Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - SS-Q4-L8 - Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

Sabbath Afternoon - November 16, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
John 5:17; John 5:20; John 5:36-40; John 5:46-47; John 13:18; John 17:12; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 9:9; John 8:12-30.

Thought for Meditation:

An ordinary mind, trained to obey a "Thus saith the Lord," is better qualified for God's work than are those who have capabilities, but do not employ them rightly. Christ is the truth, because he is the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Men may take pride in their knowledge of worldly things; but if they have not a knowledge of the true God, of Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, they are deplorably ignorant, and their knowledge will perish with them. Secular knowledge is power; but the knowledge of the Word, which has a transforming influence upon the human mind, is imperishable. It is knowledge sanctified. It is life and peace and joy forever. The deeper knowledge men may have, sanctified wholly unto God, the more they will appreciate the value of Jesus Christ. {RH, November 27, 1900 par. 17} The Review and Herald.

Memory Text:

“ ‘But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me’ ” (John 5:36).

"This week's Sabbath School lesson will help us to understand how the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, strengthening our faith in God's Word and His divine plan for salvation." This will also align with the topic by focusing on the connection between prophecy and its fulfillment, emphasizing its relevance for faith-building and spiritual growth.

Study Outline:

Reasons to Accept Jesus as the Christ:

Sunday - November 17, 2024

Sins, Works, and Wonders - Evidence of the father

John 5:17; 5:20; 5:36-38; 10:24-25, 38; 14:10-11.

Monday - November 18, 2024

The Authoritative Role of Scripture - Evidence from the Scriptures

John 5:39-40; 5:46-47; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24; 19:28; 19:36. Numbers 21:5-9;

Tuesday - November 19, 2024

Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus: Part 1 - Evidence of the Prophecies

John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3; John 2:16-17; Psalms 69:9; John 7:38; Jeremiah 2:13; John 19:36; Numbers 9:12; John 2:22; John 20:9.

Wednesday - November 20, 2024

Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus: Part 2

John 5:39; John 12:13; Psalms 118:26; John 12:14-15; Zechariah 9:9; John 13:18; Psalms 41:9; John 19:37; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:6.

Reasons to Reject Jesus as the Christ:

Thursday - November 21, 2024

From Beneath - Being "from below" and not "from above."

John 8:12-30; 2 Timothy 3:5; Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:7.

Friday - November 22, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

Reasons to Accept Jesus as the Christ:

Sunday - November 17, 2024

Sins, Works, and Wonders - Evidence of the Father

John 5:17; 5:20; 5:36-38; 10:24-25, 38; 14:10-11.

“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me” (John 5:36)

Ellen G. White writings address these themes individually and collectively, often in relation to the character of God, Christ’s ministry, and the great controversy between good and evil. Below are relevant insights from her writings:

On Sins and the Character of the Father

Sin as a Misrepresentation of God’s Character:
- "Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself. Therefore he misrepresented God, attributing to Him the desire for self-exaltation." (The Desire of Ages, p. 21).

EGW highlights that sin distorts the true character of God, which is revealed through Christ.

The Role of Christ in Bearing Sins:
- "Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share." (The Desire of Ages, p. 25).

On Works and Evidence of the Father

Christ’s Works as Evidence of the Father’s Character:
- "The world’s Redeemer was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work which He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, 'I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought and in vain; yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.'" (The Desire of Ages, p. 678).

Christ’s works demonstrated the Father’s love, justice, and mercy despite opposition and rejection.

The Works of Believers Reflecting God’s Character:
- "By their good works, Christ’s followers are to bring glory, not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power they have wrought." (Steps to Christ, p. 77).

On Wonders as Evidence of the Father

Miracles as Evidence of Divine Power:
- "The Saviour's miracles were a testimony not only to the divine mission but to His unity with the Father." (The Desire of Ages, p. 406).

Christ’s wonders were manifestations of the Father’s power and character, offering evidence of His divine authority.

The Great Controversy Over False Wonders:
- "Satan also works through miracles to deceive and destroy. He will set up his power as supreme. The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place." (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 380).

