Themes in the Gospel of John
Sabbath School Lesson 11
The Father, the Son, and the Spirit
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
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> Download the notes for Lesson 11 video here.
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> Download Themes in the Gospel of John (4th qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here
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The Nature of God
The Bible teaches that God is eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, and personal (e.g., Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28). Science deals with the material universe and cannot address or prove the existence or attributes of a transcendent Creator.
The Purpose of Life
The Bible states that humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and are meant to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him (Isaiah 43:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13). Science can describe "how" we exist but not "why" we exist.
The Nature of Morality
The Bible provides an absolute moral framework, teaching principles of good and evil based on God's character (Exodus 20:117; Micah 6:8). Science can describe human behavior but cannot establish objective moral standards or define right and wrong.
Human Value and Dignity
The Bible asserts that every human life has intrinsic value because it is created by God (Psalm 139:1316). Science cannot provide a basis for the intrinsic worth of individuals; it can only observe biological and psychological phenomena.
The Reality of Sin
The Bible teaches that sin is a fundamental issue of the human heart, separating people from God (Romans 3:23). While science can study human psychology and behavior, it cannot explain the spiritual condition of sin or provide a solution for it.
Salvation and Eternal Life
The Bible reveals the path to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, promising eternal life to those who believe (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). This spiritual truth is beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.
The Nature of Love and Relationships
The Bible describes love as selfsacrificial and rooted in God's nature (1 John 4:78; 1 Corinthians 13). Science can study neurological and psychological aspects of love but cannot fully define its divine origin and spiritual depth.
The Destiny of the Universe
The Bible teaches that the universe has a divinely ordained purpose and an ultimate end in God's plan (Revelation 21:14). Science can theorize about the physical future of the cosmos but cannot explain its spiritual destiny.
Hope and Faith
The Bible offers hope rooted in God's promises and faith in His unchanging nature (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 15:13). Science operates on observable evidence and cannot provide spiritual hope or address the human need for faith.
These truths demonstrate that the Bible and science operate in complementary but distinct realms. While science is invaluable for understanding the physical world, the Bible addresses the deeper questions of existence, meaning, and the spiritual dimensions of life.
John ties the concept of truth directly to Jesus by presenting Him as the embodiment and source of truth. Each passage emphasizes a unique aspect of Jesus' relationship to truth.
John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Here, Jesus is described as the Word made flesh, filled with grace and truth. This establishes that truth is inherent in His divine nature and is a central characteristic of His mission on earth.
John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
John contrasts the law given through Moses with the grace and truth brought by Jesus. This highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, where truth is revealed in its fullness through Him.
John 8:32 - "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Jesus teaches that knowing the truth leads to freedom, implying that He, as the source of truth, offers liberation from sin and spiritual bondage.
John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’"
Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as "the truth," emphasizing that He is the ultimate revelation of God and the only path to salvation.
John 15:26 - "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me."
- The Spirit of truth, sent by Jesus, testifies about Him. This connection reinforces that truth originates in Jesus and is affirmed by the Holy Spirit.
John portrays Jesus as the personification of truth, emphasizing that truth is not merely a concept but is fully realized in the person of Christ. Through His life, teachings, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus reveals divine truth and provides a way for humanity to experience grace, freedom, and salvation.
More: Lesson 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Setting
- This conversation takes place in the Upper Room, where Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples (the Last Supper) and prepares them for His imminent departure. It is part of the larger discourse found in John 13–17.
Emotional State of the Disciples
- The disciples were troubled and confused. Jesus had just told them that He was going to leave them (John 13:33) and that one of them would betray Him (John 13:21–30). He also hinted at Peter’s denial (John 13:36–38). These revelations created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty.
Purpose of the Words
- Jesus offers these words to comfort and reassure His disciples. He acknowledges their fear and directs their focus to faith in Him and in God.
- He promises a future reunion, emphasizing that His departure has a purpose: to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house (a metaphor for eternal dwelling with God).
Theological Significance
- The passage highlights themes of trust, hope, and the promise of eternal life. It points to Jesus’ role as the way to the Father and His ultimate return to bring believers into eternal fellowship with Him.
This comforting message reassured the disciples and continues to provide hope for Christians, emphasizing Jesus’ care and the certainty of eternal life with Him.
More: Lesson 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.