Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - SS-Q4-L6 - More Testimonies About Jesus

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

Sabbath Afternoon - November 2, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
John 3:25–36; 1:32–36; 6:51–71; 5:36–38; 7:37–53; Dan. 7:18

Thought for Meditation:

While there confined, John heard through his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to his gracious words. But the disciples informed him, and comforted him with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded through the influence of Herod's wife. I saw that the least disciple that followed Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard the comforting words which fell from his lips, was greater than John the baptist. That is, they were more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure in their lives. {1SG 30.1}

John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days, and saw that John was to represent those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus. {1SG 30.2} Spiritual Gifts Volume 1, 1858

Memory Text:

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me. {John 12:32}

"This week's Sabbath School lesson will explore additional testimonies, including the Father's own declaration of Jesus as His divine Son, to strengthen our understanding of Jesus as the revealed Messiah, whom the Jews of that time rejected."

Study Outline:

The Testimony of John the Baptist

Sunday - November 3, 2024

The Humility of the Witness - John the Baptist Testifies Again

John 1:6-8; 3:16-17; 3:25-36; Mark 1:4-5; Hosea 2:16-23; Isaiah 62:1-5.

Monday - November 4, 2024

The Origin of the Testimony - A New Understanding of the Messiah

John 1:32-36; Daniel 7:18; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Corinthians 1:24.

The Testimony of the Crowd

Tuesday - November 5, 2024

This is a Hard Teachings - Acceptance and Rejection

John 6:1-71.

Wednesday - November 6, 2024

No Man ever Spoke Like This Man - The Witness of the Father

John 1:32-34; 5:36-38; 12:17-18, 19, 28, Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17-18).

Thursday - November 7, 2024

The Testimony of the Father - The Witness of the Crowd John 7:37-53; John 19:39-40; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Matthew 1:1-2:23,

Friday - November 8, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

The Testimony of John the Baptist

Sunday - November 3, 2024

The Humility of the Witness - John the Baptist Testifies Again

John 1:6-8; 3:16-17; 3:25-36; Mark 1:4-5; Hosea 2:16-23; Isaiah 62:1-5.

“He must become greater, I must become less" {John 3:30}

We Must Learn to Lift Up Christ, Not Self!

Self must be hidden in Christ. There is to be no great I in heaven except the great I AM, and we must learn to lift up Christ before the people, realizing and rejoicing in the fact that he must increase and we must decrease. I would glorify his name before you, for I want you to be like him, to love him. Jesus says, "Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." The saving salt, the savor of the Christian, is the love of Jesus in the heart, the righteousness of Christ pervading the soul. If the professor of religion would keep the saving efficacy of his faith, he must ever keep the righteousness of Christ before him, and have the glory of God for his rearward. Then the power of Christ will be revealed in life and character. {ST, February 22, 1892 par. 12} The Signs of the Times

We Must Acknowledge that there's a Higher than Us

When the disciples of John were jealous because Christ baptized more disciples than did their master, he answered, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice; this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." Do you think that John had no human feelings?--Of course he did, but he determined that they should have no control over him. When he had seen Jesus on the banks of the Jordan, he had said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" He directed the attention of the people to Christ, and two of his disciples turned and followed Jesus. "Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, "Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day," Then they began the work of calling others. {1888 545.2} The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1987

When Christ Opens the Door, No One, even Satan can Close it!

It is our privilege to advance daily in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. By studying the life of Christ, and by patterning after his character, we may be changed into the same image. When John heard of the growing power of Jesus, he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." When Christ abides in the heart, we are able to impart to others the light and peace that have been imparted to us. Every day we have the precious privilege of connecting ourselves with Christ, who has set before us an open door. All heaven is at our command. If we are obedient children of God, we may draw daily supplies of grace. Whatever temptations, trials, or persecutions may come upon us, we need not be discouraged. Neither man nor Satan can close the door which Christ has opened for us. {RH, March 26, 1889 par. 4} The Review and Herald

Consider the Following

The humility of the witness. John 3:25-36.

— A dispute arose between John's disciples and the Jews about the purification of baptism. The disciples' minds turned to Jesus, who also baptized as John, and whose fame was growing (Jn. 3:25-26).

— John made it clear that it is God who decides the work of each one (Jn. 3:27).

