Signs That Point the Way – Outline

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Signs That Point the Way

- OVERVIEW

This week, we will study how Jesus’ early miracles pointed to deeper truths about His identity as the Messiah. From turning water into wine at a wedding to healing a sick son, and even helping a man walk again, these signs were more than just miracles. They pointed to Jesus as our Savior. We will also explore how people responded to these signs and what that means for us today.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 20:30-31

KJV 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

CEV 30 Jesus worked many other miracles for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.

A T J D M O S I T P O H D
W A N W I T B
B T A W T Y M B T J I T C
T S O G
A T B Y M H L I H N

- Lesson

The Gospel of John contains many stories about the miracles Jesus performed. But John did not just write about them to amaze people. He wrote these stories so that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. John called these miracles “signs,” meaning that they were events that pointed to something deeper—Jesus’ true identity.

This week, we will study some of these early miracles. From turning water into wine to healing a sick boy and helping a man walk again, each miracle shows a part of who Jesus is. These signs invite us to believe in Him and trust Him as our Savior.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus came to earth to reveal God’s character and to save humanity. Through His miracles and teachings, Jesus showed the power and love of God. Each miracle was a demonstration of His divine mission, inviting people to believe in Him and receive eternal life.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ miracles were more than just acts of power. They were signs that revealed His divine identity and mission to save humanity.

- Reflection

Why did John call the miracles of Jesus “signs”?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What do these miracles teach us about Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – The Wedding at Cana

- Lesson

Read John 2:1-11

KJV 1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew; ) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

CEV 1 Three days later Mary, the mother of Jesus, was at a wedding feast in the village of Cana in Galilee. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited and were there. 3 When the wine was all gone, Mary said to Jesus, “They don't have any more wine.” 4 Jesus replied, “Mother, my time hasn't yet come! You must not tell me what to do.” 5 Mary then said to the servants, “Do whatever Jesus tells you to do.” 6 At the feast there were six stone water jars that were used by the people for washing themselves in the way that their religion said they must. Each jar held about 100 liters. 7 Jesus told the servants to fill them to the top with water. Then after the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now take some water and give it to the man in charge of the feast.” The servants did as Jesus told them, 9 and the man in charge drank some of the water that had now turned into wine. He did not know where the wine had come from, but the servants did. He called the bridegroom over 10 and said, “The best wine is always served first. Then after the guests have had plenty, the other wine is served. But you have kept the best until last!” 11 This was Jesus' first miracle, and he did it in the village of Cana in Galilee. There Jesus showed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This miracle showed His power over nature and revealed His concern for the needs of others. It also helped His disciples believe more fully in Him. They saw that Jesus was no ordinary man; He had the power of God.

This miracle also connected to the story of Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt through many signs and wonders. Just as Moses turned water into blood as part of God’s deliverance of Israel, Jesus turned water into wine, showing that He was the promised Deliverer. His first miracle pointed to His mission to bring salvation to the world.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the wine Jesus created was fresh grape juice, not alcoholic wine. This miracle showed Jesus’ power over nature and His desire to bring joy and blessings to those in need. It was also a symbol of the new life He offers to those who believe in Him.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana showed His divine power and pointed to His mission as the Savior. It was a sign of the joy and blessings He brings to those who trust in Him.

- Reflection

What was significant about Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How did this miracle help the disciples believe in Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – The Second Sign in Galilee

- Lesson

Read John 4:46-54

KJV 46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. 52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. 54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

CEV 46 While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. 47 And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying. 48 Jesus told the official, “You won't have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!” 49 The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!” 50 Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home. 51 Some of the official's servants met him along the road and told him, “Your son is better!” 52 He asked them when the boy got better, and they answered, “The fever left him yesterday at one o'clock.” 53 The boy's father realized that at one o'clock the day before, Jesus had told him, “Your son will live!” So the man and everyone in his family put their faith in Jesus. 54 This was the second miracle that Jesus worked after he left Judea and went to Galilee.

In this story, a nobleman asked Jesus to heal his sick son. At first, Jesus challenged the man’s faith, but then He reassured him by saying that his son would live. The man believed Jesus and found that his son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke.

