What was the essential difference in the expressions of faith by Abraham and by Thomas? What can we learn from their stories?

 The essential difference in the expressions of faith by Abraham and Thomas lies in the nature of their belief and trust in God

 Abraham: Faith as Trust Without Evidence

Abraham's faith is characterized by trust in God without needing tangible evidence. He obeyed God's commands even when they seemed incomprehensible or required great personal sacrifice. For example:

- Leaving his homeland: Abraham left his home in Ur to journey to an unknown land solely based on God's promise (Genesis 12:1-4).

- Sacrifice of Isaac: Abraham was willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, trusting that God's promises would still be fulfilled (Genesis 22:1-18).

Abraham's faith was rooted in a deep trust in God's character and promises, even when the outcome was unclear or appeared impossible.

 Thomas: Faith as Belief Upon Evidence

Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, represents a more empirical approach to faith. After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas doubted the accounts of the other disciples and insisted on physical evidence:

- Doubting the resurrection: Thomas famously said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25).

- Receiving confirmation: When Jesus appeared to him and invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas immediately proclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

Thomas’ faith was solidified after encountering tangible evidence of Jesus' resurrection.

 Lessons We Can Learn

Faith Takes Different Forms

   - Abraham teaches us the importance of trusting God even without visible signs or immediate evidence.

   - Thomas shows us that God is patient with our doubts and willing to meet us where we are.

God Meets Us in Our Faith Journey

   - God honored Abraham's trust by fulfilling His promises, such as giving him a son and making him the father of many nations.

   - Jesus graciously addressed Thomas’ doubts, using the opportunity to affirm the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.

Faith Is Both Personal and Relational

   - Abraham's story emphasizes a personal and intimate trust in God's promises.

   - Thomas reminds us that faith is not blind but can be informed by experiences and evidence.

Invitation to Deeper Faith:

   - Jesus' words to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29), encourage us to cultivate a faith that goes beyond the need for physical proof.

Both stories highlight the multifaceted nature of faith and God’s willingness to guide us, regardless of where we are in our spiritual journey.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe

Sabbath School Lesson 8: Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies

 Themes in the Gospel of John

Sabbath School Lesson 8

Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies

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

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> Download the notes for Lesson 8 video here.

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

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What are some of the things that we have today that those living at the time of Jesus didn’t have that should help us believe?

 

Today, we have numerous resources and discoveries that were unavailable in the time of Jesus, each contributing valuable context that can enhance our understanding and belief. Here are a few key examples.

Historical and Archaeological Evidence

Archaeology has uncovered artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and physical sites that align with biblical events and cultures. This includes places like Jerusalem, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and artifacts mentioning people like Pontius Pilate, all of which lend historical credibility to biblical narratives.

The Complete Canon of Scripture

Early believers only had parts of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and, eventually, portions of what became the New Testament. Today, we have the full Bible, allowing us to see the cohesive message of God's plan from Genesis to Revelation.

Scientific Insight

Advances in sciencesuch as understanding the complexity of life, the fine-tuning of the universe, and the anthropic principle—often point to intelligent design, fueling a rational basis for belief in a creator.

Widespread Access to Knowledge

The internet and other media provide instant access to historical, theological, and philosophical resources, making it easier to explore questions of faith, find answers, and understand the evidence supporting Christian beliefs.

Testimonies of Changed Lives

Through literature, videos, and social media, we have countless testimonies from people who experienced profound change, healing, or purpose through their faith in Jesus. These stories, often supported by objective changes in people’s lives, offer a powerful witness to the impact of faith.

Philosophical and Apologetic Development

Modern philosophy and apologetics have developed well-reasoned arguments for belief in God, such as the cosmological, moral, and ontological arguments. Authors like C.S. Lewis, William Lane Craig, and Alvin Plantinga have crafted accessible, logical arguments that make belief more intellectually accessible.

