The Way, the Truth, and the Life – Outline

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The Way, the Truth, and the Life

- OVERVIEW

This week, we explore the powerful message of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We look at His final teachings to His disciples and the significance of these lessons for us today. By focusing on the events leading up to Jesus’ sacrifice, we can gain a deeper understanding of His mission and how we should live in response to His example.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 1:18

KJV 18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

CEV 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like.

N O H S G A A T
T O B S
W I I T B O T F
H H D H

- Lesson

In John’s Gospel, Jesus is revealed in powerful ways through His miracles, teachings, and personal encounters. As we enter the Book of Glory (John chapters 13-20), we see how Jesus prepares His disciples for the coming challenges by teaching them about the way of humility and service. Through His actions, such as washing the disciples’ feet, and His powerful statements like "I am the way, the truth, and the life," Jesus shows His role as our Savior and Guide.

This week, we will explore these final teachings of Jesus and understand the profound messages He left for His followers. We will reflect on how Jesus’ example of service and love prepares us to live faithfully and follow Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His mission was driven by compassion and love, and He provided a way for all to come to Him and find rest. Through His teachings and His life, Jesus invites us to accept His grace and live in obedience to His will.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings in the Book of Glory reveal His mission to guide us to the Father and show us the path of salvation through service and love.

- Reflection

What does Jesus mean when He says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How do Jesus’ miracles and teachings reveal His role as Savior?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – I Have Given You an Example

- Lesson

Read John 13:1-20

KJV 1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

CEV 1 It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end. 2 Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. 4 So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing. 6 But when he came to Simon Peter, this disciple asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied. “If I don't wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don't really belong to me.” 9 Peter said, “Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus answered, “People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you.” 11 Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, “except for one of you.” 12 After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said: Do you understand what I have done? 13 You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. 14 And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. 15 I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. 16 I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. 17 You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them. 18 I am not talking about all of you. I know the ones I have chosen. But what the Scriptures say must come true. And they say, “The man who ate with me has turned against me!” 19 I am telling you this before it all happens. Then when it does happen, you will believe who I am. 20 I tell you for certain that anyone who welcomes my messengers also welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

In a remarkable act of humility, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet during the Last Supper. This was a task usually performed by a servant, but Jesus chose to serve His disciples in this way to teach them a profound lesson. His actions demonstrated that true leadership is about serving others, not seeking power or status.

Peter initially resisted, but Jesus explained that this act symbolized the need for spiritual cleansing. If Peter did not allow Jesus to wash his feet, he could not be part of Jesus’ mission. This story reminds us that we must be willing to humble ourselves and serve others, following Jesus’ example of love and humility.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet was an example of humility and service. It symbolized the need for a clean heart and a spirit of love and unity among His followers. Even Judas, who would betray Jesus, received this act of love, showing that Jesus’ love extends to everyone, even those who reject Him.

- Conclusion

Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet shows us the importance of humility and serving others in love. True leadership is about lifting others up, not seeking our own gain.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet, and what lesson does this teach us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we follow Jesus’ example of humble service in our own lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – I Will Certainly Come Again

- Lesson

Read John 14:1-3

KJV 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

CEV 1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Don't be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.

As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He reassures them that His leaving is not the end. He promises to return and take them to be with Him in His Father’s house. This promise gives hope to all believers, reminding us that Jesus is preparing a place for us and will come again to bring us home.

This promise is certain, and we can trust in it because of who Jesus is. He will come again to redeem His people and end the tragedy of sin. This gives us confidence and hope as we wait for His return.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that Jesus’ promise of the Second Coming is a source of hope for all believers. Though the world is filled with challenges, we can be confident in His return because Jesus is faithful to His word. The promise of His return inspires us to live faithfully and prepare for that day.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ promise to return is a source of great hope for believers. We can trust that He will come again to bring us home to be with Him forever.