EGW warns that false wonders will also appear as evidence in the final conflict, requiring discernment through Scripture.

Consider the Following

❖ Evidence of the Father.

— Jesus performed many signs that made Him a special person. Undoubtedly, no one could deny the evidence (Mt. 11:5).

— Many people wondered if Jesus was the Christ. When asked directly about this matter, Jesus presented all these signs as evidence of his union with the Father and that he had been sent by Him (John 10:24-25; John 5:36).

— In this way, he left it to his investigators to draw their own conclusions. If they wanted to stone him by saying this (John 10:31-33), what would they have done if he had openly declared that he was the Christ?

Monday - November 18, 2024

The Authoritative Role of Scripture - Evidence from the Scriptures

John 5:39-40; 5:46-47; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24; 19:28; 19:36. Numbers 21:5-9;

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39)

Ellen G. White frequently emphasizes the authoritative role of Scripture and its evidence-based reliability. While she may not have a direct statement using the exact phrase "The Authoritative Role of Scripture – Evidence from the Scriptures," her writings are rich with insights affirming this concept. Here are some relevant themes and statements from her works:

Scripture as the Ultimate Authority

The Bible as the Standard of Truth:
- "The Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be our creed, the sole bond of union; all who bow to this holy word will be in harmony." (The Review and Herald, Dec. 15, 1885).
- This statement underscores the authoritative role of Scripture as the foundation for faith and practice.
Scripture Interprets Itself:
- "The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts." (Education, p. 190).
- She emphasizes the self-evident and harmonious nature of the Bible as evidence of its divine origin.

Evidence of Scripture’s Divine Origin

Fulfillment of Prophecy:
- "The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His Word, uniting link after link in the chain of events from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the procession of the ages and what may be expected in the time to come." (Education, p. 178).
- The fulfillment of prophecy serves as evidence of the Bible’s divine authority.
Transforming Power of Scripture:
- "The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character. Christ prayed, ‘Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.’" (The Desire of Ages, p. 671).
- The life-changing impact of the Bible on individuals and societies is evidence of its divine inspiration.

The Scriptures as a Defense Against Error

Scripture as the Test of All Doctrine:
- "The Spirit was not given—nor can it ever be bestowed—to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested." (The Great Controversy, p. 9).
- EGW highlights the Bible’s authoritative role in guiding faith and exposing error.
The Role of Scripture in the Great Controversy:
- "In our time there is a wide departure from their doctrines and precepts, and there is a need of a return to the great Protestant principle—the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of faith and duty." (The Great Controversy, p. 204).
- She calls for reliance on Scripture as the ultimate authority in spiritual matters.

Consider the Following

❖ Evidence from the Scriptures.

— A second evidence that Jesus presented as proof of his divine mission was the testimony of the Scriptures, that is, the Old Testament.

— Some recognized in Jesus the Messiah announced by Moses and the prophets (Jn. 1:45; 4:25-26).

— Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, and the rest of the New Testament writers, underline again and again, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, how the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus to the Throne of God are the fulfillment of what was announced in the Old Testament.

Tuesday - November 19, 2024

Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus: Part 1 - Evidence of the Prophecies

John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3; John 2:16-17; Psalms 69:9; John 7:38; Jeremiah 2:13; John 19:36; Numbers 9:12; John 2:22; John 20:9.

“These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled…” (John 19:36a)

Ellen G. White affirms the importance of Old Testament prophecies as evidence for Jesus’ divine mission, and some sources in Part 2 offer valuable insights into how Old Testament prophecies point to Christ and serve as evidence of the Bible’s divine inspiration.

Ellen G. White Statements

Christ in All the Scriptures:
- "The Saviour’s coming was foretold in Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their firstborn son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise tarried. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch, the promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, keeping alive the hope of His appearing, and yet He came not. The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time of His advent, but not all rightly interpreted the message." (The Desire of Ages, p. 31).

This shows how Christ's coming was central to Old Testament prophecy and how the timing and specifics were revealed progressively.

