The Source of Life – Outline

[ CLICK ON HEADINGS TO EXPAND ]

The Source of Life

- OVERVIEW

This week, we will explore how Jesus is the Source of life. We will study how the Gospel of John emphasizes that Jesus brings both physical and eternal life. We will also look at how some rejected Jesus despite all the signs pointing to Him as the Messiah, and we will reflect on how we can avoid making the same mistake.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 14:6

KJV 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

CEV 6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father.

J S U H
I A T W
T T A T L
N M C U T F
B B M

- Lesson

In the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies Himself with the term “I AM,” connecting Himself to God’s self-revelation in the Old Testament – Exodus 3:14

KJV 14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

CEV 14-15 God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.

..This declaration points to Jesus’ divinity and His role as the source of life for humanity. Jesus declared that He is the way to God, the truth about salvation, and the source of eternal life.

This week, we will focus on the significance of Jesus’ role as the “I AM” and explore how, despite the evidence of His divine nature, some people still rejected Him. By studying this, we can learn how to recognize the truth and avoid falling into the same mistakes.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes how Jesus, the living Word, taught truth with power and authority, unlike the religious leaders of His time. He pointed people to the Scriptures, revealing that they testified of Him. Christ came to show us God’s character, and through His teachings, He gave people the true word of life.

- Conclusion

Jesus is the “I AM,” the way to God, and the source of all truth and life. He came to bring salvation and reveal God’s character.

- Reflection

Why is it important that Jesus declared Himself the “I AM”?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does Jesus being the way, truth, and life mean for us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – In Him Was Life

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 1:4

KJV 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

CEV 4 received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone.

John 10:17

KJV 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

CEV 17 The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so I may receive it back again.

John 5:21

KJV 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

CEV 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants to.

John begins by declaring that Jesus is the source of life, both physical and spiritual. Jesus has life within Himself, meaning that He can give life and take it up again. This eternal, self-existing life allows Him to give life to others, offering not just existence but also salvation.

Jesus’ life and teachings bring light to humanity. The life He gives is more than just existence; it is eternal life, available to those who believe in Him. Just as the bronze serpent was lifted in the wilderness, Jesus was lifted on the cross to bring eternal life to all who believe.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Christ’s life is the source of life for all creation. He laid down His life to redeem humanity and had the power to take it up again. His resurrection proved that He is the resurrection and the life, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.

- Conclusion

Jesus is the source of all life. He offers eternal life to those who believe in Him, just as He gave His life for the salvation of the world.

- Reflection

Why is Jesus’ power over life and death important?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus give us eternal life?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – The Words of Eternal Life

- Lesson

Read John 6:61-68

KJV 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

CEV 61 Jesus knew that his disciples were grumbling. So he asked, “Does this bother you? 62 What if you should see the Son of Man go up to heaven where he came from? 63 The Spirit is the one who gives life! Human strength can do nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are from that life-giving Spirit. 64 But some of you refuse to have faith in me.” Jesus said this, because from the beginning he knew who would have faith in him. He also knew which one would betray him. 65 Then Jesus said, “You cannot come to me, unless the Father makes you want to come. That is why I have told these things to all of you.” 66 Because of what Jesus said, many of his disciples turned their backs on him and stopped following him. 67 Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life.

Jesus told His disciples that He is the Bread of Life, meaning that He provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life. When many followers left Him, Peter declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” – John 6:68

KJV 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

CEV 68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life.

..This response shows that true life, both now and in eternity, comes only through Jesus.

Jesus’ words about eternal life point to the salvation He offers. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Faith in Jesus brings meaning to our lives now and guarantees life after death.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes the sorrow that Jesus felt when many of His followers left Him, but He knew that only faith in Him could bring eternal life. Peter’s declaration shows the importance of trusting in Jesus, who offers life and salvation to all who believe.

- Conclusion

Jesus offers the words of eternal life. By trusting in Him, we receive salvation and hope for eternal life with God.

- Reflection

Why did Peter say Jesus had the words of eternal life?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does knowing we have eternal life impact our daily lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Believing and New Birth

- Lesson

Read John 1:12-13

KJV 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

CEV 12 Yet some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God. 13 They were not God's children by nature or because of any human desires. God himself was the one who made them his children.

Becoming a Christian is described as being “born again.” This new birth happens when we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior. Faith in Jesus allows us to become children of God, born not of human will, but of God’s Spirit. This transformation is a divine act that changes our hearts and makes us new.

The Holy Spirit plays a key role in this process. When we hear the Word of God and believe in Jesus, the Spirit works in us to bring faith and spiritual renewal. This new life is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that being born again means having new desires, new motivations, and new habits. The old ways of sin are left behind, and we become partakers of the divine nature. This transformation is evidence of a true relationship with Christ.