(1) John 3:28. Jesus is the Christ; John is sent before Him

(2) John 3:29. Jesus is the Husband; John He is the friend of the Husband

(3) John 3:30. Jesus must become greater; John must become less

(4) John 3:31. Jesus is heavenly, is above all; John is earthly, speaks earthly things

(5) John 3:32-36. Jesus speaks the words of God, he is filled with His Spirit, he is loved by His Father, from whom He has received everything, whoever believes in Him has eternal life; John is a witness whom no one believes, whoever listens to him testifies that God is true.

Monday - November 4, 2024

The Origin of the Testimony - A New Understanding of the Messiah

John 1:32-36; Daniel 7:18; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Corinthians 1:24.

"And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me. The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." {John 1:33}

The Declaration of John Concerning Christ, Believed by the People

Was this the Christ? With awe and wonder the people looked upon the One just declared to be the Son of God. They had been deeply moved by the words of John. He had spoken to them in the name of God. They had listened to him day after day as he reproved their sins, and daily the conviction that he was sent of Heaven had strengthened. But who was this One greater than John the Baptist? In His dress and bearing there was nothing that betokened rank. He was apparently a simple personage, clad like themselves in the humble garments of the poor. {DA 137.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898

The Testimony of His Spirit Calls Our Attention to the Bible

My brethren, beware of the evil heart of unbelief. The word of God is plain and close in its restrictions; it interferes with your selfish indulgence; therefore you do not obey it. The testimonies of His Spirit call your attention to the Scriptures, point out your defects of character, and rebuke your sins; therefore you do not heed them. And to justify your carnal, ease-loving course you begin to doubt whether the testimonies are from God. If you would obey their teachings you would be assured of their divine origin. Remember, your unbelief does not affect their truthfulness. If they are from God they will stand. Those who seek to lessen the faith of God's people in these testimonies, which have been in the church for the last thirty-six years, are fighting against God. It is not the instrument whom you slight and insult, but God, who has spoken to you in these warnings and reproofs. {5T 234.3} Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 1882-1889

The Spirit of God- Bear a Living Witness to the Character of the Testimonies

Those who carefully read the testimonies as they have appeared from the early days, need not be perplexed as to their origin. The many books, written by the help of the Spirit of God, bear a living witness to the character of the testimonies. {1SM 49.3}

In the early days of our experience in the message, the Spirit of God often came upon a few of us as we were assembled, and I was taken away in vision. The Lord gave such light and evidence, such comfort and hope and joy, that His praises were upon our lips. {1SM 50.1} Selected Messages, Book 1, 1958

Consider the Following

The origin of the testimony. John 1:29-36.

— John identified Jesus as the one who is superior to him, and even announced his preexistence (John 1:30). Yet he repeatedly declares, “I did not know him” (John 1:31, 33). How could John know that Jesus was the expected Messiah?

— His parents had told him that his cousin was the Messiah. But John had never met Jesus. It was God Himself who told him who the Messiah was (Jn. 1:33).

— Likewise, we listen to those who speak to us about Jesus, but we can only recognize Him as our Savior through the conviction that the Holy Spirit instills in us.

— The important point is: will we accept or reject this conviction that the Spirit places in our minds?

Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy Have Same Author.

--The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all hazards.--Letter 92, 1900. {3SM 30.3}

Ellen White Calls Her Writings a Lesser Light.

--Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.--The Review and Herald, Jan. 20, 1903. (Quoted in Colporteur Ministry, p. 125.) {3SM 30.4}

The Testimony of the Crowd

Tuesday - November 5, 2024

This is a Hard Teachings - Acceptance and Rejection

John 6:1-71.

“Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard [this], said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? {John 6:60}

Take Up the Self-Denying Work - The Work of Separation

"Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner." Matthew 3:12. This was one of the times of purging. By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned away from Jesus. Many are still doing the same thing. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. Therefore they are angry when their sins are discovered. They go away offended, even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" {DA 392.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898

The Gospel is Not a Way of Escape from Suffering, but a Deliverance from Sin

Many receive the gospel as a way of escape from suffering, rather than as a deliverance from sin. They rejoice for a season, for they think that religion will free them from difficulty and trial. While life moves smoothly with them, they may appear to be consistent Christians. But they faint beneath the fiery test of temptation. They cannot bear reproach for Christ's sake. When the word of God points out some cherished sin, or requires self-denial or sacrifice, they are offended. It would cost them too much effort to make a radical change in their life. They look at the present inconvenience and trial, and forget the eternal realities. Like the disciples who left Jesus, they are ready to say, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" John 6:60. {COL 47.2} Christ Object Lessons, 1900

There are very many who claim to serve God, but who have no experimental knowledge of Him. Their desire to do His will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God.

