Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - SS-Q4-L4 - Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

Sabbath Afternoon - October 19, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
John 1:19-23; Isaiah 40:1-5; John 1:29-37; Romans 5:6; John 1:35-39; John 1:43-51; John 3:1-21.

Thought for Meditation:

The Gospel for Both Jews and Gentiles - By Paul

He was to call men's attention to the gospel, which God had promised by the word of the prophets. He was to unfold the divine revelations of the Old Testament, and to show how the gospel shed a light into the old dispensation. He was to demonstrate the fact that both prophets and apostles were witnesses of Christ as the Messiah. In his divine nature Jesus was declared to be the Son of God, but the divinity of Christ was the fact that was constantly opposed by the Pharisees. The great argument that substantiated the divinity of Christ was his resurrection from the dead. Overwhelming testimony came to those that believed on him, for he had been seen among them, and those who would not receive the great array of evidence that could be presented, would not have been convinced by any amount of proof. {ST, August 5, 1889 par. 3}

Memory Text:

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’ ” (John 3:3).

This week's SS Lesson will identify the witnesses and how they witness for Christ. This will also describe how the latter-day people of God will witness for Him - as King of kings!

Study Outline:

The Testimony of John the Baptist

Sunday - October 20, 2024

The Testimony of John the Baptist - Introducing the Messiah

John 1:19-23; 1:6-8, 33; Isaiah 40:1-5; John 1:23.

Monday - October 21, 2024

The Lamb of God - Introducing the Lamb of God

John 1:29-37; Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:7; Mark 10:45; Romans 5:6; 1 Peter 2:24.

The Testimony of the First Disciples

Tuesday - October 22, 2024

The Two Disciples of John - Following the Messiah

John 1:35-39; John 1:41; John 1:42; John 2:24-25.

Wednesday - October 23, 2024

Philip and Nathaniel - Bringing others to the Messiah

John 1:43-46; John 1:47-51.

The Testimony of Nicodemus

Thursday - October 24, 2024

The Witness of Nicodemus - Discovering the Messiah

John 3:1-21; Romans 3:1-2; John 19:39.

Friday - October 25, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

The Testimony of John the Baptist

Sunday - October 20, 2024

The Testimony of John the Baptist - Introducing the Messiah

John 1:19-23; 1:6-8, 33; Isaiah 40:1-5; John 1:23.

“He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27)

Providence Prepare the Way for the Messiah

The Jews, now widely dispersed in all civilized lands, were generally expecting the advent of the Messiah. When John the Baptist was preaching, many, in their visits to Jerusalem at the annual feasts, had gone out to the banks of the Jordan to listen to him. There they had heard Jesus proclaimed as the Promised One, and they had carried the tidings to all parts of the world. Thus had Providence prepared the way for the labors of the apostles. {AA 281.3} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911

John the Baptist didn't fully Understand the Nature of Christ's Kingdom

Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. . . . There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? . . . {CC 277.3} Conflict and Courage, 1970

Christ and John the Baptist were Closely Related by Birth

Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins, and closely related by the circumstances of their birth; yet they had had no direct acquaintance with each other. The life of Jesus had been spent at Nazareth in Galilee; that of John, in the wilderness of Judea. Amid widely different surroundings they had lived in seclusion, and had had no communication with each other. Providence had ordered this. No occasion was to be given for the charge that they had conspired together to support each other's claims. {DA 109.2}

John was acquainted with the events that had marked the birth of Jesus. He had heard of the visit to Jerusalem in His boyhood, and of what had passed in the school of the rabbis. He knew of His sinless life, and believed Him to be the Messiah; but of this he had no positive assurance. The fact that Jesus had for so many years remained in obscurity, giving no special evidence of His mission, gave occasion for doubt as to whether He could be the Promised One. The Baptist, however, waited in faith, believing that in God's own time all would be made plain. It had been revealed to him that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign of His divine character should then be given. Thus he would be enabled to present Him to the people. {DA 109.3} The Desire of Ages, 1898

Consider the Following

Introducing the Messiah. John 1:19-23.

— The Sanhedrin sent delegates to ask John if he considered himself the Messiah, the Christ (Jn. 1:19).

But John was not the Messiah. He had a particular mission: to prepare the people to receive the true Messiah (Jn. 1:22-23).