Global Spread of Christianity

Christianity has grown from a small, localized movement to a global faith spanning virtually every culture and language. The resilience and endurance of this message over 2,000 years, even under intense persecution, can be seen as evidence of its transformative power and divine origin.

Spiritual Experiences

Documented accounts of profound spiritual encounters reported in many cultures often support ideas about the existence of a spiritual realm, offering indirect support to some biblical claims.

These resources don't replace faith, but they provide substantial support that can encourage belief.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe

What can we learn from the story of Thomas about faith, doubt, and his mistakes?

 The story of Thomas in John 20:19–31 provides important lessons about faith, doubt, and belief. Known as "Doubting Thomas," Thomas is remembered for not believing in Jesus' resurrection until he saw physical evidence. Here’s a closer look at what we can learn from Thomas's experience.

 Lessons on Faith and Doubt

Honesty about Doubt

Thomas’s doubt shows that it is normal and human to struggle with belief. Faith can coexist with questions, and bringing those doubts to the surface can actually open the door to a deeper understanding. Thomas’s desire for tangible proof can resonate with anyone who feels uncertain and seeks evidence before fully committing to belief.

Faith Beyond Sight

Jesus responds to Thomas by saying, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). This emphasizes the importance of faith that does not rely solely on physical proof. True faith often requires trusting without visible confirmation, which can lead to spiritual growth and a stronger relationship with God.

Community Matters

Thomas’s initial absence from the group of disciples led to him missing out on witnessing the resurrected Jesus. This suggests that staying connected with a community of believers can strengthen faith and keep doubts from leading us astray.

God Meets Us Where We Are

Jesus understands Thomas’s need for evidence and graciously provides it. This shows that God is patient with our struggles and willing to meet us where we are, helping to build our faith step by step.

Thomas’s Major Mistake

Thomas’s main mistake was relying solely on physical evidence for belief. By demanding tangible proof, he limited his faith to what he could personally verify rather than trusting in the testimony of his fellow disciples or in Jesus’ promises. This approach can prevent a person from embracing faith that goes beyond human understanding, which is essential for spiritual growth.

Thomas’s experience shows that faith may sometimes require a leap into the unknown, trusting God’s promises even when we can’t see the full picture. Through patience, community, and openness to belief without seeing, we can deepen our faith and find peace amid doubt.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe

The Unwittingly Witness of Pilate to Jesus as Messiah and King

 

Pilate becomes an unwittingly witness to Jesus' identity as King and Messiah in several key passages in the Gospel of John, even though he does not fully understand the significance of his words and actions. His interactions with Jesus, his declarations to the crowd, and his choice of words in the inscription on the cross all contribute to this theme.

During Pilate's interrogation of Jesus, he asks, "Are you the King of the Jews?" (John 18:33). Jesus responds, explaining that his kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36). Pilate then questions Jesus further, asking, "So you are a king?" to which Jesus replies, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37). This exchange allows Jesus to clarify the nature of his kingship, making Pilate an unwitting witness to the truth that Jesus is a different kind of king, one whose authority is spiritual and divine.

After having Jesus flogged, Pilate presents him to the crowd, saying, "Behold, the man!" (John 19:5). Although Pilate is attempting to appease the crowd and possibly evoke pity, his words also highlight Jesus as the representative "man" who fulfills prophetic roles as the suffering servant and Messiah (Isaiah 53). Pilate’s act of bringing Jesus before the people emphasizes Jesus' unique role and identity in God's redemptive plan.

Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the crowd pressures him by saying, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar" (John 19:12). Pilate then sarcastically asks, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests reply, "We have no king but Caesar" (John 19:15). In his interactions, Pilate unintentionally highlights Jesus as "the King" in opposition to worldly powers, underlining the ironic truth that Jesus is indeed a king, though not in a way understood by Rome or the religious leaders.