Take Heed to the Admonitions, or Fasten more Firmly by the Chains of Darkness

The words that he addressed to his disciples are also spoken to the followers of Christ today. The same necessity exists for a clean heart and a pure life. Yet how many reject the warning of God, spoken by his servants, and the close, practical truths pressed home to their hearts, because their lives are not in accordance with the will of God, because they perceive that an entire reformation is necessary, and are unwilling to take up the self-denying work, and are therefore angry because their sins have been discovered. They go away offended, even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, "This is a hard saying; who can hear it?" {2SP 287.1}

Those who profess godliness, yet do not heed the admonitions of the Lord, nor regulate their lives in harmony with his holy will, fasten themselves more and more firmly by chains of darkness. Many who now profess to believe the truth of Christ, endure the test no better than those who turned away from following him.

Consider the Following

“This is a hard teaching.” John 6:51-71.

— After the feeding of the 5,000, the crowd believed that Jesus was the Messiah and wanted to make Him king (Jn. 6:14-15). The next day, while He was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, He spoke to them about the bread of life, awakening in them a desire to know more (Jn. 6:32-34).

— But it seems that they did not want to hear deep spiritual truths. They wanted a king to lead them in their struggle against the Romans. They closed their minds, and refused to follow Jesus, or to accept Him as a soul-regenerating and converting Messiah (John 6:60-66).

— When Jesus was forsaken, he spoke to the 12, giving them the opportunity to leave him too, if they so desired (John 6:67). Their response reflects the feelings of all of us who have found in Jesus our Redeemer, our Liberator, our personal Savior: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God” ( John 6:68-69).

Wednesday - November 6, 2024

No Man ever Spoke Like This Man - The Witness of the Father

John 1:32-34; 5:36-38; 12:17-18, 19, 28, Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17-18).

“The officers answered, "No man ever spake like this Man!. {John 7:46}

The Specifications of the Law Must be Written in the Hearts

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Then in the most solemn manner he takes up the specifications of the law, and shows how far-reaching is every precept which is to be written in their hearts and to be made manifest in their character. And as the people listened to his words, they said, "Never man spake like this Man." {ST, March 14, 1895 par. 7} The Signs of the Times

A Standard and Pattern to Mankind - In Him was Life - A Light of Men

The Lord Jesus came to our world to represent the character of his Father. He came to live out the law, and his words and character were daily a correct exposition of the law of God. His own personal example testified to the world, to angels, and to men that he was keeping the law of God, and was a standard and pattern to mankind. "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." Jesus was a living manifestation of what the law was, and he revealed in his personal character its true significance, and showed it to be the only remedy for the existing evils, when it was set free from the rubbish of men's traditions and maxims. As it was expounded by the scribes and Pharisees, it was misleading because misrepresented, and it perverted the characters of those who received the traditions and commandments of men. {ST, March 14, 1895 par. 8} The Signs of the Times

Christ's Words Impress the Mind of the Hearers

The Lord Jesus has said: "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23. Christ's words made an impression on the minds of His hearers. Many of them, though not clearly comprehending His instruction, were moved by deep conviction to say decidedly: "Never man spake like this Man." John 7:46. The disciples did not always understand the lessons which Christ wished to convey by parables, and when the multitude had gone away, they would ask Him to explain His words. He was ever ready to lead them to a perfect understanding of His word and His will; for from them, in clear, distinct lines, truth was to go forth to the world. {6T 248.2}

Consider the Following

“No man ever spoke like this Man!” John 7:37-53

— Like the 12, there were others who were willing to accept Jesus as the Prophet (Jn. 7:40). Some believed that he could be the Christ, however, they still had some doubts (Jn. 7:41-43).

— Everyone was fascinated by his words. Even those who had been sent by the Sanhedrin to arrest Jesus were unable to carry out the orders they had received (Jn. 7:44-46).

— Disappointed, the members of the Sanhedrin attacked the officers and called them ignorant (Jn. 7:47-49). Their argument was based on the fact that they themselves had not accepted Him. But they were wrong. At least one of them believed. And Nicodemus did not miss the opportunity to defend Jesus (Jn. 7:50-51).

— Again they failed in their argument against Nicodemus (John 7:52). At least one prophet had come from Galilee: Jonah (2 Kings 14:25). In any case, their plans to arrest Jesus were frustrated (John 7:53).