The Messianic Prophecies as Evidence of Scripture’s Authority:
- "The types and symbols of the Jewish economy and the prophecies of the Old Testament are full of the gospel of Christ." (The Desire of Ages, p. 211).
- "The prophecies of the Old Testament point forward to the mystery of redemption in Christ." (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 224).

These statements emphasize that the prophecies concerning Jesus are foundational to understanding both the Old and New Testaments.

Fulfilled Prophecies Validate Faith:
- "The predictions of the Old Testament regarding the coming of the Messiah were fulfilled with such exactness that the events of His life are unmistakable evidence of the inspiration of the Scriptures." (The Great Controversy, p. 349).

Consider the Following

❖ Evidence of the prophecies.

— The Old Testament has hundreds of prophecies and allusions concerning Christ, which were fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus. John mentions some of them:

(1) Isaiah 40:3 - John 1:23. The work of his predecessor

(2) Psalm 69:9 - John 2:17. Jesus' zeal in driving the merchants out of the Temple

(3) Jeremiah 2:13 - John 7:38. The provision of living water

(4) Micah 5:2 - John 7:42. The birth in Bethlehem

(5) Psalm 118:26 - John 12:13. The greeting of the multitude upon entering Jerusalem

(6) Zechariah 9:9 - John 12:14-15. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem

(7) Psalm 41:9 - John 13:18. The betrayal of a friend

(8) Psalm 22:18 - John 19:24. The soldiers divide up Jesus' clothes

(9) Psalm 69:20-21 - John 19:28. Thirst during the crucifixion

(10) Numbers 9:12 - John 19:36. No bones are broken in his death

(11) Zechariah 12:10 - John 19:37. Pierced by a spear

(12) Psalm 16:10 - John 20:9. The resurrection

Wednesday - November 20, 2024

Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus: Part 2

John 5:39; John 12:13; Psalms 118:26; John 12:14-15; Zechariah 9:9; John 13:18; Psalms 41:9; John 19:37; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:6.

“For these things happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled…” (John 19:36a)

The Shepherd's Rod also affirms the importance of Old Testament prophecies as evidence for Jesus’ divine mission, and as valuable insights into how Old Testament prophecies point to Christ and serve as evidence of the Bible’s divine inspiration.

Shepherd’s Rod Statements

Christ as the Central Theme of Prophecy:
- "The Old Testament, with its ceremonial system, types, and shadows, speaks of Christ, for He is the central figure of prophecy. The fulfillment of these types is evidence of the divine plan and purpose for humanity." (The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p. 23).
Messianic Prophecies and Present Truth:
- "The prophecies of the Old Testament not only spoke of Christ's first advent but also form the foundation for understanding present truth. The promised Redeemer and His mission to save humanity was the focal point of all the prophets." (The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 51).
The Role of Prophecy in Proving Christ’s Mission:
- "The prophets, through the Spirit of Christ, testified of His sufferings and the glory that should follow. These testimonies stand as irrefutable evidence of the divine authorship of the Scriptures and the mission of Jesus Christ." (The Answerer, Book 2, p. 31).

Consider the Following

Both Ellen G. White (SOP) and the Shepherd’s Rod (SRod) writings affirm that:

The Old Testament prophecies about Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection are clear evidence of the Bible's divine origin.
These prophecies validate the mission of Jesus and serve to strengthen faith in God's Word.

If you'd like specific examples of prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2, or Psalm 22) and their fulfillment discussed in these writings, let me know!

Reasons to Reject Jesus as the Christ:

Thursday - November 21, 2024

From Beneath - Being "from below" and not "from above."

John 8:12-30; 2 Timothy 3:5; Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:7.

“But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world” (John 8:23)

Ellen G. White does not explicitly address a title like "Reasons to Reject Jesus as the Christ" as she primarily focused on affirming Christ's divinity, mission, and role as the Savior. However, her writings often discuss the reasons why individuals or groups rejected Jesus during His time on earth and even today. Here are relevant themes and statements from her works that can be connected to such a topic:

1. Misunderstanding of Prophecy

"The Jews had misinterpreted God’s promise of deliverance to mean only deliverance from their earthly foes. They looked for a Messiah to exalt them to the throne of a universal empire. Thus they had no desire for a Redeemer from sin." (The Desire of Ages, p. 29).