- Reflection

What is the significance of Jesus’ promise to return for His followers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ promise of the Second Coming impact how we live today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

- Lesson

Read John 14:5-11

KJV 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

CEV 5 Thomas said, “Lord, we don't even know where you are going! How can we know the way?” 6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. 7 If you had really known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.” 9 Jesus replied: Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don't you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father? 10 Don't you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things. 11 Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do.

Thomas asks how they can know the way to follow Jesus, and Jesus responds by saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is not just a guide; He is the only way to the Father. Without Him, we would be lost and unable to reach God. Jesus also tells Philip that if they have seen Him, they have seen the Father, emphasizing the close relationship between Jesus and God.

This passage shows us that Jesus is the key to understanding God and receiving eternal life. He is the bridge between heaven and earth, revealing God’s love and truth.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus is the only way to the Father. From the beginning of time, Jesus has been the path to salvation, offering a way for humanity to be restored to God. His life and death made it possible for us to have a relationship with God.

- Conclusion

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him, we find salvation and a relationship with the Father.

- Reflection

What does it mean that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus help us understand God better?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – I Am the Truth

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 1:14

KJV 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

CEV 14 The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him the complete gifts of undeserved grace and truth have come down to us.

John 1:17

KJV 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

CEV 17 The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth.

John 8:32

KJV 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

CEV 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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.

John 15:26

KJV 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

CEV 26 I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me.

In these passages, John connects the concept of truth directly to Jesus. Jesus is not just a teacher of truth—He is the Truth. His life and teachings reveal the reality of God and the path to salvation. By knowing Jesus, we come to know the truth about God and the world.

Jesus’ truth is more than facts; it is a way of living in harmony with God’s will. When we follow Jesus, we walk in the light of truth, and He helps us see the world as it truly is.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus is the fountain of truth. His teachings and life provide the foundation for our understanding of God. By knowing Him, we are filled with His truth and are able to share it with others.

- Conclusion

Jesus is the ultimate source of truth, and by knowing Him, we can understand God’s will for our lives.

- Reflection

What does it mean for Jesus to be the truth?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does knowing Jesus help us understand the world around us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – The Scriptures and the Truth

- Lesson

Read John 5:38-40

KJV 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.

CEV 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.

In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of Scripture in revealing the truth about Him. He reminds the religious leaders that the Scriptures point to Him as the Messiah, but they had missed the message. The Bible is not just a book of rules or stories; it is the guide to understanding who Jesus is and how we can be saved.

By studying Scripture, we learn about God’s plan for salvation and the truth of His love for us. The Bible is a light that reveals the path to eternal life.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Scriptures are essential for understanding God’s plan of salvation. Through the Bible, we come to know Jesus and His role as our Savior. The Word of God is a powerful tool that leads us to the truth.

- Conclusion

The Scriptures reveal the truth about Jesus and guide us on the path to salvation. By studying God’s Word, we can grow closer to Him and understand His plan for our lives.

- Reflection

Why is it important to study the Scriptures?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we make studying the Bible a regular part of our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we studied Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Each of these titles reveals a different aspect of Jesus’ role in our salvation. As the Way, Jesus shows us the path to the Father. As the Truth, He reveals God’s love and character. As the Life, He offers us eternal life through His sacrifice.

Jesus’ teachings and actions are a light that guides us through the darkness of this world. By following Him, we can walk in the light of truth and find salvation.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White reminds us that Jesus is the light that illuminates the path to salvation. Through His life and teachings, we can find our way to the Father and live in harmony with God’s will.

- Conclusion

Jesus is the key to our salvation. By following Him, we can know the truth, walk in the light, and receive eternal life.

- Reflection

How do Jesus’ titles as the Way, the Truth, and the Life help us understand His role in our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What can we learn from Jesus’ teachings and actions about how to live our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How do Jesus’ titles as the Way, the Truth, and the Life help us understand His role in salvation?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to study the Scriptures to understand Jesus’ role in salvation?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we apply the lessons of humility and service from Jesus’ life to our daily lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

This week, we explored Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through His teachings, miracles, and actions, Jesus revealed the path to salvation. He showed us how to live in humility, love, and service to others. By following Him, we can walk in the light of truth and find eternal life.