Thursday - November 7, 2024

The Testimony of the Father - The Witness of the Crowd John 7:37-53; John 19:39-40; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Matthew 1:1-2:23,

“And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form" {John 5:37}

The Mysterious Connection of Jesus with the Father

He affirms that the mission of John was solely to prepare the way of himself, whom the prophet testified was the Christ, the Redeemer of the world. {2SP 169.3}

But no man could witness concerning the mysterious connection of Jesus with the Father; human knowledge cannot reach the courts of Heaven. Jesus assures them that he does not refer to the testimony of John in order to sustain his claims, but only that his persecutors may be convinced of their blindness and inconsistency in defiantly opposing him whom John had stated was the Son of God. They were not in ignorance regarding the evidence of John, for they had sent a deputy to him who had brought back his statement of the baptism of Jesus and the wonderful manifestations of God at that time. {2SP 170.1}

"The Testimony of Christ: Witnesses to the Truth"

"Ye sent unto John," Christ said, "and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the Scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come unto Me, that ye might have life." {AUCR, March 11, 1907 par. 3} Australasian Union Conference Record

Definite Testimony to the Truth as it is in Jesus

"As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21). We are to bear as definite a testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, as did Christ and His apostles. Trusting in the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, we are to testify of the mercy, goodness, and love of a crucified and risen Saviour, and thus be agents through whom the darkness will be dispelled from many minds, and cause thanksgiving and praise to ascend from many hearts to God. There is a great work to be done by every son and daughter of God. Jesus says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" (John 14:15, 16). In His prayer for His disciples, He says that He not only prayed for those in His immediate presence, but "for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). Again He said, "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I" (John 14:28). Thus we see that Christ has prayed for His people, and made them abundant promises to ensure success to them as His colaborers. He said, "Greater works than these [those He did] shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12). {1SM 263.1}

Consider the Following

The testimony of the Father. John 5:36-38; 12:27-30.

❖ Jesus knew three things about the Father (John 5:36-37): (1) He had given Him power to do miracles; (2) He had sent Him into the world; (3) He had borne witness to Him:

— The first audible testimony of the Father was at the baptism of Jesus, at the beginning of his ministry (Mark 1:11).

— The second, to the small group who witnessed the transfiguration (Mt. 17:5). These words were deeply engraved in their minds (2P. 1:17).

— The third and last was shortly before the crucifixion, in response to Jesus' anguished request (Jn. 12:27-28)

Friday - November 8, 2024

Insights and Further Study

God has his workmen to carry on his work, and no man can carry the work beyond a certain point, because man will place his own mold upon it. It is natural for men to put their fashion upon the work; but when there is danger of this, the Lord calls other men whom he has ready, to carry forward the message; for the work must not become circumscribed by the influence of man. Other workmen must be brought in, to carry the work upward and forward as God shall direct, that the mold may not appear, and that the truth may not be crippled and dwarfed by the experience of the workers. The mold of man must be taken off the work. Too often the messenger that God has used comes to be depended upon, and to be placed where God should be, by the people; then God brings in another worker. He does not set the first one aside, for his experience and capabilities are all needed for the perfection of the work; but if the men whom God has used become jealous and envious, and imagine evil, they will not fill the place, but will stand directly in the way of the advancement of the work. Then the work will move without them, and that is a great blessing. {1888 545.3} The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1987

From the Pen of Inspiration

“becoming His followers. ‘To whom shall we go?’ Not from the teaching of Christ, His lessons of love and mercy, to the darkness of unbelief, the wickedness of the world. While the Saviour was forsaken by many who had witnessed His wonderful works, Peter expressed the faith of the disciples, —‘Thou art that Christ.’ The very thought of losing this anchor of their souls filled them with fear and pain. To be destitute of a Saviour was to be adrift on a dark and stormy sea.” EGW (The Desire of Ages, pg. 393)

Points to Ponder Upon

How did John the Baptist exercise humility and submit to the circumstances where he needs to decrease?
How can we humble ourselves when we've already been humiliated in front of a crowd?
"What is the significance of the Spirit descending as a dove and remaining on Jesus, and how does this reveal His identity and purpose?"
"How does John’s testimony about witnessing the Spirit reveal the way God confirms His calling in our lives?"
How might "eating the bread" relate to having eternal life? What does this symbolize in a spiritual sense?
Why do you think Jesus used such a strong metaphor ("my flesh") in His teaching here, and how might this have challenged His listeners?
Based on the statement above {1888 545.3}, "How does God ensure that His work remains guided by His will rather than being limited by human influence?"

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