This miracle teaches us that Jesus’ words have power. Just as He spoke life into the nobleman’s son, Jesus can speak life into our hearts. The nobleman’s faith grew as a result of this miracle, and he and his whole household believed in Jesus.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that the nobleman believed Jesus’ word, even before he saw the evidence of his son’s healing. This teaches us to trust in God’s promises, even when we cannot immediately see the results. Faith is believing in God’s word and acting on it, trusting that He will fulfill His promises.

- Conclusion

Jesus healed the nobleman’s son through His word. This miracle shows us that faith in Jesus brings healing, both physically and spiritually. We can trust in His word and know that He will fulfill His promises.

- Reflection

Why was the nobleman’s faith important in this miracle?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does this miracle show the power of Jesus’ word?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – The Miracle at the Pool of Bethesda

- Lesson

Read John 5:1-9

KJV 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

CEV 1 Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for another Jewish festival. 2 In the city near the sheep gate was a pool with five porches, and its name in Hebrew was Bethzatha. 3-4 Many sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying close to the pool. 5 Beside the pool was a man who had been sick for 38 years. 6 When Jesus saw the man and realized that he had been crippled for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The man answered, “Sir, I don't have anyone to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up. I try to get in, but someone else always gets there first.” 8 Jesus told him, “Pick up your mat and walk!” 9 Right then the man was healed. He picked up his mat and started walking around. The day on which this happened was a Sabbath.

Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. The man had been waiting for healing at the Pool of Bethesda, but when Jesus approached him, He asked, “Do you want to be healed?” The man explained that he had no one to help him get into the water, but Jesus simply told him to rise, take up his bed, and walk. Immediately, the man was healed.

This miracle shows that Jesus can heal us both physically and spiritually. The man had been waiting for healing for a long time, but Jesus gave him new life in an instant. Jesus later reminded the man to live a life free from sin, teaching us that spiritual healing is just as important as physical healing.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the man at the Pool of Bethesda believed in Jesus’ word, even though he had no assurance of healing beforehand. His faith in Jesus’ command gave him the strength to stand and walk. This miracle teaches us that faith in Jesus brings healing and transformation.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man shows that He has the power to bring both physical and spiritual healing. Faith in His word brings new life and transformation.

- Reflection

What can we learn from the paralytic’s healing at the Pool of Bethesda?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why did Jesus remind the man to live a life free from sin?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Hard Hearts

- Lesson

Read John 5:10-16

KJV 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

CEV 10 When the Jewish leaders saw the man carrying his mat, they said to him, “This is the Sabbath! No one is allowed to carry a mat on the Sabbath.” 11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me to pick up my mat and walk.” 12 They asked him, “Who is this man that told you to pick up your mat and walk?” 13 But he did not know who Jesus was, and Jesus had left because of the crowd. 14 Later, Jesus met the man in the temple and told him, “You are now well. But don't sin anymore or something worse might happen to you.” 15 The man left and told the leaders that Jesus was the one who had healed him. 16 They started making a lot of trouble for Jesus because he did things like this on the Sabbath.

Despite the amazing miracles that Jesus performed, many of the religious leaders rejected Him. They focused on the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath instead of recognizing the power of God in His miracles. Their hearts were hardened by their traditions, and they refused to believe in Jesus.

This rejection of Jesus’ miracles shows how dangerous it is to let our hearts be hardened by doubt or pride. The religious leaders were so focused on their rules that they missed the Savior standing right in front of them. We must be careful not to let our own ideas blind us to the truth that Jesus is trying to show us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White warns that the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus was a result of their hardened hearts. They refused to accept the evidence of His miracles and instead focused on their man-made traditions. This serves as a warning for us to be open to God’s truth and not let pride or unbelief keep us from accepting His Word.

- Conclusion

The religious leaders rejected Jesus because their hearts were hardened by their traditions. We must be careful not to let our own ideas or pride keep us from recognizing the truth.

- Reflection

Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus, despite His miracles?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we avoid having hard hearts like the religious leaders?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Jesus’ Claims

- Lesson

Read John 5:16-18

KJV 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

CEV 16 They started making a lot of trouble for Jesus because he did things like this on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus said, “My Father has never stopped working, and this is why I keep on working.” 18 Now the leaders wanted to kill Jesus for two reasons. First, he had broken the law of the Sabbath. But even worse, he had said God was his Father, which made him equal with God.

