Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah – Outline

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Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah

- OVERVIEW

This week, we’ll explore how different people, including John the Baptist, the disciples, and even the Pharisee Nicodemus, recognized Jesus as the Messiah. We’ll see how they bore witness to His mission and identity, and how their testimonies help us today to believe in Jesus as our Savior.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 3:3

KJV 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

CEV 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!”

J A
M A I S T Y
U O I B A
H C S T K O G

- Lesson

This week’s lesson highlights the powerful ways people testified about Jesus’ identity. John the Baptist started by pointing to Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” We’ll also hear from others like Andrew, Simon Peter, and Philip, all who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Finally, we’ll meet Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who also became a witness to Jesus’ divine mission.

These people help us see that Jesus came for everyone, no matter their background or status. Their testimonies can strengthen our belief in Jesus as the Savior of the world.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that all Scripture points to Jesus. The Old and New Testaments link together, showing Jesus as the One who gives us eternal life. The Father Himself testified about Jesus at His baptism, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

- Conclusion

John the Baptist, the disciples, and even the Father testify that Jesus is the Messiah, the One who came to save the world.

- Reflection

Why is it important to have witnesses to Jesus’ identity?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does knowing that even the Father testified about Jesus help you believe?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – The Testimony of John the Baptist

- Lesson

Read John 1:19-23

KJV 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

CEV (Matthew 3. 1-12; Mark 1. 1-8; Luke 3. 15-17) 19-20 The religious authorities in Jerusalem sent priests and temple helpers to ask John who he was. He told them plainly, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 Then when they asked him if he were Elijah, he said, “No, I am not!” And when they asked if he were the Prophet, he also said “No!” 22 Finally, they said, “Who are you then? We have to give an answer to the ones who sent us. Tell us who you are!” 23 John answered in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “I am only someone shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord!’ ”

John the Baptist made it clear that he was not the Messiah. He was sent to prepare the way for the true Messiah, Jesus. Some people were expecting two different messiahs—a priestly one and a royal one—but John said he was just a voice in the wilderness, preparing the hearts of the people for Jesus.

John baptized with water, but he told people that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. He was humble, saying he wasn’t even worthy to loosen Jesus’ sandal. John’s role was to point to Jesus and tell people to get ready for His coming.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that John was set apart by God for a great work. He lived in the wilderness, away from the world’s distractions, so that he could focus on his mission. God filled him with the Holy Spirit to call people to repentance and a holy life.

- Conclusion

John helped people get ready for Jesus by calling them to repent and be baptized. He pointed everyone to the true Messiah, Jesus.

- Reflection

What was John the Baptist’s role in Jesus’ ministry?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we prepare the way for Jesus’ return today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – The Lamb of God

- Lesson

Read John 1:29-37

KJV 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 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. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

CEV 29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said: Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I told you about when I said, “Someone else will come, who is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born.” 31 I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him. 32 I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. 33 Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, “You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” 34 I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God. 35 The next day, John was there again, and two of his followers were with him. 36 When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Here is the Lamb of God!” 37 John's two followers heard him, and they went with Jesus.

John the Baptist gave Jesus the title “the Lamb of God,” connecting Him to the Old Testament sacrificial system. Just as lambs were sacrificed to atone for sins, Jesus would be the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sins of the world.

John’s words pointed people to the true nature of the Messiah’s mission. Jesus was not coming to rule as an earthly king but to die for humanity’s sins. This was a radical idea for the people, but it was the core of Jesus’ mission.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that when John called Jesus the Lamb of God, he brought new understanding to the Messiah’s work. Jesus would fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah by becoming the suffering servant who was led like a lamb to the slaughter for our sins.

- Conclusion

Jesus came to be the sacrifice for our sins. By calling Him the Lamb of God, John helps us see the true purpose of His mission.

- Reflection

Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ role as the Lamb help us understand His mission?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – The Two Disciples of John

- Lesson

Read John 1:35-39

KJV 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 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? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

CEV 35 The next day, John was there again, and two of his followers were with him. 36 When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Here is the Lamb of God!” 37 John's two followers heard him, and they went with Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them, he asked, “What do you want?”They answered, “Rabbi, where do you live?” The Hebrew word “Rabbi” means “Teacher.” 39 Jesus replied, “Come and see!” It was already about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him and saw where he lived. So they stayed on for the rest of the day.