Many rejected Jesus because He did not fit their preconceived ideas of the Messiah as a political and military leader.

The Jews' rejection of Jesus stemmed largely from their misunderstanding of Messianic prophecies. They expected a political deliverer rather than a spiritual Savior.

Insight:
Many today still reject Jesus because they misunderstand the role of Christ in their lives. Instead of seeking spiritual renewal, they look for worldly solutions to their problems.
- "They desired the advent of the Messiah, but they had no conception of His mission, and they could not perceive Him in the humble Jesus of Nazareth." (The Desire of Ages, p. 32).

2. Pride and Self-Sufficiency

"Pride and self-sufficiency stood ready to criticize and condemn. The poor and suffering, who trusted in God, accepted Jesus; but the priests and rulers, who claimed to be the expounders of prophecy, could see no beauty in Him that they should desire Him." (The Desire of Ages, p. 272).

Religious leaders rejected Jesus because His humility and mission clashed with their pride and sense of superiority.

The religious leaders in Jesus’ time believed they were spiritually superior. They could not accept the idea of needing salvation from the very sins they claimed to despise.

Insight:
Pride remains a barrier to faith. Many reject Christ because acknowledging Him as Savior requires humility and admission of personal sin.
- "It was most difficult for the Jewish teachers to see any beauty in His life, because His humility condemned their pride." (The Desire of Ages, p. 88).

3. Love of Sin

"The character of Jesus excited the enmity of the wicked one. He was sinless, and His very presence made manifest the deformity of sin. His purity and holiness stirred up against Him all the hatred of the carnal heart." (The Desire of Ages, p. 57).

Many rejected Jesus because His pure and righteous character exposed their sins and made them uncomfortable.

Jesus’ pure and holy life exposed sin and made people uncomfortable. Instead of repenting, many clung to their sinful ways and rejected Him.

Insight:
The love of sin blinds people to the truth of the gospel. Jesus said, *"Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
- "Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for God’s blessing will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 203).

4. Fear of Losing Influence

"The Pharisees saw that the influence of Christ with the people was rapidly increasing. They feared that, if the people believed on Him, their own influence would be lost, and they determined to stop His work." (The Desire of Ages, p. 205).

Religious leaders rejected Jesus out of jealousy and fear of losing their authority and control over the people.

The Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Jesus because His growing popularity threatened their power.

Insight:
Power struggles and fear of losing control continue to prevent many from accepting Jesus. People may prioritize social standing or personal agendas over truth.
- "They feared that Jesus would draw the people away from them and thus lessen their authority." (The Desire of Ages, p. 538).

5. Rejection of Divine Evidence

"The Jews rejected Christ in spite of the clearest evidence of His divine character. They attributed His miracles to the power of Satan." (The Desire of Ages, p. 258).

Even when confronted with miracles, some chose to reject Him, attributing His works to demonic power rather than divine authority.

Even when faced with miracles and the fulfillment of prophecy, many dismissed the evidence before them. They hardened their hearts against the truth.

Insight:
A similar issue persists today when individuals ignore or dismiss the evidence of Christ’s divinity presented in Scripture, history, and personal testimonies.
- "Those who reject the Saviour's appeal only strengthen themselves in unbelief. They allow the truth to make no impression on their hearts, and they cultivate the seeds of doubt and criticism." (The Desire of Ages, p. 386).

6. Fear of Change and Persecution

"The rulers and elders were unwilling to change their course of action, and they feared the consequences of acknowledging Jesus as the Christ. Thus they shut themselves away from the light." (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 14).

A reluctance to change and the fear of societal or religious backlash kept many from accepting Jesus as the Messiah.

Acknowledging Jesus as the Christ requires life transformation, which many fear. Additionally, societal or familial pressures can discourage people from following Him.

Insight:
Fear of the unknown or potential suffering leads some to reject the gospel. However, EGW emphasizes the blessings of surrendering to Christ despite difficulties.
- "It is the love of self that brings unrest. When we are born from above, the same mind will be in us that was in Jesus—the mind that led Him to humble Himself that we might be saved." (The Desire of Ages, p. 330).