— John testified that Christ was superior to him:

(1) John considered himself an unworthy servant of the One who existed before him (John 1:27)

(2) John baptized with water, Christ would do it with the Spirit (John 1:33)

(3) Christ is the Son of God, John merely pointed him out as such (John 1:34)

Monday - October 21, 2024

The Lamb of God - Introducing the Lamb of God

John 1:29-37; Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:7; Mark 10:45; Romans 5:6; 1 Peter 2:24.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29)

Cultivate the Spirit of Earnest Prayer, Genuine Faith, and Will Confirm our Faith

Take up the stones, remove the rubbish from your hearts. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. God's servants need constantly to lay hold with one hand of souls ready to perish, while with the hand of faith they lay hold of the throne of God. Souls possessed with evil spirits will present themselves before us. We must cultivate the spirit of earnest prayer, mingled with genuine faith to save them from ruin, and this will confirm our faith. {SpM 89.2}

God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed with evil spirits, shall hear his voice through us. Through his human agents he desires to be a comforter such as the world has never before seen. His words are to be voiced by his followers: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye believe in God, believe also in me." {SpM 89.3} Spalding and Magan Collection, 1985

Washing and Ironing Time - Time to Clean our Robes of Character in the Blood of the Lamb

This is our washing and ironing time,--the time when we are to cleanse our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb. John says, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." I thank Thee, my heavenly Father, I praise Thee, that Thou hast given us Jesus, to take away our sins. Shall we not let Him take them away? Shall we not let our sins go? {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 12} The General Conference Bulletin, 1903

Christ the Life-Giver, the Redeemer, and the Lamb of God

Earth and earthly things will perish with the using. A few years will pass by, and death will come. Your eternal destiny will be fixed, eternally fixed. If your soul is lost, what will compensate you for its loss? Christ the Life Giver, Christ the Redeemer, Christ the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, points you to a nobler world. He brings it within range of your vision. He takes you to the threshold of heaven, and brings you to contemplate the glories of eternal realities, that your aspirations may be quickened to grasp the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. As you contemplate heavenly scenes, desire is kindled in your heart to have friendship with God, to be wholly reconciled to Him. {BLJ 242.2} To Be Like Jesus, 2004

Consider the Following

Introducing the Lamb of God. John 1:29-37.

— John the Baptist was of priestly lineage and had a clear understanding of the work of the Messiah. For him, Christ was not a national liberator, but the one of whom Isaiah spoke (Is. 53:7).

— How many times did John confess his sins by placing his hand on the lamb and then slaying it with his knife? Each time he did so, he thought of the One who would bear his sins and die for them.

— Warned by God, he recognized Jesus as the expected Lamb (Jn. 1:31-33). Of course, he did not remain silent. He proclaimed to everyone who Christ was, and what his role was as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29).

— This statement gives us light on the meaning of the sacrificial system that God commanded Israel. In the shed blood of the Lamb of God there is power to cleanse every confessed sin.

The Testimony of the First Disciples

Tuesday - October 22, 2024

The Two Disciples of John - Following the Messiah

John 1:35-39; John 1:41; John 1:42; John 2:24-25.

“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. […] When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus” (John 1:35,37)

An Interest to Bring Others to Christ, the Messiah, and the Saviour of the World

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not. But he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw and bare record, that this is the Son of God. Again, the next day after, John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, behold the Lamb of God!" And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? The disciples confessed that they were seeking Christ, and that they desired to become acquainted with him, and to be instructed by him at his home. These two disciples were charmed with the deeply impressive, yet simple and practical, lessons of Christ. Their hearts had never been so moved before. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these disciples. He was interested for his friends and relatives, and was anxious that they also should see Christ, and hear for themselves his precious lessons. Andrew went in search of his brother Simon, and with assurance claimed to have found Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. He brought his brother to Jesus, and as soon as Jesus looked upon him, he said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone. The next day Christ selected another disciple, Philip, and bade him follow him. Philip fully believed that Christ was the Messiah, and began to search for others to bring them to listen to the teachings of Christ, which had so charmed him. Then Philip found Nathanael. He was one of the number who heard John proclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." {2SP 65.1} The Spirit of Prophecy, volume 2, 1877

To Precious to be Kept, they Immediately went and Brought their Friends to Jesus

It was thus that the foundation of the Christian church was laid. Many people had assembled where John was baptizing in Jordan. As Jesus walked among them, the observing eye of John recognized him as the Saviour, and with kindling eye and earnest manner he cried, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Two of John's disciples, whose attention was thus directed to Jesus, followed him. Seeing them following him, he turned and said, “What seek ye? They said unto him,” “Master, where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see.” And when they had come and seen where he dwelt, he opened to them the great plan of salvation. The words which he there spoke to them were too precious to be kept to themselves, and they immediately went and found their friends, and brought them to Jesus. {HS 149.3} Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the SDAs, 1886

Stand Near, Listen to His Teaching, and Follow Jesus

The next day John again saw Jesus, and again he cried, "Behold the Lamb of God!" John 1:36. Two of John's disciples were standing near, and they followed Jesus. They listened to His teaching, and became His disciples. One of the two was Andrew, the other John. {SJ 51.1} The Story of Jesus, 1896, 1900

Consider the Following

❖ Following the Messiah. John 1:35-39.