- Conclusion

Believing in Jesus brings new birth and spiritual transformation. Through faith, we become children of God and experience new life in Christ.

- Reflection

What does it mean to be “born again” as a Christian?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does the Holy Spirit help us in this process of new birth?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Rejecting the Source of Life

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 1:5

KJV 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

CEV 5 The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.

John 1:10-11

KJV 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

CEV 10 The Word was in the world, but no one knew him, though God had made the world with his Word. 11 He came into his own world, but his own nation did not welcome him.

Despite all the signs and miracles that Jesus performed, many people rejected Him. The religious leaders and many others were blinded by their traditions and expectations. They failed to see the truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

The rejection of Jesus is a warning to us today. Just as the Israelites doubted God’s promises when they were about to enter the promised land – Numbers 13:23-33

KJV 23 And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. 24 The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. 25 And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. 26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. 30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

CEV 23-24 When they got to Bunch Valley, they cut off a branch with such a huge bunch of grapes, that it took two men to carry it on a pole. That's why the place was called Bunch Valley. Along with the grapes, they also took back pomegranates and figs. 25 After exploring the land of Canaan for 40 days, 26 the twelve men returned to Kadesh in the Paran Desert and told Moses, Aaron, and the people what they had seen. They showed them the fruit 27 and said: Look at this fruit! The land we explored is rich with milk and honey. 28 But the people who live there are strong, and their cities are large and walled. We even saw the three Anakim clans. 29 Besides that, the Amalekites live in the Southern Desert; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites are in the hill country; and the Canaanites live along the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. 30 Caleb calmed down the crowd and said, “Let's go and take the land. I know we can do it!” 31 But the other men replied, “Those people are much too strong for us.” 32 Then they started spreading rumors and saying, “We won't be able to grow anything in that soil. And the people are like giants. 33 In fact, we saw the Nephilim who are the ancestors of the Anakim. They were so big that we felt as small as grasshoppers.”

..,we can also fall into the trap of doubting God’s Word. We must trust in Jesus, the Source of life, and avoid making the same mistake.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that many rejected Jesus because they were too focused on their own ideas and traditions. This serves as a reminder that we must be careful not to let pride or unbelief blind us to the truth of God’s Word.

- Conclusion

Rejecting Jesus leads to spiritual darkness and separation from God. We must trust in Him and accept His truth.

- Reflection

Why did many people reject Jesus, even though He performed miracles?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we avoid making the same mistake of rejecting Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Condemnation

- Lesson

Read John 3:18-21

KJV 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 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.

Jesus explained that those who believe in Him are not condemned, but those who reject Him stand condemned already. People who reject the light of Jesus do so because they love darkness more than light. They refuse to come to the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

Rejecting Jesus leads to spiritual condemnation, just as Adam and Eve’s disobedience led them away from God. But Jesus offers a way back to the light. By trusting in His Word and relying on His example, we can overcome temptation and live in the light.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White warns that rejecting Jesus leads to spiritual darkness and condemnation. Those who continue in sin, refusing to come to the light, will face judgment. But for those who trust in Jesus, there is hope and salvation.

- Conclusion

Rejecting Jesus brings condemnation, but trusting in Him brings salvation and light. We must choose to follow Him and live in the light.

- Reflection

What happens to those who reject Jesus and refuse to come to the light?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we avoid the condemnation that comes from rejecting Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we learned about Jesus as the Source of life and the One who offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. Despite this, many rejected Him because they were blinded by their own ideas and traditions. Jesus offers life, light, and salvation, but we must choose to accept Him and trust in His Word.

Christ humbled Himself and took on human form to save us. His death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice, and by His stripes, we are healed. Through Jesus, we have hope for eternal life and a future with God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White reminds us that Jesus gave everything for our salvation. He was condemned for our sins so that we might be justified by His righteousness. His sacrifice offers us eternal life, and we must choose to accept it.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brings salvation to all who believe in Him. By accepting His gift of eternal life, we can live in hope and peace.

- Reflection

What did Jesus give up to save us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ sacrifice give us hope for the future?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How can we help others understand the importance of accepting Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What are the key differences between trusting human ideas and trusting God’s Word?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to base our faith on God’s promises and not human reasoning?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Source of Life

This week, we studied how Jesus is the Source of life, offering both physical and eternal life. Jesus came to bring salvation to all who believe in Him, but many rejected Him because they were blinded by their own traditions. We learned that trusting in Jesus brings hope, life, and salvation, while rejecting Him leads to spiritual darkness and condemnation. Jesus gave everything for our salvation, and we must choose to accept His gift of eternal life.