When John’s disciples heard him call Jesus the Lamb of God, they immediately followed Jesus. They wanted to know more about Him, so they spent the day with Him. One of those disciples was Andrew, who quickly told his brother, Simon Peter, that they had found the Messiah.

This shows how powerful John’s testimony was. His disciples were ready to leave him and follow Jesus because they believed John’s words. Their time with Jesus led them to tell others about Him, spreading the good news.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that John’s disciples were open to the Holy Spirit. When they heard John’s testimony about Jesus, they recognized the truth and wanted to follow Jesus. They didn’t come as critics but as eager learners.

- Conclusion

John’s disciples believed his testimony about Jesus and followed Him. They quickly shared the good news with others, showing us the power of witness.

- Reflection

Why did John’s disciples follow Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we share the good news about Jesus with others?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Philip and Nathanael

- Lesson

Read John 1:43-46

KJV 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

CEV 43-44 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. There he met Philip, who was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Jesus said to Philip, “Follow me.” 45 Philip then found Nathanael and said, “We have found the one that Moses and the Prophets wrote about. He is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”Philip answered, “Come and see.”

Philip became one of Jesus’ disciples, and the first thing he did was invite his friend Nathanael to meet Jesus. Nathanael was skeptical at first because Jesus came from Nazareth, a small town. But Philip didn’t argue with him; he simply said, “Come and see.”

When Nathanael met Jesus, Jesus told him that He had seen him under a fig tree before Philip called him. Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew him so well and declared that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Israel.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Nathanael was praying and searching for truth under the fig tree. When Jesus revealed that He knew what Nathanael had been doing, Nathanael’s faith was confirmed, and he became a disciple of Jesus.

- Conclusion

Jesus showed Nathanael that He knew him deeply. Nathanael’s encounter with Jesus led him to believe and follow Him.

- Reflection

Why did Nathanael believe in Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can knowing that Jesus understands us strengthen our faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – The Witness of Nicodemus

- Lesson

Read John 3:1-21

KJV 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, 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. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 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 every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

CEV 1 There was a man named Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a Jewish leader. 2 One night he went to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we know that God has sent you to teach us. You could not work these miracles, unless God were with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!” 4 Nicodemus asked, “How can a grown man ever be born a second time?” 5 Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. 6 Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God. 7 Don't be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. 8 Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 Jesus replied: How can you be a teacher of Israel and not know these things? 11 I tell you for certain we know what we are talking about because we have seen it ourselves. But none of you will accept what we say. 12 If you don't believe when I talk to you about things on earth, how can you possibly believe if I talk to you about things in heaven? 13 No one has gone up to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from there. 14 And the Son of Man must be lifted up, just as the metal snake was lifted up by Moses in the desert. 15 Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. 16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. 17 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them! 18 No one who has faith in God's Son will be condemned. But everyone who doesn't have faith in him has already been condemned for not having faith in God's only Son. 19 The light has come into the world, and people who do evil things are judged guilty because they love the dark more than the light. 20 People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light, because it clearly shows what they have done. 21 But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a respected teacher, but he came to Jesus at night because he didn’t want to be seen. Even though Nicodemus had doubts, he recognized that Jesus was a teacher sent from God. Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus didn’t understand what Jesus meant by being “born again,” so Jesus explained that it was a spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit. Jesus also told Nicodemus that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to save everyone who believes in Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Nicodemus struggled with pride and fear of what others would think, but Jesus patiently explained the plan of salvation to him. Nicodemus didn’t fully understand at first, but later he became a believer and defended Jesus.

- Conclusion

Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions and doubts, but Jesus showed him that being born again means starting a new life through the Holy Spirit.

- Reflection

What does it mean to be born again?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we saw how John the Baptist, the disciples, and Nicodemus all recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Each person’s testimony gives us a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do. They show us that Jesus came to save everyone, no matter their background.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that through faith in Jesus, we receive grace and salvation. The witnesses in John’s Gospel help us see Jesus more clearly and invite us to believe in Him.

- Conclusion

The testimonies of John the Baptist, the disciples, and Nicodemus encourage us to believe in Jesus as our Savior.

- Reflection

How do the testimonies of these people strengthen your faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to have different witnesses to Jesus’ identity?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What can we learn from John the Baptist’s humility in pointing to Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we invite others to “come and see” Jesus like Philip did?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah

This week, we learned about the different people who testified about Jesus being the Messiah. John the Baptist, the disciples, and Nicodemus all played important roles in helping people understand who Jesus is. Their testimonies help us believe in Jesus and trust that He came to save the world.