— Who were the first two disciples to follow Jesus (Jn. 1:35-37)? John only identifies one, Andrew, omitting his own name (Jn. 1:40).

— In fact, they literally followed Jesus. That is, they walked behind Him for a while, until Jesus Himself turned and spoke to them (Jn. 1:38).

— Jesus’ question – What are you looking for? – allowed them to express what they expected from Him.

What would you have answered? Why do you follow Jesus?

— The two disciples had already accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Now they just wanted to be with Him.

They sought His company; to hear His teachings; to drink from His wisdom.

— Overjoyed at having found the Messiah, Andrew introduced his brother Simon to Jesus. Jesus demonstrated that he knew Simon Peter's heart and temperament perfectly (Jn. 1:40-42).

Wednesday - October 23, 2024

Philip and Nathaniel - Bringing others to the Messiah

John 1:43-46; John 1:47-51.

“Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’” (John 1:45)

Ask for the Enlightenment of the Holy Spirit

Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages, we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. When Nathaniel came to Jesus, the Saviour exclaimed, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." Nathaniel said, "Whence knowest thou me?" Jesus answered, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee." And Jesus will see us also in the secret place of prayer, if we will seek him for light, that we may know what is truth. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. {AU Gleaner, June 9, 1909 par. 8} Atlantic Union Gleaner

Witnesses for Christ, One by One Called Another

Andrew soon brought to Jesus his own brother, Simon, whom Christ named Peter. The next day, on the way to Galilee, Christ called another disciple, Philip. As soon as Philip found the Saviour, he brought his friend Nathaniel. {SJ 51.2}

In this way Christ's great work on earth was begun. One by one He called His disciples, and one brought his brother, another his friend. This is what every follower of Christ is to do. As soon as he himself knows Jesus, he is to tell others what a precious Friend he has found. This is a work that all can do, whether they are young or old. {SJ 51.3} The Story of Jesus, 1896, 1900

The Example of Philip With Nathanael

The case of Philip and Nathanael is an example of true home missionary work. Philip had seen Jesus and was convinced that He was the Messiah. In his joy he wished his friends also to know the good news. He desired that the truth which had brought such comfort to him should be shared by Nathanael. True grace in the heart will always reveal its presence by diffusing itself. Philip went in search of Nathanael, and as he called, Nathanael answered from his place of prayer under the fig tree. Nathanael had not had the privilege of listening to the words of Jesus, but he was being drawn toward Him in spirit. He longed for light, and was at that moment sincerely praying for it. Philip with joy exclaimed: "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth." John 1:45. At Philip's invitation Nathanael sought and found the Saviour, and in his turn joined in the work of winning souls for Christ. {6T 428.2} Testimonies for the Church volume 6, 1901

Consider the Following

❖ Bringing others to the Messiah. John 1:43-51.

— The third disciple who followed Jesus was called directly by Him: Philip (Jn. 1:43-44).

— Like Andrew, Philip feels that he must lead others to Jesus. Unlike Andrew, Philip does not directly identify Jesus as the Messiah, but as the one who was foretold by Moses and the prophets, thus leaving Nathanael (Bartholomew) to draw his own conclusions (John 1:45). But Jesus did not fit the stereotype of the Messiah that Nathanael expected .

— Born in Nazareth, a place of such bad reputation? Philip did not enter into the discussion. It was not a theoretical problem. He would only be convinced by seeing Jesus (Jn. 1:46).

— Nathanael had prayed under the fig tree for an encounter with the Christ announced by John (DA 140).

When Jesus said to him, “I saw you,” all doubt was dispelled (Jn. 1:47-49).

