspectors. Whoever said it first, was 100% wrong.

What gives us the right to judge the "fruit" of others? First of all, we have no diea what they may or not may not be doing for the Lord. Since we do not spend every waking hour with them, how are we able to judge what they do?

We are not called to tell people what their ministry is. We are not called to tell people that we can do their ministry better. All of us, in our own ways, can have a ministry. We all are important.

Everyone should read the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 12.

1 Corinthians 12:21-22 NIV

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

Our weakest members are part of the body. Their ministry is just as important as others.

The Pharisees would be quick to criticize the widow for giving 2 small coins. But Jesus praised her above all of them. She gave her all.

Would you have been a fruit inspector on that poor widow?

Are we in some contest, that we must boast about our fruit, and check to see if others are keeping up?

Who gives us the right to boast that our fruit is better? Or more important? And that someone else's is not enough... Think about that.

The Pharisees were the epitome of fruit inspectors. Look at what they accused Jesus of. Blasphemy, drinking, eating, breaking the Sabbath, havig a demon. They constantly criticized His miracles and compassion.

Is that what you are doing to others? 

Listen to what Jesus said to those expert fruit inspectors:

Matthew 23:27-28 New King James Version (NKJV)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness."

We can be fruit inspectors. That is, fruit inspectors of ourselves. Inspect your own fruit and stop looking in other church member's baskets.

How did the people respond to His miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, and how did Jesus use this to try to teach them who He was? John 6:14-15,26-36

 

In John 6:14-15, 26-36, the people witness Jesus perform the miracle of feeding the five thousand, and their response is telling. Let’s break it down.

 1. The People's Response to the Miracle (John 6:14-15)

After Jesus miraculously fed the multitude with just five loaves of bread and two fish, the crowd immediately recognized the significance of what He had done. They said:

 Verse 14: "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."

 They saw Jesus as the promised prophet foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15, likely with the expectation of a political or military leader who would free them from Roman rule.

 Verse 15: "Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself."

 Their enthusiasm was focused on earthly concerns—they wanted to make Jesus a king, expecting Him to lead them in rebellion against the Romans, rather than understanding the spiritual significance of His mission.

 2. Jesus’ Teaching (John 6:26-36)

After the miracle, the crowd follows Jesus to Capernaum. Jesus uses the opportunity to redirect their focus from physical to spiritual matters.

 Verses 26-27: Jesus rebukes the crowd for seeking Him because of the food rather than for the spiritual truth. He says, "You seek me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life."

 Jesus challenges their materialistic view, urging them to seek something far more important—eternal life, which He can give.

 Verses 28-29: The people ask, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus replies, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.”

 He emphasizes faith in Him as the key to salvation, not just performing works.

 Verses 30-31: The people demand another sign, referring to the manna their ancestors ate in the wilderness.

 They still misunderstand, focusing on material provision and comparing Jesus to Moses, who provided manna.

 Verses 32-35: Jesus clarifies that the true “bread from heaven” is not the manna but Himself. He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

 Jesus reveals that He is the source of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, not just a provider of physical needs.

 3. Key Lesson

 The miracle of feeding the five thousand was meant to point to Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, the one who gives eternal life. However, the people were fixated on the immediate, physical benefits (food, earthly kingship).

 Jesus used this moment to teach them that He is the "bread of life," offering something far greater than physical sustenance—eternal life through faith in Him.

Jesus was trying to shift their focus from the temporary (earthly bread, physical needs) to the eternal (spiritual nourishment and salvation through Him).

The Feeding of the 5,000 - Parallels to Moses and The Old Testemment - John 6:1-14

 

In John 6:1–14, the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000 has several parallels to Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites, specifically the miracle of manna in the wilderness.

Here are the key parallels

Feeding the People Miraculously

 Moses: In the wilderness, Moses led the Israelites after their escape from Egypt. The people were in need of food, and God provided manna (bread from heaven) to sustain them (Exodus 16).

 Jesus: Similarly, in John 6, Jesus feeds a large crowd (5,000 men, plus women and children) in a remote place. He miraculously multiplies five loaves of bread and two fish, providing abundant food for all present.

   Parallel: Both Moses and Jesus acted as intermediaries through whom God provided food miraculously in the wilderness. Jesus' act of providing bread should have reminded the people of God's provision through Moses.

 Sign of Divine Provision

 Moses: The manna was a divine provision for the people’s physical needs in the wilderness, symbolizing God’s care and sustaining power.

 Jesus: Jesus' miraculous feeding also symbolizes God's care, but it points toward a deeper, spiritual provision that He will later expound on as being the "bread of life" (John 6:35), signifying that Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of life and sustenance.

   Parallel: In both instances, the provision of bread points to God's sustaining power, but Jesus’ miracle points to a greater fulfillment—eternal sustenance through Himself.

 Abundance and Leftovers

 Moses: With the manna, the Israelites were given exactly what they needed daily (Exodus 16:16-18). No more and no less, symbolizing God’s sufficiency.

 Jesus: In contrast, after feeding the 5,000, there were twelve baskets of leftovers (John 6:13), which represents the overflowing abundance of Jesus' provision, beyond what was immediately necessary.

   Parallel: While manna was a daily provision that met the immediate needs, Jesus' miracle was abundant and overflowing, pointing to the superabundance of God’s grace through Jesus.

Expectation of the Prophet Like Moses

 Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15 speaks of a prophet like Moses whom God would raise up. The Jewish people were waiting for this prophet.

 Jesus: After the miracle, the people declare that Jesus is "the Prophet who is to come into the world" (John 6:14), recognizing the parallel between Jesus and Moses.

   Parallel: The people saw Jesus’ miracle as a sign that He was the fulfillment of the promise in Deuteronomy, the new Moses who would lead them to deliverance.

 Deliverance

 Moses: Moses led the Israelites out of physical bondage in Egypt, an act of deliverance.

 Jesus: Jesus’ miracles point to a greater deliverance from spiritual bondage—freedom from sin and death. The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 foreshadows the spiritual sustenance and deliverance Jesus offers.

   Parallel: Just as Moses led the people to freedom, Jesus offers ultimate deliverance, not just from hunger, but from spiritual death.

In summary, the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 should have reminded the people of Moses' role in God's provision of manna in the wilderness. Jesus, like Moses, provides miraculous food, but He also surpasses Moses by offering a greater, eternal sustenance and deliverance. This event foreshadows Jesus’ identity as the true Bread of Life who provides not just for physical needs but for the deepest spiritual needs of humanity.