The religious leaders accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath because He healed the man at the Pool of Bethesda. But Jesus explained that His actions were in harmony with God’s will. He said that just as God works on the Sabbath to sustain the universe, so He also worked to bring healing and salvation.

In John 5:19-47

KJV 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 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. 37 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. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honour from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

CEV 19 Jesus told the people: I tell you for certain the Son cannot do anything on his own. He can do only what he sees the Father doing, and he does exactly what he sees the Father do. 20 The Father loves the Son and has shown him everything he does. The Father will show him even greater things, and you will be amazed. 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants to. 22 The Father doesn't judge anyone, but he has made his Son the judge of everyone. 23 The Father wants all people to honor the Son as much as they honor him. When anyone refuses to honor the Son, this is the same as refusing to honor the Father who sent him. 24 I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message and has faith in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned. They have already gone from death to life. 25 I tell you for certain the time will come, and it is already here, when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live! 26 The Father has the power to give life, and he has given that same power to the Son. 27 And he has given his Son the right to judge everyone, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Don't be surprised! The time will come when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man, 29 and they will come out of their graves. Everyone who has done good things will rise to life, but everyone who has done evil things will rise and be condemned. 30 I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don't just try to please myself. 31 If I speak for myself, there is no way to prove I am telling the truth. 32 But there is someone else who speaks for me, and I know what he says is true. 33 You sent messengers to John, and he told them the truth. 34 I don't depend on what people say about me, but I tell you these things so that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that gave a lot of light, and you were glad to enjoy his light for a while. 36 But something more important than John speaks for me. I mean the things that the Father has given me to do! All of these speak for me and prove that the Father sent me. 37 The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. 38 You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, 40 but you refuse to come to me for eternal life. 41 I don't care about human praise, 42 but I do know that none of you love God. 43 I have come with my Father's authority, and you have not welcomed me. But you will welcome people who come on their own. 44 How could you possibly believe? You like to have your friends praise you, and you don't care about praise that the only God can give! 45 Don't think that I will be the one to accuse you to the Father. You have put your hope in Moses, yet he is the very one who will accuse you. 46 Moses wrote about me, and if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me. 47 But if you don't believe what Moses wrote, how can you believe what I say?

, Jesus explained His intimate relationship with the Father. He said that He and the Father work together, and that He has the power to judge and give life. Jesus called several witnesses to defend His claims: John the Baptist, His miracles, the Father, and the Scriptures. All of these testified that Jesus was the Son of God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath were a reflection of His divine nature. He was one with God in purpose and mission. The miracles He performed were evidence of His authority and His role as the Savior.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ miracles and teachings revealed that He was the Son of God. His actions on the Sabbath were a reflection of His divine mission to bring healing and salvation.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus say that His actions on the Sabbath were in harmony with God’s will?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How did Jesus defend His claim to be the Son of God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we studied several of Jesus’ early miracles, from turning water into wine to healing the nobleman’s son and the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. Each miracle pointed to a deeper truth about who Jesus is—the Son of God and the Savior of the world. These signs invite us to believe in Jesus and trust Him for salvation.

Despite the evidence of His miracles, many people, especially the religious leaders, rejected Jesus. Their hearts were hardened by their traditions, and they refused to accept the truth. We must be careful not to let pride or unbelief keep us from recognizing Jesus as our Savior.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White reminds us that faith is the key to receiving both physical and spiritual healing. Jesus offers salvation to all who believe in Him, but we must choose to trust in His Word and accept His gift of eternal life.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ miracles were signs that pointed to His identity as the Son of God. By trusting in His Word and believing in Him, we receive both physical and spiritual healing.

- Reflection

What do Jesus’ miracles teach us about His mission?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we strengthen our faith in Jesus through His miracles?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How do Jesus’ miracles reveal His divine identity?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to look beyond the miracles to the message they point to?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What lessons can we learn from the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Signs That Point the Way

This week, we studied several of Jesus’ early miracles, including turning water into wine and healing the nobleman’s son and the paralytic. Each miracle was a sign that pointed to a deeper truth about Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. These miracles invite us to believe in Jesus and trust Him for salvation. However, many people rejected Jesus because their hearts were hardened by pride and unbelief. We must be careful to keep our hearts open to the truth and accept Jesus as our Savior.