The Testimony of Nicodemus

Thursday - October 24, 2024

The Witness of Nicodemus - Discovering the Messiah

John 3:1-21; Romans 3:1-2; John 19:39.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17)

Be Born Again - To Enter into the Kingdom of God

Nicodemus came to the Lord thinking to enter into a long discussion with him concerning points of minor importance, but Jesus laid bare the first principles of truth, and showed Nicodemus that his first need was humility of heart, a teachable spirit, a new heart; that if he would enter into the kingdom of God, he must be born again. Are there not those who hold responsible positions in the Sabbath school who would be irritated and annoyed if I should testify to them that though they are rulers in Israel, they too need to be born again? Nicodemus wondered that Christ should speak to him in the way which he did, not respecting his position as ruler in Israel, and he was not prepared to receive the truth, and he answered Christ in words full of irony. "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" He revealed the fact, as do many, when the cutting truth is brought home to the conscience, that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. There is nothing in them that responds to spiritual things; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. But although Nicodemus did not comprehend his words, Jesus did not become impatient or discouraged, but sought to make more plain his statement of truth: In solemn, quiet dignity, Jesus repeated his words in a manner that would convince him of their divine truth, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit." {SSW, August 1, 1892 par. 5} Sabbath School Worker

Personal Conviction that Christ was the Sent of God

At this time of peril Nicodemus came forward in fearless avowal of his faith in the crucified Saviour. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin and with others had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus. As he had witnessed Christ's wonderful works, the conviction had fastened itself upon his mind that this was the Sent of God. Too proud openly to acknowledge himself in sympathy with the Galilean Teacher, he had sought a secret interview. In this interview Jesus had unfolded to him the plan of salvation and His mission to the world, yet still Nicodemus had hesitated. He hid the truth in his heart, and for three years there was little apparent fruit. But while Nicodemus had not publicly acknowledged Christ, he had in the Sanhedrin council repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him. When at last Christ had been lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the words that He had spoken to him in the night interview on the Mount of Olives, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up" (John 3:14); and he saw in Jesus the world's Redeemer. {AA 104.1} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911

Jesus and Nicodemus in a Personal Interview

Nicodemus sought an interview with Jesus at night, saying, "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him." All this was true, as far as it went; but what said Jesus? He "answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Here was a man in a high position of trust, a man who was looked up to as one educated in Jewish customs, one whose mind was stored with wisdom. He was indeed in possession of talents of no ordinary character. He would not go to Jesus by day, for this would make him a subject of remark. It would be too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledge himself in sympathy with the despised Nazarene. Nicodemus thinks, I will ascertain for myself the mission and claims of this Teacher, whether He is indeed the Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of Israel. {TM 367.1} Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 1923

Consider the Following

❖ Discovering the Messiah. John 3:1-21.

— Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, was amazed by Jesus' miracles. He became convinced that Jesus was a great prophet sent by God… but not the Messiah ( John 3:1-2).

— Jesus confronted him directly with his greatest need (which is also ours): a change of heart (Jn. 3:3-5).

— Although he tried to avoid the issue, Nicodemus received from Jesus the highest teachings about his mission as Messiah, and heard the most sublime words ever spoken (John 3:16).

— He also received a small reprimand, with which Jesus wanted to open his mind to the truth (Jn. 3:9-12).

— Little by little, Nicodemus discovered the Messiah, until he openly accepted him at the foot of the cross (Jn. 7:50-51; 19:39).

Friday - October 25, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Every Individual Member Should Be an Active Missionary Worker.

The church of Christ has been organized on earth for missionary purposes, and it is of the highest importance that every individual member of the church should be a sincere laborer together with God, filled with the Spirit, having the mind of Christ, perfected in sympathy with Christ, and therefore bending every energy, according to his entrusted ability, to the saving of souls. Christ requires that every one who would be called by His name, should make His work the first and highest consideration, and disinterestedly cooperate with heavenly intelligences in saving the perishing, for whom Christ has died. {PH007 27.2} Pamphlets - An Appeal to Our Churches in Behalf of Home Missionary Work, 1896

From the Pen of Inspiration

“While they trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study God's word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek for divine guidance.” EGW (The Desire of Ages, pg. 141)

Points to Ponder Upon

How does Jesus' ministry affect the Lives of those who witness for Him?
How will God's people be as effective as Jesus in His work?
Why is it so important to understand the identity of Jesus and His role in our salvation?
In what ways have the disciples, changed their lives, or did other changes occur before and after His death and resurrection?
How did Philip witness for Jesus? Has he experienced rejection as well?
Why does Nicodemus' testimony share the theme of the Book of John?
Based upon the statement above, {PH007 27.2}, what is our responsibility and role after knowing the present truth?
Please visit these sites for more information:

https://bit.ly/meatindueseason
https://bit.ly/presenttruth

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