7. A Worldly Focus

Many people prioritize worldly success, wealth, or pleasure over spiritual truth. This was true in Jesus’ day and remains so now.

Insight:
Jesus’ call to “lay up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20) conflicts with the materialistic mindset. Rejecting Him often stems from a reluctance to sacrifice earthly comforts.
- "If we are self-centered and worldly, we shall fail of the grace of God." (Steps to Christ, p. 72).

Final Reflection

Ellen G. White’s writings emphasize that rejecting Jesus is often rooted in internal struggles such as pride, sin, and fear. These issues transcend time, making the lessons from Jesus’ rejection relevant for us today.

Call to Action:
Understanding the reasons why people reject Christ invites believers to address these barriers compassionately, share the truth, and point others to the transformative power of the gospel.

Would you like to explore specific Bible examples, contemporary applications, or ways to address these barriers further?

Please visit our website and other google sites:

Conclusion

A presentation or discussion under the title "Reasons to Reject Jesus as the Christ" could explore these points from Ellen G. White's writings, focusing on the underlying causes of rejection such as pride, fear, misunderstanding, and love of sin. These lessons remain relevant today, as people continue to face similar barriers to accepting Christ.

Consider the Following

❖ Being “from below” and not “from above”.

— Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus?

(1) They did not know the Father (John 8:19, 27, 55). They professed to believe in God, but they had only a theoretical knowledge of Him.

(2) They were “from below” (John 8:23). They thought about earthly things, not heavenly things.

(3) They had put their traditions above the Word of God (Mt. 15:3)

(4) They clung to the letter of the Law and stripped it of its spiritual meaning (Rom. 2:27; Mt. 5:20-22)

(5) They came to think that the mere knowledge of the Scriptures could save them (John 5:39)

(6) They believed in Moses, but they did not accept that the Prophet he had announced had arrived (Jn. 5:46)

(7) They had forgotten mercy (Mt. 23:23)

— Despite the poor performance of the leaders, many Jews were able to discover for themselves who Jesus was.

Friday - November 22, 2024

Insights and Further Study

We, living far down the passage of ages, have the privilege of studying the Old Testament in connection with the New. Our faith and courage should be strong as we see prophecies fulfilling. But how many there are who are unbelieving. How many there are who reveal selfishness and unkindness in their dealings with one another. How many professing Christians seem never to be satisfied unless they are engaged in strife. How many home circles are broken because the members receive and act upon Satan's suggestions. {UL 163.2}

No unpleasant words are spoken in heaven. There no unkind thoughts are cherished. There envy, evil surmising, hatred, and strife find no place. Perfect harmony pervades the heavenly courts. {UL 163.3} The Upward Look, 1982

From the Pen of Inspiration

The apostles accepted Jesus upon the testimony of prophets and righteous men, stretching over a period of many centuries. The Christian world have a full and complete chain of evidence running through both the Old and the New Testament; in the one pointing to a Saviour to come, and in the other fulfilling the conditions of that prophecy. All this is sufficient to establish the faith of those who are willing to believe. The design of God was to leave the race a fair opportunity to develop faith in the power of God and of his Son and in the work of the Holy Spirit. {3SP 182.2} The Spirit of Prophecy, volume 3, 1878

Points to Ponder Upon

Why did many people reject Jesus as the Messiah despite the clear evidence in Old Testament prophecies?
How do pride, love of sin, and fear of change contribute to rejecting Christ both in biblical times and today?
What role do fulfilled prophecies play in affirming Jesus as the Christ and the divine authority of Scripture?
How can believers effectively address the barriers that prevent people from accepting Jesus?
How does Ellen G. White describe the power of prophecy in validating Scripture and Christ’s mission?
In what ways can fulfilled prophecies be used to strengthen faith in Jesus and the Bible?
From the statement above, {UL 163.2-3} "How can studying the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies strengthen our faith and help us cultivate Christlike character, free from strife and unkindness?"

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