Finally, Pilate orders a sign to be placed on the cross that reads: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19:19). When the chief priests ask him to change it to "This man said, I am King of the Jews," Pilate refuses, saying, "What I have written, I have written" (John 19:22). Pilate’s refusal to alter the inscription serves as a powerful, unintentional testimony to Jesus’ kingship. This public declaration of Jesus as "King of the Jews" is an ironic yet profound witness to his messianic identity, fulfilling prophecy and testifying to Jesus’ true identity as the awaited King.

Through these actions and statements, Pilate becomes an unintentional witness to Jesus’ kingship and messianic role. Though he lacks understanding, his words and decisions reveal Jesus’ identity to the readers of the Gospel of John, fulfilling the divine plan and demonstrating how God uses even reluctant figures to bear witness to the truth of Jesus as King and Messiah.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe

What was the significance of Mary Annointing Jesus? John 12:1-3

 In John 12:1–3, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, demonstrates profound love, humility, and faith by anointing Jesus’ feet with a costly perfume and wiping them with her hair. This act is significant for several reasons.

It was An Act of Worship and Devotion. By anointing Jesus with an expensive fragrance (likely pure nard), Mary showed an extravagant devotion to Jesus. This wasn’t a casual gesture; it was a deeply meaningful offering. The cost of the perfume indicated Mary’s willingness to give her very best, underscoring her recognition of Jesus’ worth and divinity.

The Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Death and Burial. Jesus later interprets Mary’s actions as preparation for His burial (John 12:7). In Jewish culture, bodies were anointed with spices and oils before burial, so Mary's act symbolically anticipated Jesus’ impending sacrifice and death on the cross.

The Recognition of Jesus’ Identity. Mary’s action reflects her understanding of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Her humble posture—anointing His feet and wiping them with her hair—emphasizes her reverence and submission, acknowledging Jesus as Lord and King.

A Witness to Others. Mary’s bold, unreserved devotion was a witness to those present about the depth of her belief in Jesus. Her actions contrasted with Judas’ reaction, who saw the act as wasteful. Mary’s gesture highlighted the difference between valuing material wealth and truly understanding the invaluable worth of Jesus. 

Through this act, Mary not only honored Jesus but also pointed others to His true identity and purpose, foreshadowing His sacrificial love.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe

Why was Abraham’s witness so important that it was included in John’s gospel?

 Abraham's witness is highlighted in John's Gospel, as well as throughout the New Testament, because he embodies the foundational promises of God to bless all nations through his lineage, particularly through the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These promises and blessings to Abraham and his descendants set the stage for the New Testament’s message of salvation. Here’s a closer look at the significance.

Promise of Blessing to All Nations (Genesis 12:3, Genesis 18:16–18, Genesis 26:4)

In Genesis 12:3, God tells Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you," foreshadowing the global impact of Abraham’s descendants. The New Testament understands this blessing as fulfilled in Jesus, who provides salvation to all. John’s Gospel emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, and by highlighting Abraham, John connects Jesus to the broader narrative of God’s plan to bless all nations.

Ancestry of Jesus (Matthew 1:1)

In Matthew’s genealogy, Jesus is called “the son of Abraham,” which underscores the messianic lineage. Abraham’s faith and covenant with God form the root of this lineage, confirming Jesus as the promised descendant through whom God’s blessing to the nations would come. John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the fulfillment of this line, inviting readers to see Jesus as the ultimate realization of the promises made to Abraham.

Connection to God’s Covenant with Israel (Acts 3:25)

In Acts, Peter reiterates God’s promise to Abraham, calling Jesus the servant through whom God’s blessings reach all peoples. This echoes John’s portrayal of Jesus as the Savior sent not just to Israel, but to the entire world (John 3:16). By referencing Abraham, John’s Gospel situates Jesus within God’s covenant faithfulness and highlights that Jesus is central to God’s plan for humanity.

Including Abraham’s witness underscores Jesus as the fulfillment of ancient promises, affirming the continuity of God’s plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament and demonstrating God’s faithfulness in bringing about redemption through Jesus. This background reinforces John’s message of Jesus as the Light of the World, accessible to all people, fulfilling the blessings promised to Abraham.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe